Artistic designs similar to work seen on piano panels are usually put on by transfer process after the panels have been bodied up; the subsequent polishing and finishing out will give an appearance of inlaid brass. In exceptional cases the panels are finished out first, the decorative design is carefully cut, in with oil gold size, the gold applied, and afterwards outlined and shaded with sienna. Occasionally engraved patterns may be seen, but in the majority of cases only the outlined portions are gilt, the lines being very fine. Piano fronts are often finished with a marqueterie centre, with gold incised borders and corners. To gild these, it is usual to finish polishing the panels before passing on to the gilder, who will brush into the incisions several coats of parchment size and whiting tinted with orange or lemon chrome; this mixture must be spread evenly, as it sets very quickly. Clean off the surplus with a slightly wet rag stretched over a flat cork rubber; avoid rubbing any more in the channels. When a solid basis has been thus formed, oil gold size is applied by means of a very fine hog-hairbrush; it is spread evenly.

When nearly dry, it is ready for the gold leaf, which is cut up into narrow strips on a special cushion; this is laid over the lines, and well skewed in by a tuft of wadding and camel-hair brush. Clean off all surplus as before, using a piece of cloth slightly damp with turps.