Dust carefully, then wash with one ounce of soda beaten up with the whites of three eggs. Where scratched, patch up with gold paint. To clean oil paintings use castile soap and water, very carefully applied.

Gilt may also be brightened by adding to a pint or two of water sufficient flour of sulphur to give it a golden tinge. In this boil four or five onions, or a quantity of garlic. Strain off the liquid, and wash the gilding with a soft brush. When dry it will look like new work.