GILDING.[181]
Take the work you want to gild, & in the same way as described above,
clean it[182] and gild it, then skilfully dry it; don’t be particular
as to drying it too much, only let it be free of all quicksilver,
then clean it again lightly and heat it over live embers. Whilst it
is in process of heating spread on it a kind of wax which I will
describe below.
When the wax is spread, let the work cool, then have a fire ready
of such nature as shall melt off the wax without heating the metal
to redness. When heated in this way, rinse it out in a solution of
tartar and water—what among goldsmiths is called _grommata_. This
done, let it stand for such time as you can say an Ave Maria, then
clean it with a brush in fresh water, rubbing it well.[183] If your
work has been well gilded, you may further colour it with the process
I shall tell you of shortly. But as to do so you have first to wax
it, I had best tell you to begin with how that wax is made; and ’tis
in this wise.
FOOTNOTES:
[181] _Che sia abbondantemente carico d’oro._
[182] _Cellini refers to the preliminary cleaning with urine
described in Chapter xxvii._
[183] _Ristiara di buon vantaggio._