Using The Cosmetics Brush To Burnish

After it's burnished, smooth and beautiful you'll want to coat it with a Metal Leaf Sealer.

The sealer that link points to is a water-based sealer. Which is fine. Very much like a water-based polyurethane from your hardware store. However, I have been told by at least one gilding expert that the water-based products will harbor a little bit of oxygen....even after they are dry. And that will contribute to the overall tarnish.

An oil-based finish would then deter the tarnish better. However, remember that oil-based products are always more toxic. So, as always you should think hard about what's more important...preserving your healthy brain cells or the long-term life your holiday decor!