This paper describes the protocol currently used at the Victoria and Albert Museum for the scientific analysis of water, oil and lacquer gilding in cultural heritage objects. The purpose of the protocol is to guide scientists, curators and conservators in their routine investigations, and address questions about the characteristics of gilded surfaces, their number, sequence, date, composition and stratigraphic details. Each protocol step is described in detail and is accompanied by practical examples taken from the analysis of an 18th-century Chippendale table and the 20th-century statue of the Spirit of Gaiety. The merits of individual analytical techniques and equipment are also evaluated.