Egg wash: adding colour and shine to the surface

Useful to know

King Arthur compares different washes on a pastry surface. In that test, whole egg produces stronger colour, while egg-based washes give more shine than leaving the surface uncoated. [1]

These are results from a particular comparison, not a promise of identical colour in every oven. Choose the wash according to the recipe and the desired finish. It should not become a thick layer of filling. With layered pastry, apply it as directed so that the coating does not interfere with the shaping.