To remove paint from old wood, apply freshly slaked, hot limewash, to each bucketful of which from 2 lb. to 4 lb. of common washing soda has been added; use a common fibre - not bristle - brush. As the paint softens, scrape off with a painter's scraping or chisel-shaped putty knife. Eepeat as often as necessary, using a thinner solution as the paint is removed. The above pickle will also darken the wood. Swill off with plenty of clean water, and when the surface of the wood is dry and perfectly clean, brush over with common malt vinegar, to kill any trace of lime or soda before applying varnish or staining medium. Woodwork that is required still darker in tone should be brushed over with one or more coats of bichromate of potash, 2 oz. to each pint of water. In order that the latter may be effective, the work must be perfectly free from oil, varnish, polish, or wax; otherwise a stained varnish will be necessary to bring all the work to an equal tone or colour.