What is a typical finishing step after gilding and before final polishing?

What is a typical finishing step after gilding and before final polishing?

• A. Wax
• B. Sanding
• C. A coat of shellac followed by varnish, if necessary, before final polishing
• D. Buffing with cloth

Answer: (C)

After gilding, seal and stabilize the delicate leaf with a coat of shellac. Shellac protects the leaf from moisture and oils and creates a smooth, even surface that accepts any subsequent finish. If needed, apply varnish over the shellac to add durability and the desired sheen before the final polishing. This sequence prevents tarnish and fingerprint staining and ensures the last polishing delivers a clean, uniform result. Wax can dull and contaminate the surface for the final polish, and sanding would damage the fragile leaf. Buffing with cloth is the final polishing step, not the finishing layer between gilding and polishing.

After gilding, seal and stabilize the delicate leaf with a coat of shellac. Shellac protects the leaf from moisture and oils and creates a smooth, even surface that accepts any subsequent finish. If needed, apply varnish over the shellac to add durability and the desired sheen before the final polishing. This sequence prevents tarnish and fingerprint staining and ensures the last polishing delivers a clean, uniform result.

Wax can dull and contaminate the surface for the final polish, and sanding would damage the fragile leaf. Buffing with cloth is the final polishing step, not the finishing layer between gilding and polishing.