Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist

RH; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

RH is seeking a highly skilled Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist for our Dennis & Leen/Formations Workshop in Torrance, CA. This role focuses on applying genuine gold leaf to wood surfaces with traditional gilding methods to achieve historically inspired, visually stunning finishes.

You will prepare surfaces, burnish and distress finishes, and collaborate with designers to ensure gilding aligns with the design intent.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in gold leaf application, gilding, or decorative finishing.
• Proficiency in water gilding, oil gilding, and surface gilding using genuine gold leaf.
• Skilled in applying gesso, bole, and sealers to create optimal surface conditions for adhesion.
• Experience using agate burnishers, brushes, and toning agents to adjust sheen and depth of gold finishes.
• Knowledge of distressing, aging, and patina techniques to replicate antique or historically accurate finishes.
• Strong artistic judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to craftsmanship.
• Background in fine arts, restoration, or high-end furniture finishing preferred.
• Experience in luxury or custom furniture production preferred.
• Familiarity with verre églomisé, stenciling, or hand painting preferred.
• Portfolio or examples of previous gilding or decorative finishing work strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Apply genuine gold leaf to wood furniture surfaces using traditional gilding techniques.
• Prepare surfaces through sanding, sealing, and layering gesso and bole for proper adhesion and finish quality.
• Handle and lay gold leaf with precision to achieve smooth, consistent coverage or antique effects.
• Burnish, tone, and distress gold leaf finishes to align with antique-style aesthetics.
• Collaborate with designers and finishers to ensure gilding complements the overall vision and design intent.
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace and follow safety and material handling protocols.
• Inspect finished pieces to confirm quality, consistency, and adherence to design specifications.

Skills

Gold leafing

Gilding

Decorative finishing

Water gilding

Oil gilding

Surface gilding

Agate burnisher

Gesso & bole prep

Toning agents

Hand painting

Education

Fine arts background

Tools

Agate burnisher

Gilding brushes

Toning agents

Sealers

Gesso & bole prep tools

Job description

RH is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist to join our Dennis & Leen/Formations Workshop in Torrance, CA. This role is essential to the creation of handcrafted furniture pieces that embody the artistry and heritage of classical design. The Gold Leaf Finishing Specialist applies genuine gold leaf to wood furniture using traditional gilding methods to achieve historically inspired and visually stunning finishes. In this role, you bring an expert understanding of surface preparation, precision application, and decorative finishing, creating pieces that reflect enduring beauty, craftsmanship, and quality.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Apply genuine gold leaf to wood furniture surfaces using traditional water gilding, oil gilding, or surface gilding techniques
• Prepare surfaces through sanding, sealing, and layering gesso and bole for proper adhesion and finish quality
• Handle and lay gold leaf with precision to achieve smooth, consistent coverage or intentional antique effects
• Burnish, tone, and distress gold leaf finishes to align with antique-style and historically inspired aesthetics
• Collaborate with designers and finishers to ensure gilding complements the overall vision and design intent
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace and follow safety and material handling protocols
• Inspect finished pieces to confirm quality, consistency, and adherence to design specifications

OUR REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years of experience in gold leaf application, gilding, or decorative finishing
• Proficiency in water gilding, oil gilding, and surface gilding methods using genuine gold leaf
• Skilled in applying gesso, bole, and sealers to create optimal surface conditions for adhesion
• Experience using agate burnishers, brushes, and toning agents to adjust sheen and depth of gold finishes
• Knowledge of distressing, aging, and patina techniques to replicate antique or historically accurate finishes
• Strong artistic judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to craftsmanship
• Background in fine arts, restoration, or high-end furniture finishing preferred
• Experience in luxury or custom furniture production preferred
• Familiarity with complementary decorative techniques such as verre églomisé, stenciling, or hand painting preferred
• Portfolio or examples of previous gilding or decorative finishing work strongly preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Handles and moves furniture components weighing up to 50 lbs. regularly and occasionally up to 75 lbs. with assistance
• Performs detailed visual and tactile analysis to ensure finish quality, color consistency, and surface precision
• Stands, bends, and performs fine, repetitive hand movements for extended periods in a workshop environment
• Works in areas with exposure to dust, noise, and finishing materials while adhering to safety and PPE standards
• Uses hand and finishing tools requiring manual dexterity, control, and concentration