58 LACQUERING. 



It is a great improvement in all kinds of japanned 

 work, to harden the varnish by means of heat ; 

 which in every degree that it can be applied, short 

 of what would burn or calcine the matter, tends 

 to give it a more firm and strong texture. 



Where metal forms the body, a very hot stove 

 may be used ; and the pieces of work may be con- 

 tinued in it a considerable time, especially if the 

 heat be gradually increased ; but where wood is in 

 question, heat must be sparingly used, as it would 

 otherwise warp or shrink the body, so as to injure 

 the general figure. 



LACQUERING. 



Lacquering is the laying either coloured or 

 transparent varnishes on metals, in order to pro- 

 duce the appearance of a different colour in the 

 metal, or to preserve it from rust, or the injuries 

 of the weather. 



Lacquering is used where brass is to be made 

 to have the appearance of being gilt ; where tin is 

 wanted to have the resemblance of yellow metals ; 

 and where brass locks or nails, or other such mat- 

 ters, are to be defended from the corrosion of the 

 air or moisture. 



The principal substance used for the compo- 

 sition of lacquers, is seed-lac ; but for coarser pur- 

 poses, resin or turpentine is added, in order to 

 make the lacquer cheaper. 



A Lacquer for Brass, to imitate Gilding. 



Take of turmeric one ounce, and of saffron and 

 Spanish annotto, each two drachms. Put them 



