Sign-In
Cart
French Polishing and Enamelling: A Practical Work of Instruction
Paperback
Furniture & CabinetryGeneral Construction & RenovationGeneral Wookworking
Currently unavailable to order
Please enter your email and a message will be sent to you when this product becomes available on our website.
Publisher: Millers Print
Pages: 114
Weight: 0.36
Height: 0.24 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
_THE IMPROVING AND PREPARATION OF FURNITURE
WOODS._
F
or a French polisher to be considered a good workman he should, in addi-
tion to his ordinary ability to lay on a good polish, possess considerable
knowledge of the various kinds of wood used for furniture, as well as the
most approved method of bringing out to the fullest extent their natural
tones or tints; he should also be able to improve the inferior kinds of wood,
and to stain, bleach, or match any of the fancy materials to which his art
is applied, in a manner that will produce the greatest perfection. The fol-
lowing information is given to facilitate a thorough knowledge of the above
processes.
=Improving.=-Iron filings added to a decoction of gall-nuts and vinegar
will give to ebony which has been discoloured an intense black, after brush-
ing over once or twice. Walnut or poor-coloured rosewood can be improved
by boiling half an ounce of walnut-shell extract and the same quantity of cat-
echu in a quart of soft-water, and applying with a sponge. Half a pound of
walnut husks and a like quantity of oak bark boiled in half a gallon of water
3 RICHARD BITMEAD
will produce much the same result. Common mahogany can be improved
by rubbing it with powdered red-chalk (ruddle) and a woollen rag, or by first
wiping the surface with liquid ammonia, and red-oiling afterwards. For a
rich mild red colour, rectified spirits of naphtha, dyed with camwood dust,
or an oily decoction of alkanet-root. Methylated spirits and a small quantity
of dragon's blood will also produce a mild red. Any yellow wood can be im-
proved by an alcoholic solution of Persian berries, fustic, turmeric, or gam-
boge. An aqueous decoction of barberry-root will serve the same purpose.
Birch when preferred a warm tint may be sponged with oil, very slightly
tinted with rose-madder or Venetian red; the greatest care should be used,
or it will be rendered unnatural in appearance by becoming too red. Maple
which is of a dirty-brown colour, or of a cold grey tint, and mahogany, ash,
oak, or any of the light-coloured woods, can be whitened by the bleaching
fluid (see MATCHING). Numerous materials may be improved by the
aid of raw linseed-oil mixed with a little spirits of turpentine. Artificial grain-
ing may be given to various woods by means of a camel-hair pencil and raw
oil; two or three coats should be given, and after standing for some time the
ground should have one coat of oil much diluted with spirits of turpentine,
and then rubbed off.
=Matching.=-Old mahogany furniture which has been repaired may be eas-
ily matched by wiping over the new portions with water in which a nodule
of lime has been dissolved, or by common soda and water. The darkeners
for general use are dyed oils, logwood, aquafortis, sulphate of iron, and ni-
trate of silver, with exposure to the sun's rays. For new furniture in oak,
ash, maple, etc., the process of matching requires care and skill. When it is
desirable to render all the parts in a piece of furniture of one uniform tone
or tint, bleach the dark parts with a solution of oxalic acid dissolved in hot
water (about two-pennyworth of acid to half a pint of water is a powerful
solution); when dry, if this should not be sufficient, apply the white stain
(see pp. 11, 12) delicately toned down, or the light parts may be oiled. For
preserving the intermediate tones, coat them with white polish by means of
Also in
Furniture & Cabinetry
Japanese Woodworking and Joinery: A Beginner's Guide to the Tools & Techniques Used by Master Carpenters in Japan
Carpenters Tool Study Group
Hardcover
The Why & How of Woodworking: A Simple Approach to Making Meaningful Work
Pekovich, Michael
Hardcover
Upholstery School: Practical Projects for Updating Furniture and Furnishings in Your Home
Nooranvary, Sonnaz
Hardcover
Understanding Wood Finishing, 3rd Revised Edition: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish
Flexner, Bob
Paperback
Japanese Carpentry: The Complete Guide to Joinery, Tools, Woods and Projects [With 900 Color Photos and Drawings]
Carpenters Tool Study Group
Hardcover
Human Dimension and Interior Space: A Source Book of Design Reference Standards
Zelnik, Martin
Panero, Julius
Hardcover
Complete Guide to Woodworking: All the Essential Techniques and Skills You Need
Tribe, Chris
Paperback
Workbenches Revised Edition: From Design & Theory to Construction & Use
Schwarz, Christopher
Hardcover
Projects from the Minimalist Woodworker: Building Techniques for Mastering Essential Tools
Tesolin, Vic
Paperback
Building Kitchen Cabinets: The Essential Guide for Woodworkers and DIY Enthusiasts
Schmidt, Udo
Paperback
Shop Drawings for Byrdcliffe Furniture: 28 Masterpieces American Arts & Crafts Furniture
Lang, Robert W.
