Gilding

Gold or another metal applied to a surface as thin sheets or powder in order to simulate solid metal.

Also called gilt or gilded.

Stenciling

Figural or geometric decoration applied to a surface with an opaque, tinted medium through the cut-out openings of a pattern or stencil. Stenciling allows the efficient application of identical design motifs to multiple objects. See also painting.

Graining

Simulation of a particular material or texture by selectively drawing a comb, brush, or other tool through a surface coating such as paint before it has hardened.

Varnishing

Translucent or transparent surface coating. See also painting.

Japanning

A simulation of urushi, or Asian lacquer, created through the application of a series of layers of varnish and pigment. Surfaces may be further decorated with raised ornament or painted and/or gilded Asian-inspired motifs. Two colors are typical of American japanning: black and tortoiseshell, or mottled black and red. See also urushi.

Painting (two definitions)

1. Opaque surface coating, frequently tinted with a pigment or other colorant. See also varnishing.

2. Figural or geometric decoration applied free-hand to a surface with an opaque, tinted medium. See also stenciling.

Urushi

A hard, shiny surface finish created through the application of many layers of a resinous compound derived from the sap of a type of flowering tree native to Asia. True urushi, or Asian lacquer, is only produced in Asia, especially China and Japan. Urushi objects exported from Asia may be incorporated into American-made furniture. See also japanning.

Also called Asian lacquer, urushi lacquer, or true lacquer.