Gilding is the application of extremely thin layers on precious or composite metal leaf with specific adhesives to transform a surface. Since the earliest civilizations it has been a symbol of wealth and prestige. There are many types of gilding such as water gilding, often found on fine furniture and frames, oil gilding, which can be applied to many surfaces, flash gilding that uses bronze powders and micas and verre eglomise which is applied to glass. Gilding can be used to enliven raise ornamentation, walls, furniture, metal, and plaster.