The term Gilding covers a number of decorative techniques for applying fine gold leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone or metal to give a thin coating of gold.

Silver was traditionally used in the west. Bronze gild is commonly used in China.

Herodotus (a famous ancient Greek historian) mentions that Egyptians gilded wood and metals.

Certain ancient Greek statues of great prestige were chryselephantine I e made of gold for the clothing and ivory for flesh.

Modern gilding is applied to numerous and diverse surfaces like frame making, wood working, cabinet work, decorative painting to decorate pottery, porcelain and glass.