The articles to be japanned are cleaned of oil or grease with turpentine and a coat of japan varnish applied. When baking japan is used, the articles coated are dried in an oven at a temperature of from 120 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit, which gives a hard and smooth enameled surface. The parts to be gilded are now coated with gold size thinned with turpentine. If bronze is to be used, it is applied by being dusted on and the excess removed. In place of bronze powder, gold or other metal leaf can be used. After the gliding, a light coat of transparent lacquer or varnish is applied, and if possible, allowed to dry in the oven at a moderate temperature.

In Sign Painting

In Sign Painting, all roman capitals, as a general rule, may be the same height and breadth, except I, J, M, and W.

The breadth of I and J is equal to 1-2 the height, and M and W, 1 1-2 times the height.

Gilt letters are written with Japan gold size and before dry, the leaf is applied. Smooth gently with a piece of cotton.

Gold Size

Gold Size, (oil size), add enough finely ground yellow ochre to varnish makers' boiled oil to make a thick, smooth paste and thin with turpentine.

No. 2

Water Size

Mix a thick solution of gelatine dissolved in water, with dry yellow ochre. Thin with water to the proper consistency for application. Used for gilding.

A good Japan gold size may be prepared by mixing together, 1 part of good turpentine Japan, 1 part of ordinary gum varnish, and 1 part of turpentine. If too heavy, thin by the addition of more turpentine.