Editing Openai/693badc9-4210-8009-8cef-6e33623dc878 (section)

=== - Water-based gilding size (aka acrylic size / water size) — best for acrylic paint and small work. Optional: acrylic gloss medium if you can’t get size. ===
* Gold leaf — either loose 22–24K gold leaf squares or transfer (gilder’s) leaf. Transfer leaf is easier for tiny areas; loose leaf gives more old-school control.
* Fine pointed sable brush or small synthetic painting brush (0 or 1) for applying size.
* Soft gilder’s tip (goat-hair brush) or a very soft small makeup brush / hake brush to pick up and lay leaf.
* Tweezers (fine) or a folded piece of paper for handling leaf.
* Masking tape (low-tack) and a sharp hobby knife / scalpel for clean edges.
* Cotton swabs / soft tissue for removing excess and burnishing gently.
* Small piece of scratch paper or a scrap model part to test tack.
* Acrylic gloss medium or dedicated leaf sealer for final protection (applied very thinly).
* Small cup of distilled water and paper towel for cleanup.