| If the gold is permanent when dry you could certainly do it on top of the varnished pieces. When you're not sure, follow what your gut tells you. How did you use it on the other pieces you've done? A little more: I can do detail with a brush but I do like the ease of using paint pens - especially when it is a large project and there is a LOT of detail. My paint pens of choice are Permapaque pens by Sakura. They have a bullet tip on one end for fine detail and a chisel tip on the other for broader lines. These pens write just like, well, a pen! No shaking, no pushing the tip to release the paint, just take off the cap and start writing. Another reason I like them is that their light colors such as white, pink, etc. write well on dark surfaces. http://www.markersupply.com/sape.html I've ordered from the above supplier because they have the best collection of colors. They are VERY fast in filling your orders. Another pen I do use occasionally is the ZIG Painty Twin marker (2 colors in one pen). Unlike the Permapaque it is oil based but it does write a very fine line. This one is a standard paint pen that has to be shaken and has the push down tip release of the paint. But of all the standard paint pens I've tried, I feel this one works best. http://www.markersupply.com/zigpama.html I have used these on many projects and put acrylic finishes over them without any problems. Good luck with your project and keep us posted. | 
