Gold has been fascinating mankind to an incredible degree for time immemorial. Since its discovery in about 6000 BC, gold has been equated with power. Very early on, techniques for producing gold leaf were already developed which made possible the encasing of objects made from base materials with precious gold. They then gave the appearance of being made from solid gold but were naturally much more affordable and considerably lighter in weight.
Practically any material can be gilded but different types of preparation are required. Absorbent substrates must be sealed and metal surfaces must be free of corrosion, grease and the like before being coated with primer. Depending on the gilding medium or, alternatively, the gilding technique, an adhesive coat must be applied whereon the precious metal is to be adhered.