Editing Gilding (section)

=== Wet gilding ===

Wet gilding is effected by means of a dilute solution of [[gold(III) chloride]] in aqua regia with twice its quantity of [[diethyl ether|ether]]. The liquids are agitated and allowed to rest, to allow the ether to separate and float on the surface of the acid. The whole mixture is then poured into a separating funnel with a small aperture, and allowed to rest for some time, when the acid is run off from below and the gold dissolved in ether separated. The ether will be found to have taken up all the gold from the acid, and may be used for gilding iron or steel, for which purpose the metal is polished with fine emery and [[spirits of wine]]. The ether is then applied with a small brush, and as it evaporates it deposits the gold, which can now be heated and polished. For small delicate figures, a pen or a fine brush may be used for laying on the ether solution.{{sfn|Chisholm|1911|p=13}} The gold(III) chloride can also be dissolved in water in [[electroless plating]] wherein the gold is slowly reduced out of solution onto the surface to be gilded. When this technique is used on the second surface of glass and backed with silver, it is known as "[[Angel gilding]]".