To colour a malacca cane, mix some spirit aniliue dye in thin spirit varnish. Bismarck brown yields a rich red; yellow may be obtained in various shades, but must be very strong in order to gain a good colour, unless the upper surface of the cane is removed by the aid of No. 1 glasspaper. The cane may be finished with clear spirit varnish, though better wearing results would be gained by a thin, even coat of best quality coach varnish.