Pitch-pine furniture is generally finished by the application of several coats of good quality spirit varnish. Interior fittings likely to be subject to hard wear are best finished with a good oil varnish, such as church oak. Pitch-pine goods are sometimes first coated with size, with a view to prevent suction. Many have a preference lor first coating with spirit varnish, as it gives the articles a good colour, and any good quality oil varnish will dry thereon. If a first coat of varnish is not sufficiently hard to allow flatting with pumice in three days' time, the drying qualities are poor, or it may have been applied too thickly or by a dirty brush. Drying may sometimes be hastened by sponging down with cold clean water. Another plan is to coat with naphtha or spirit varnish; the result can also be gained by coating again with a thin oil varnish, the drying qualities of which have been hastened by the addition of japanner's gold size.