Gilding /(gĭld"ĭng)/

Gild·ing

Gilding

n.
  1. The art or practice of overlaying or covering with gold leaf; also, a thin coating or wash of gold, or of that which resembles gold.
  2. Gold in leaf, powder, or liquid, for application to any surface.
  3. Any superficial coating or appearance, as opposed to what is solid and genuine.

Phrases & Compounds
Gilding metal
a tough kind of sheet brass from which cartridge shells are made.