238 O/z the Preparation of Amber Varni/h. 



by means of a carpenter's mfli, and a frefli coating of x'iTiiifh 

 applied to the place. For applying the varniili, I have found 

 it moft convenient to ufe a fponge ; as by thefe means it caix 

 be laid on in a much more uniform manner than by a 

 painter's bran's, which, fcr the moft part, leaves (Iripes or 

 loofe hairs behind it. The fponge with which the varnifli 

 is laid on, muft, between each application, be well fhut up 

 in a wide-mouthed bottle, that the varnifli it has imbibed 

 may not be dried by the air, which wouid rendec it hard, 

 and unfit for ufe. 



The fame procefs is to be followed with the ftain No. 2. 

 When applied to knotty birch wood or alder, the wood be- 

 comes undulated, becaufe the liquor extends itfeU more crofs- 

 wife. The cafe is the fame with fat and knottv pine wood 

 or fir; for the refinous fpots do not fo ftrongiy attract the 

 Hain as the other parts. This, however, makes the appear- 

 ance of the wood not difagrecable. 



The amber varnifli may be appHed alfo over abnoft all oil 

 colours except blue, which it would change to green. It is 

 attended with this advantage, that it never cracks ; as is the 

 cafe in general with lack varnilhes, and thofe prepared with 

 fpirit of wine. 



I have found, alfo, that liiis varnifli is proper for being ap- 

 plied on real gilding, becaufe it makes no perceptible altera- 

 tion in the colour; cfpecially when laid on thin, and in an 

 imiform manner. This obje6t alfo is obtained, that the 

 gilding may be cleaned by means of fpirit of wine, or of 

 foap and water, without fuflaining any injury. For falfe 

 gilding, however, it is improper; as it attacks it, and makes 

 it rufty and green. 



I have applied this varnifli, in the above manner, to bed- 

 pofts, drawers, tables, and chairs, which at the end of two 

 years were little or nothing changed in their appearance. 

 When this varnifli has become perfochlv dry and hard, it 

 withRands boiling heat and fri6lion ; and docs not lofe its 

 fplcndonr by the courfe of time, unlefs rubbed or fcoured 

 with fand. It prevents ink, or any other coloured liquid that 

 may be Ipilt on furniture, from penetrating into the wood, 

 and caufes ftaiiir to be cafily removed by wafl.un<j; with water. 



