MOUNTING AND FINISHING 65 



to the silk wax mentioned above, as the latter 

 is more likely to get hard and brittle in time 

 through exposure to the air, and it is difficult to 

 keep it clean and colorless. 



You will need a small bottle of the best grain 

 alcohol shellac for coating all silk windings to 

 preserve their original color. This is not to be 

 used on the rod proper, however. 



The best varnish I have ever used on rods 

 of all kinds is known as extra light coach. It 

 comes in cans of all sizes fitted with air tight 

 tin caps. It is better to get the smallest size, 

 one-half pint, as when repeatedly exposed to 

 the air it dries slowly unless thinned with tur- 

 pentine, and this color makers invariably ad- 

 vise you not to do, as the thinning agency 

 detracts from its good qualities. Instead it 

 should be heated in a vessel of hot water. This 

 varnish is elastic, does not crack, and dries 

 quickly with a beautiful gloss if used while 

 quite warm. 



Spar varnish is also good, but several coats 

 of it are required, it lacks luster, and dries 

 slowly unless exposed to sun and wind. 



Purchase a three-quarter inch oval or flat 

 brush of good quality for the varnish, and a 

 thin, round artist's brush for the shellac. Both 

 should be washed carefully immediately after 



