What’s the difference?
It looks like using an egg is called a wash, and brushing with other stuff is a glaze.
To apply, use a silicone brush. It’s possible to use a spray bottle to coat your dough, but you might have a hard time spraying eggs.
- Water brushed on before you bake creates a crispy crust.
- Oil do I need to mention extra virgin olive oil is best? This creates a smooth and chewy crust.
- Egg white (beaten) gives shine.
- Egg yolk (beaten) gives a deeper brown colour.
- Whole egg (beaten) shine and colour!
- Milk (or cream) crispy crust like water, but darker. Cream makes it even more darkerer.
- Butter (always awesome) soft chew and just looks awesome. You can (and should) glaze with butter after baking to let it soak in for even more buttery awesomeness.
If you want to put toppings on, you can brush honey on the baked loaf, and sprinkle the seeds/grains/etc. on top. The honey will soak into the crust, and provide the glue to hold the toppings in place.
I’m a big fan of just brushing EVOO, and sprinkling some salt on top before I bake my bread.