These are done in the traditional 14th century manner. Six or more coats of handmade gesso are applied to the wood, followed by repeated sanding to produce a white, porcelain-like surface.

The paint (egg tempera) is made by mixing powdered pigments with egg yolk. It has a transparent character, contributing to the vividness of these pieces, and lending itself to layered application. Under-painting provides depth and shading that shows through the upper layers. The upper layers may include glazes.

Gold leaf is adhered with size over a base of red bole (clay); the redness adds warmth to the colour of the translucent gold.

Also, a variety of techniques may be used to add texture and patterning to the finished work.