OVERLAY – A special surface ornamentation technique used to decorate steel (including weapons and armour). Unlike traditional metal in metal inlay, overlay involves applying gold or silver to a roughened surface. The intended ornamentation is first marked out on the top surface with engraved or dotted lines. Metal wire or leaf is then hammered into each of these lines and fixed in place with heat. In the final step, the entire surface is buffed. (JMl)
