GILDING. 



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The tip is a tool made by fastening the long 

 hairs of a squirrel's tail between two cards, and is 

 used for taking up the gold-leaf after it is cut, and 

 applying it to the article to be gilded. 



A^fitch pencil is used for the same purpose as the 

 last, in taking up very small bits of gold-leaf. A 

 ball of cotton is necessary for pressing down the 

 leaf, after it is laid on. A large cameVs-hair brush 

 is used lor dusting the work, and clearing away 

 the superfluous gold. 



Oil Gildings 



Prime the work with boiled linseed-oil and 

 white-lead ; and when that is dry, do it over with a 

 thin coat of gold size, made of stone ochre ground 

 in fat oil. When that is so dry as to feel clammy 

 to the fingers, or to be, as the gilders call it, tacky ^ 

 it is fit for gilding. Having spread your leaves 

 upon the cushion, cut them into slips of the proper 

 width for covering the work. Then breathe upon 

 your tip, which, by moistening it, will cause it to 

 take up the leaves from the cushion. Plaving ap- 

 applied them by the tip on the proper parts of the 

 work, press them down by the ball of cotton. 

 Observe to repair, by putting small pieces of gold 

 on any parts which you have omitted to cover. 

 When all the work is sufficiently covered, let it 

 dry, and clean it off with the brush. 



This sort of gilding is the easiest, least expen- 

 sive, and stands the weather best, and may be 

 cleaned with a little water at any time ; but wants 

 the lustre of burnished gilding. 



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