How to Repair Gold Trim That Is Flaking on Crystal Wine Glasses

Wipe down the gold trim with a soft cloth to remove any dust, dirt or grime from the area. If the dirt persists, wet a cotton swab with denatured alcohol and carefully clean the flaked area alone, as the product will remove any surrounding gilt as well.

Apply a thin, even coating of sizing, which is gold leaf glue, to the affected surface with a small, hard-bristled paint brush. Cover approximately 1/8 inch of the area on both sides of the flaked section to ensure that there is not a noticeable break in the trim.

Allow the sizing to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, which will allow it to become tacky.

Cut a section from the gold leaf paper that will fit the affected area. Carefully lay the gilt against the affected area.

Dab at the gold leaf with a small, hard-bristled paint brush to press the gold leaf into the sizing, making it adhere.

Rub the area with a cotton swab to help smooth out the gold leaf, removing any air bubbles or leaf that has lifted from the sizing.

Wet a cotton swab with denatured alcohol and use it to remove any imperfections or excess gold leaf that is covering unwanted areas of the crystal glass.