FRENCH POLISHING

AND

ENAMELLING.

CHAPTER I.

_THE IMPROVING AND PREPARATION OF
FURNITURE WOODS._


For a French polisher to be considered a good workman he should, in
addition 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 following 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
brushing over once or twice. Walnut or poor-coloured rosewood can be