gilding

/ˈɡɪl.dɪŋ/
noun
  1. The art or process of applying a thin layer of gold or gold-colored material to a surface.
    • The restoration project involved careful gilding of the picture frames.
    • She studied the ancient technique of gilding in art school.
    • The gilding on the church dome took months to complete.
  2. A thin layer of gold or gold-colored material used as a covering.
    • The mirror's gilding gave it an antique look.
    • The gilding on the jewelry began to wear off after years of use.
    • They added a layer of gilding to the statue to protect it from rust.
adjective
  1. Relating to or used for the process of applying gold leaf or gold-colored material.
    • The artist bought a set of gilding tools for her workshop.
    • He read a book about gilding techniques from the Renaissance.
    • The gilding brush was made of soft squirrel hair.