Paperback
Hammer & Nail: Making and Assembling Furniture Designs Inspired by Enzo Mari
Eje Almqvist, Erik
Hardcover
Epoxy Resin Craft For Beginners: Step by Step Techniques to Mastering and Creating Beautiful and Awesome Designs from Scratch to finish
Britton, Angelo A.
Paperback
Woodworking for Beginners 2026: A step-by-step Guide to Tools, Techniques, and Simple Projects
Calderwood, Rowan
Paperback
Taunton's Complete Illustrated Guide to Jigs & Fixtures: Expert Advice from Start to Finish
Nagyszalanczy, Sandor
Paperback
All New Turning Projects with Richard Raffan: A Hands-On Guide to Functional and Beautiful Woodturning Projects
Raffan, Richard
Paperback
Design for CNC: Furniture Projects and Fabrication Technique
Filson, Anne
France, Anna Kaziunas
Rohrbacher, Gary
Paperback
The Craft of Japanese Joinery: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Woodworker
Tanigawa, Saburo
Paperback
Sketchup Success for Woodworkers: Four Simple Rules to Create 3D Drawings Quickly and Accurately
Heim, David
Paperback
Veneering Essentials: Simple Techniques & Practical Projects for Today's Woodworker
Der-Garabedian, Steve
Paperback
The Caner's Handbook: Restoring Cane, Rush, Splint, Danish Cord, Rawhide, and Wicker Furniture (Updated & Revised Edition)
Widess, Jim
Miller III, Bruce W.
Paperback
Building Wood and Resin River-Style Tables: A Step-By-Step Guide with Tips, Techniques, and Inspirational Designs
Zimmerman, Bradlyn
Paperback
The Beginner's Guide to Upholstery: 10 Achievable DIY Upholstery and Reupholstery Projects for Your Home
Grubb, Vicky
Paperback
Cabinetwork and Joinery - Comprising Designs and Details of Construction with 2,021 Working Drawings
Hasluck, Paul N.
Paperback
Woodworking: The Complete Step-By-Step Guide to Skills, Techniques, and Projects
Carpenter, Tom
Paperback
Understanding Wood Finishing, 3rd Revised Edition: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish
Flexner, Bob
Hardcover
Woodworking: A Comprehensive Guide to Learning the Art (Proven Tips on Making Furniture Using Wood and Wood Pallets)
Akins, Edward
Paperback
Furniture Design, Second Edition: An Introduction to Development, Materials and Manufacturing
Lawson, Stuart
Paperback
Historical Replica Construction: 14th Century Volume 1
Fraser, Andrew
Robinson, Wayne
Wyley, Stephen
Paperback
The Lost Art of Making Things: Traditional Woodworking Skills, Self-Reliance, and the Joy of Building with Your Hands
Zephyr, Philip
Paperback
Whittling and wood carving for Beginners: A Comprehensive guide for new makers
Eaton, Trisha
Paperback
The Handbuilt Home: 34 Simple Stylish and Budget-Friendly Woodworking Projects for Every Room
White, Ana
Paperback
The Reclaimed Woodworker: 21 One-Of-A-Kind Projects to Build with Recycled Lumber
Gleason, Chris
Paperback
Echoes From The Past: Chronicles of Enchanted Relics and Their Time Travelling Odyssey
Wood, Glenn P.
Paperback
Cabinetwork and Joinery - Comprising Designs and Details of Construction with 2,021 Working Drawings
Hasluck, Paul N.
Hardcover
DIY Industrial Pipe Furniture and Decor: Creative Projects for Every Room of Your Home
Angus, James
Paperback
How to make Small Wood Furniture: Build Your Own Tables, Chairs, and Storage Units
Guller, Martins
Paperback
The Construction of Indoor Furniture - Plans and Guides for Tables, Chairs, Bookshelves and Cabinets
Pelton, B. W.
