Before applying the gold leaf, the socalled "gouache" must be prepared from a solution of spirit, water and rabbit glue, in the following proportions: 200ml water, 50ml spirit and a little rabbit glue (it is sufficient to dip a brush into the glue). This gouache must be brushed on to the object immediately before the gold leaf is applied and only on the part that will be covered immediately. We can now proceed with spreading the gold leaf. Place a carnet of gold leaf near the gilder’s cushion, then, with a brisk movement of the wrist, position the leaf on the cushion. When handling the gold leaf, use the gilder’s knife only, avoid using hands and pay attention not to crease the gold leaf. Once it has been placed on the cushion use the gilder’s knife to cut the gold leaf with a sawing movement back and forth to achieve pieces of the desired shape and size. Then rub the gilder’s brush to charge it with static electricity and place it on the pieces of cut gold, remove them from the cushion and place the gold on the surface to be gilded, paying attention that each leaf overlaps the next by a few millimetres. The range includes various metals: 22 carat gold, 22 3/4 carat gold, various types of imitation gold, fine silver, imitation silver and copper. This wide range satisfies the requirements of both amateurs and professionals.