Brackets, tables for bric-a-brac, picture frames, etc., are often more attractive when fiuished in self colours with either a bright or dull finish, and a judicious addition of gold and flower decoration, than if finished in the natural tones left by the polish rubber or spirit varnish. Most of the enamel paints now sold in tins have an oil varnish basis, which means that at least twenty-four hours should elapse between each coat; and though some of them have remarkable covering properties, it is sometimes necessary to apply at least three coats in order to gain a good solid body, and if any portion is afterwards to be gilded it should be allowed to stand several days to harden thoroughly before this is attempted. Spirit varnish enamels dry much more quickly, and to those conversant with the art of French polishing come as a welcome change, giving a pleasing finish witli a minimum of trouble, and, moreover, present a surface more readily adapted for the purpose of decorative ornament, whether gilding, transfer decoration, or hand painting.

These enamels are made by carefully blending dry colour in spirit varnish, a dead or semi-lustrous finish being gained by thinning out the last, coat with methylated spirit by the addition of a little linseed oil, or by dulling with finest grade pumice powder or flour emery. A plan sometimes adopted is to mix the colour required with about equal parts of polish and spirit, coat after coat being laid on till a, solid body of colour appeal's. Two, three, or more distinctive colours may be laid on the article; for instance, Japanese boxes, plaques, etc., will be seen in various tones underneath the de-orations. When the colours-which should be laid on with camel-hair brushes - are dry, the surface should be smoothed down with finest grade glasspaper, and a coat of clear spirit varnish applied; and this, when dry, will give a superior enamel finish if carefully polished. Picture frames are especially suited to this mode of treatment. The pictures and glass being removed, the frames should be well dusted, and suitable pigments mixed in half polish and half spirit. A bronze green, mixed as advised, gives a finish neither very bright nor yet quite dull; gilt slips being put in give a green and gold finish.

If a bright finish is desired on such a foundation a transparent or white hard varnish is advised. Common brown hard spirit is apt to alter the colour, but more pleasing results are gained by leaving the frames semi, dull, a small quantity of varnish being added to the enamel for that purpose.