VARNISHES.
It is not economical for painters to make these for themselves, as they may be purchased both cheaper and in most cases better than they could make them. At the same time it is well to know how to make these important compounds, for it may so occur that the materials may be obtained where the varnish itself could not, or other circumstances may render it desirable that the varnish should be made at home, a few receipts for the purpose are, therefore, given.
Table Varnish. Take of oil of turpentine 1 pound, beeswax 2 ounces, colophony 1 drachm. Dammar resin 1 pound, spirits of turpentine 2 pounds, camphor 200 grains. Allow the mixture to stand for twenty-four hours, and the portion poured off is fit for immediate use.
Furniture Varnishes. Dissolve 11⁄2 pounds of shellac in 1 gallon of naphtha, and it will be ready for use as soon as the dissolution is complete. Dissolve 12 ounces of shellac and 3 ounces of copal, or an equivalent of Copal Varnish, in 1 gallon of naphtha. Dissolve 2 ounces mastic, 11⁄2 pounds shellac, 4 ounces seed lac, 4 ounces sandarach, or 1 gallon of rectified spirits of wine, benzoin, and dragon's blood, tumeric and other coloring matters may be added as required.
Mahogany Varnish. Gum sandarach 2 ounces, shellac 1 ounce, gum benjamin 1⁄2 ounce, Venice turpentine 1 ounce, spirits of wine 1 pint. Color red with dragon's blood, or yellow with saffron, place the vessel containing these ingredients in a warm spot, until the gum has dissolved, then strain for use.
White Furniture Varnish. Dissolve 6 ounces of white wax in 1 pint of oil of turpentine by gentle heat, or white
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