Treatment of the finishing layers of metals is an example of collaboration between restorer and scientist. Metals may be coated galvanically; the new coating exactly follows the original surface, thus retaining surface characteristics. Similarly electroformation may be used for making replicas of metallic objects. Lacquers are used to decorate objects or to colour them. A lacquer can be prepared from an insect (shellac) or from tree exudates (chinese and japanese lacquers). The difference between physical and chemical drying is explained. The differences between lacquers and paints has not been well-defined. Many natural products are now replaced by synthetic resins, with vinyl styrene, acrylic and phenolic bases. Finally the process of applying lacquer to a metal object by submersion is discussed. Photographs.