Icon gilding techniques (Part 2)

Prepare the surface by soaking rabbit skin glue, then apply gilder's clay as a base, build up 10–12 hot bole layers, dry, and sand to a smooth, shiny finish.

Create a gelatin-based glue, apply it to a wood panel, and adhere 22-23 carats gold leaf in layers, then dry, polish, and touch up with a second layer if needed.

Apply the second layer of gold using the same steps, then use looming water and let it dry about half an hour before testing readiness for rubbing with the gold.

Master the final steps of icon gilding by patiently pressing gold pieces, timing five to ten minutes, and polishing to a mirror-like finish.