BURNISHING THE GOLD
The Burnisher.—A tooth-shaped agate burnisher (fig. [108]) is commonly used.
The point is used for pushing the leaf into angles and for burnishing angles (a).
The fore-part for general burnishing (b).
The bend for cross-burnishing and for angles (c).
The side for very gentle and light burnishing (d).
The burnisher is kept scrupulously clean, and to ensure this it is frequently rubbed on a cloth.
Dusting off the Pounce.—The edge of the parchment may be tapped smartly on the desk to shake off the pounce, and a feather or a soft handkerchief may be used, care being taken not to brush the pounce over the gold. [p159]
Brushing off Waste Leaf.—The superfluous gold round the edge of the gilded form may be lightly brushed off with the tip of the brush. This may be done after or before the burnishing—preferably after (see p. [170]).
