Gold is converted from a solid to a liquid by dissolving the metal in a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids. This liquid will deposit metallic gold on baser metals, and it forms the basis of nearly all gilding liquids. Added to a solution of caustic potash, carbonate of potash, and cyanide of potassium, it forms a simple gilding solution, used at a boiling temperature. Deprived of its excess acid by heat, then dissolved in distilled water and mixed with a solution of carbonate of potash at a boiling temperature, it also furnishes a simple gilding liquid.