2849. Artificial Mahogany

2849.      Artificial Mahogany. The following method of giving any species of wood of a close grain the appearance of mahogany in texture, density, and polish, is said to be practiced in France with success. The surface is planed smooth, and the wood is then rubbed with a solution of nitrous acid ; 1 ounce dragon's blood is dissolved in nearly a pint of spirits of wine ; this, and 1/8 ounce carbonate of soda, are then to be mixed together and filtered, and the liquid in this thin state is to be laid on with a soft brush. This process is to be repeated, and in a short interval afterwards the wood possesses the external appearance of mahogany. When the polish diminishes in brilliancy, it may be restored by the use of a little cold-drawn linseed oil.

2850. Fine Black Stain

2850.      Fine Black Stain. Boil 1 pound logwood in 4 quarts water, add a double handful of walnut-peel or shells ; boil it up again, take out the chips, add 1 pint best vinegar, and it will be fit for use; apply it boiling hot. This will be improved by applying a hot solution of green copperas dissolved in water (an ounce to a quart), over the first stain.

2851. To Imitate Rosewood

2851.    To Imitate Rosewood. Boil 1/2 pound logwood in 3 pints water till it is of a very dark red; add 1/2 ounce salt of tartar (carbonate of potassa). "While boiling hot, stain the wood with 2 or 3 coats, taking care that it is nearly dry between each; then, with a stiff flat brush, such as is used by the painters for graining, form streaks with the black stain above named (see last receipt), which, if carefully executed, will be very nearly the appearance of dark rosewood; or, the black streaks may be put in with a camel's hair pencil, dipped in a solution of copperas and verdigris in a decoction of logwood. A handy brush for the purpose may be made out of a flat brush, such as is used for varnishing; cut the sharp points off, and make the edges irregular, by cutting out a few hairs here and there, and you will have a tool which will accurately imitate the grain.

2852. To Imitate Rosewood

2852.     To Imitate Rosewood. Stain with the black stain (see No. 2850 (Fine Black Stain)); and when dry, with a brush dipped in the brightening liquid (see No. 2828 (Liquid For Brightening and Setting Colors)), form red veins, in imitation of the grain of rosewood, which will produce a beautiful effect.

2853. New Stain for Wood

2853.     New Stain for Wood. Permanganate of potassa is recommended as a rapid and excellent stain for wood. A solution of it spread upon pear or cherry wood, for a few minutes, leaves a permanent dark brown color, which, after careful washing, drying, and oiling, assumes a reddish tint upon being polished.

2854. Stolzel's Method, of Staining Wood Brown

2854.    Stolzel's Method, of Staining Wood Brown. Dr. Stolzel adds another to the many receipts already given for staining wood of a brown color. First of all paint over the wood with a solution made by boiling 1 part of catechu (Cutch or Gambier) with 30 parts water and a little soda. This is allowed to dry in the air, and the wood is then painted over with another solution made of 1 part bichromate of potash and 30 parts water. By a little difference in the mode of treatment, and by varying the strength of the solutions, various shades of color ma? be given with these materials, which will be permanent and tend to preserve the wood.