Paperback
Build Your Own Furniture - 30 Easy to Follow Step by Step Plans to Construct Stools, Chests, Cabinets and Much More
Bradman, W. A. G.
Paperback
The Problems of Re-Upholstering Certain Furniture Styles - Including Channel Back, Tufted Back, Pillow Back and Ottoman Styles
Luna, Benjamin C.
Paperback
Simple Furniture Making - How to Make Tables, Chairs, Bookshelves, Sideboards, Chests, Kitchen Accessories, Etc.
Vant, Sidney
Paperback
Woodworking Projects for Beginners and seniors 2026: Simple DIY Builds With Safe Tools, Home Decor, Storage Ideas, Easy Plans
Gabriel, Jameson
Paperback
Constructing Your Own Door, Frames and Panelling - A Step by Step Guide from Choice of Wood to Finishing Products
Greenhalgh, Richard
Paperback
Don't Call the Thrift Shop: What to Do With a Lifetime of Well-Loved Possessions
Ryder, Susannah
Paperback
French Polishing and Wood Surface Finishing for Amateurs - The Do It Yourself Series
Harding, C.
Paperback
Shop Drawings for Greene & Greene Furniture: 23 American Arts and Crafts Masterpieces
Lang, Robert
Paperback
In the Craftsman Style: Building Furniture Inspired by the Arts & Crafts T
Editors of Fine Woodworking
Paperback
Ultimate Guide to Furniture Refinishing & Repair, 2nd Revised Edition: Restore, Rebuild, and Renew Wooden Furniture
Hingley, Brian
Paperback
Wood Pallet DIY Projects: 20 Building Projects to Enrich Your Home, Your Heart & Your Community
Fitzberger, Stephen
Fitzberger, Diane
Paperback
Benches, Stools, and Chairs: A Guide to Ergonomic Woven Seating
Held, Deborah
Turpening, Walter
Paperback
Désencombrer et organiser la maison: Remettez votre vie sur les rails pour profiter d'espaces magnifiques et inspirants
Gauthier, Marie
Paperback
Chair Making Made Simple: A Step-By-Step Beginner's Guide To Designing And Building Strong, Stylish Wooden Chairs With Simple Tools And Clear Plans
Roudebush, Kenneth K.
Paperback
Woodworking Projects Made Simple: Step-by-Step Plans for Beginners, Hobbyists, and DIY Makers
George, Johnny S.
Paperback
Wooden Chair Building for Beginners: Step-by-Step Plans for Comfortable, Durable, and Stylish Chairs
Jakson, Mike
Paperback
A Guide to Best Finishing Cabinets - Pictures and Descriptions of How to Finish 20 Different Woods
Waring, Ralph G.
Paperback
"My Repair Kit" Repair Furniture Like A Professional!: A Masterclass By Eric Jacobson
Jacobson, Eric
Paperback
Easy Wooden Headboard Plans: From Simple Panels to Farmhouseand Modern Rustic Designs
Moris, Kane
Paperback
Modern Wooden Desk Organizers: DIY Projects with Drawers, Cable Management, and Multi-Level Designs
Luke, Henry
Paperback
The Coffee Table Builder's Manual: Tools, Materials, Joinery, and Creative Designs for Home Woodworkers
Jessica, Maria
Paperback
Build Your Own Side Tables: Simple, Funtional, and Stylish Woodworking Plans for Any Room
Benjamin, Jack
Paperback
Woodworking for Beginners: A Step by Step Guide to Tools, Safety, and Simple Projects for Complete Beginners
Oakridge, Jordan
Paperback
Survival Carpentry: A Practical Guide to Building with Reclaimed Wood, Manual Tools, and Screw-Free Joinery
Finch, David
Paperback
Cutting and Draping; a Practical Handbook for Upholsterers and Decorators
Stephenson, John W. B. 1876
Hardcover
Cutting and Draping; a Practical Handbook for Upholsterers and Decorators
Stephenson, John W. B. 1876
Paperback
Come arredare casa in stile MODERNO: Tutto quello che devi sapere prima di arredare casa
Tosini, Simone
Paperback
Feng Shui Simplified: Transform Your Space in 30 Days - Ancient Energy Principles for Contemporary Homes
Hariton, Marcarian
Paperback