CHAPTER VI.

SPIRIT VARNISHING.

Most polishers are agreed that to obtain a good surface with varnish it is necessary to give the work, where it is possible to do so, a rubberful of polish first, and to thoroughly dry the rubber; but in most carved work the surface is not accessible, and the brush must be used.  Sometimes the carving is extremely coarse, and with an open porous grain, in which case it is best to oil it first and then to fine-paper it down; by this process a thin paste is formed by the attrition, which materially assists in filling up the pores.  Before commencing to use the varnish have ready an earthenware dish or box,—­one of the tins used for the preserved meats or fish will answer the purpose,—­with two holes drilled so that a piece of wire can be fastened diametrically across the top; this is called a “regulator,” and when the brush is passed once or twice over this it prevents an unnecessary quantity of varnish being transferred to the work.

=Varnishes.=—­The ingredients for making varnish are very similar to those for making polish, but the proportions are somewhat different.  Furniture varnish consists of two kinds, viz.:  the brown-hard and the white-hard; the former is used for dark woods, such as mahogany, walnut, rosewood, etc.; whilst the latter is used for the light-coloured woods, in conjunction with the white polish.  A few years since the brown-hard varnish was made from these ingredients: 

   1 gallon of methylated spirit,
  40 ozs. of shellac,
   4 ozs. of rosin,
   5 ozs. of benzoin,
   2 ozs. of sandarach,
   2 ozs. of white rosin.

The brown-hard varnish which is used at the present time is made differently, and produces a better result; it is made from the following: 

   1 gallon of methylated spirit,
  32 ozs. of shellac,
   8 ozs. of rosin,
   8 ozs. of benzoin.

The white-hard or transparent varnish for white wood is made with

   1 gallon of methylated spirit,
  32 ozs. of bleached shellac,
  24 ozs. of gum sandarach.

In making either polishes or varnishes, all the gums should be first pounded and reduced to powder before mixing with the spirit, and when mixed they should be occasionally well shaken or stirred, so as to hasten their dissolution.

=Brushes and Pencils.=—­The brushes used for varnishing are either flat, in tin, or round, tied firmly to the handle, and made of camel’s-hair; but the small white bristle-tools and red-sable pencils will frequently be found of service in coating delicate carving, or turned work.  Varnish brushes can be obtained from a quarter of an inch to four inches and upwards in width; the most useful brush, however, for general use is about an inch wide.  It is important that brushes should be cleaned in spirits immediately after use, for if laid by in varnish they