The board should be well rubbed down with a flat piece of pumice-stone and plenty of water to efface any old writing and also to get a level surface. The rubbing should be done lightly with a circular motion. Should the stone clog, free it by rubbing two pieces together; wash off with clean water and allow to dry. For the first coat of paint, beat up 1/2lb. of genuine white lead in turps, add 1/4 lb. of drop black, and thin to the consistency of cream with good carriage varnish and turps; this will make a dark lead colour. Lay on evenly with a ' ground hog-hair brush. The mouldings may be done with a medium size sash-tool. When thoroughly dry, the board should be lightly glasspapered with fine paper; then dust off and give a coat of all drop black ground in turps thinned with varnish; allow time to dry hard, and give the final coat, which should be quite flat, made from drop black ground in turps with just enough varnish to bind the colour. This last coat should dry off without gloss. The gilding can then be proceeded with.