A piece of gold, about 18 inch larger all round than the form to be gilded, is cut from the leaf in the manner described above (a, b, fig. [100]). Except in the case of a very large form, it is not worth trying [p153] to save gold by cutting it out in the same shape. Square, oblong, and triangular shaped pieces are suitable for ordinary use; these are laid in a convenient place—the edge of a book cover will do very well (fig. [101])—ready to be picked up at the right moment.
The burnishing slab (a flat piece of vulcanite, celluloid, or metal) is placed under the page to give it a hard, firm back, which will make the pushing and rubbing of the burnisher effective.
Preparing the Size.—If the size has dried rough, it may be lightly scraped with the pen-knife—removing as little as possible of the surface, in which the essential stickiness frequently seems to be concentrated. [p154]
Ordinarily a form should not require trimming, though if its edges have accidental roughnesses, these may be trimmed a little with the pen-knife.
Damping the Size.—The breathing tube is about 12 inch (or less) in diameter, and 6 inches or more in length; it may be made of paper or cane. One end of the tube being lightly held between the lips, the other is moved about over the size, which is gently breathed upon (fig. [102]). The breath condensing on the surface of the size, moistens it and renders it sticky. The amount of moistening required depends on the condition of the size.
