1. Lacquer for brasswork is made by dissolving best pale shellac in cold spirit of wina, and colouring it with gamboge, saffron, or dragon's blood, according to the tint required. The articles to he lacquered are first thoroughly cleaned by dipping in diluted sulphuric acid and rinsing in clean water, so that the colour of the metal is fully exposed. They are then laid on a stove (a sheet of iron with a gas-jet beneath it being sufficient for small articles) and heated, but they should not be made so hot as to colour the metal. The lacquer is then carefully applied to the hot metal with a small soft brush.

2. To relacquer fire brasses, curbs, etc., have them perfectly free from grease, and heat them on a hot plate of some kind, and when hot enough apply the gold lacquer with a camel-hair brush; then place them on the hot plate again for a short time. Take the articles off and allow to cool; do not touch them while hot with the fingers.

3. Heat the article to be lacquered on a hot plate or in an oven; when it is hot enough, which must be found by trial, apply the lacquer with a camel-hair brush. If the right temperature has been attained, there should be a slight hissing when the lacquer is applied. Reheat the lacquered article and then allow to cool; the lacquered surface must not, while it is hot, be touched with the Augers.