Gold Leafing a ceiling

On a recent job working for a good friend, we applied 23 ct leaf on a chapel ceiling. It was approximately a little over 600 square feet. To get the finest job possible as with most finishes, the preparation is the most important step. Our first step was to get the plastered barreled ceiling as smooth as glass. First step was to patch even the smallest of defects, sand and feather so as not to even see the patches. We then sprayed shellac. 4 coats. That in itself is pretty glassy, but wanting perfection, we sanded with 400-600 grit. As you can see in the picture, we got glass! And slight neck aches. Our next step......laying out the grid.