French Polishing. The method of varnishing furniture by means of rubbing it on the surface of the wood, is of comparatively modern date. To put on a hard face, which shall not be so liable to scratch as varnish, and yet appear equally fine, the French polish was introduced. Below we give a full direction of the process, and also the various preparations of the different compositions necessary.

2994. To French Polish

2994. To French Polish. The varnish being prepared (shellac), the article to be polished being finished off as smoothly as possible with glass paper, and the rubber being made as directed below, proceed to the operation as follows: - The varnish, in a narrow-necked bottle, is to be applied to the middle of the flat face of the rubber, by laying the rubber on the mouth of the bottle and shaking up the varnish once, as by this means the rubber will imbibe the proper quantity to varnish a considerable extent of surface. The rubber is then to be enclosed in a soft linen cloth, doubled, the rest of the cloth being gathered up at the back of the rubber to form a handle. Moisten the face of the linen with a little raw linseed oil, applied with the finger to the middle of it. Place the work opposite the light, pass the rubber quickly and lightly over its surface uniformly in small circular strokes, until the varnish becomes dry, or nearly so; again charge the rubber as before with varnish (omitting the oil), and repeat the rubbing, until three coats are laid on, when a little oil may be applied to the rubber, and two coats more given to it. Proceed in this way until the varnish has acquired some thickness; then wet the inside of the linen cloth, before applying the varnish, with alcohol, or wood naphtha, and rub quickly, lightly, and uniformly, the whole surface. Lastly, wet the linen cloth with a little oil and alcohol without varnish, and rub as before till dry. Each coat is to be rubbed until the rag appears dry; and too much varnish must not be put on the rag at a time. Be also very particular in letting the rags be very clean and soft, as the polish depends, in a great measure, on the care taken in keeping it clean and free from dust during the operation. If the work be porous, or the grain coarse, it will be necessary to give it a coat of clear size previous to commencing with the polish; and, when dry, gently go over it with very fine glass paper. The size will fill up the pores, and prevent the waste of the polish, by being absorbed into the wood, and be also a saving of considerable time in the operation.

2995. To Make a French Polish Rubber

2995.     To Make a French Polish Rubber. Boll up a strip of thick woolen cloth which has been torn off, so as to form a soft elastic edge. It should form a coil, from 1 to 3 inches in diameter, according to the size of the work. This rubber is to be securely bound with thread, to prevent it from uncoiling when it is used.