The operation of gilding is the same, whatever process is used, in as far as laying the gold is concerned. The best and general method is by means of a cushion and tip. The cushion is a small board about 8 by 5 inches, covered with flannel, and over this a tightly stretched chamois leather. A draught screen of parchment is fitted round one half of it, this to prevent the wind removing, the gold from the cushion. It has a thumb strap beneath, and loops for the knife, etc., and is held like a palette on the left hand. The other tools required for the laying are a gilder's knife and a tip.

The knife is a long flexible blade of equal breadth throughout its length. The tip is a flat brush made by setting a row of hairs, either camel or badger's, between two pieces of card. The fingers of the left hand hold the tip and knife alternately when either is not being used by the right hand. Dabbers and camel-hair brushes, and mops, are required to press the gold down in its place, and remove superfluous scraps.