VARNISHING RODS 219 



the ferrules. To avoid marring them, pass 

 the brush around the contiguous winding very 

 slowly, coating the silk but not encroaching on 

 the metal. 



When all the part of the rod are var- 

 nished, if they can be assembled and the rod 

 suspended in a fairly warm, dry room, free 

 from dust, for two or three days, all should 

 be well. A brad driven in a picture mould- 

 ing is ideal, provided the rod does not hang 

 close to the wall, but the center of a room 

 is a better place, as some walls are cold, even 

 damp, and on the side of a rod hanging close 

 to such a wall the varnish may crawl and 

 spoil your work. 



In spring or summer it is usually safe to 

 varnish a rod in the morning and suspend it 

 in a window. The morning sun is not too 

 warm, but it is often too warm after 10 

 o'clock for the best results. Plenty of fresh 

 air is best, but a windy place should be avoid- 

 ed, as dust is likely to be flying there. Do 

 not leave separate joints, while they are dry- 

 ing, where careless persons may accidentally 

 knock them over or break them, and see that 

 they are kept indoors at night. Do not touch 

 the varnish with the hands. 



Perhaps you will be satisfied with one coat 



