This is a method of varnishing by rubbing the varnish upon the surface of the wood instead of applying it with brushes. When varnish is applied simply with a brush, a comparatively uneven surface results, rendering necessary the subsequent processes of rubbing and polishing, but by the method of French-polishing, a smooth and continuous surface, hard and not easily scratched, is secured.

All the polishes are applied very much in the same way and a general description will therefore be sufficient. To obtain a good polish with lac varnish on wood, the quantity applied must be very small, and must be rubbed continuously until dry. If the work be porous or coarse grained, it will be necessary to give it a coat of thin, clear size previous to commencing with the polish; when dry, the surface must be smoothed with fine glassor sandpaper. The size fills up the pores and saves the polish, and also saves considerable time in the operation.

Make a wad of cotton-batting, covered with several folds of very fine, soft linen cloth ; put the wad or cushion to the mouth of the bottle containing the preparation (or polish) and shake it sufficiently to damp the cloth; then proceed to lightly rub the work with circular motion; as the rubber become drier, the pressure may be increased, but care should be taken not to press too heavily when the rubber contains much polish, as streakiness will result. The circular motion should be continued until the rubber becomes quite dry when more polish may be taken upon it and the rubbing renewed. It should be borne in mind that the rubber should never be raised directly from the work, but should be raised with a sweeping motion; also that it should never for a moment remain quiet upon the surface; and that its motion should be as even as possible; neglect of these precautions will produce a rough surface wherever the rubber remains quiet or is improperly removed. The circular rubbing must be continued until the surface appears perfectly smooth and the pores are no longer visible. Be very particular to keep the cloth covering of the wad clean and soft; it is desirable to use a clean portion each time it is dipped in the polish. It is quite likely that in about twelve hours after the above operation the surface of the work will be lustreless, and the grain plainly visible; in that case proceed over the work again until the grain is thoroughly filled. French-polishing is a process requiring particular care and skill, and considerable experience is necessary to produce good results.

The Ingredients

Shellac, dissolved in alcohol is the basis of all French-polishes, and some finishers use thin shellac varnish without other admixture, slightly moistening the rubber with linseed oil to prevent stickiness and make it work smoothly. There is a great variety of admixtures and diversity in the proportion of ingredients, but the differences are not material. We subjoin a number of receipts.

The Genuine French-Polish

To one point of spirits of wine add a quarter of an ounce of gum-copal, a quarter of an ounce of gum-Arabic, and one ounce of shellac.

Let the gums be well bruised, and sifted through a piece of muslin. Put the spirits and the gums together in a vessel that can be closely corked; place them near a warm stove, and frequently shake them. In two or three days they will be dissolved. Strain the mixture through a piece of muslin, and keep it tight corked for use.

French-Polish

Take one ounce each of mastic, Sandarac, seedlac, shellac, gumlac, and gum-Arabic; reduce them to powder; and add a quarter of an ounce of virgin wax; put the whole into a bottle, with one quart of rectified spirits of wine; let it stand twelve hours, and it will be fit for use.

French-Polish

Put into a glass bottle one ounce of gumlac, two drachms of mastic in drops, four drachms of Sandarac, three ounces of shellac, and half an ounce of gum dragon; reduce the whole to powder; add it to a piece of camphor the size of a nut, and pour on it eight ounces of rectified spirits of wine. Stop the bottle close, but take care, when the gums are dissolving, that it is not more than half full. Place near a warm stove until dissolved.

Other French-Polish Receipts

1 pint naptha, 3½ ounces orange shellac, ½ ounce elima. Darken with red saunders wood

To one pint of spirits of wine, add half an ounce of gum shellac, half an ounce of seed lac, and a quarter of ounce of gum Sandarac; submit the whole to a gentle heat, frequently shaking-it, till the various gums are dissolved, when it is fit for use.

Shellac 6 ounces, naptha 1 quart, Sandarac 1 ounce, benzoin ¾ ounce.

Three ounces shellac, ½ ounce of gum mastic pulverized, and one pint of methylated spirits of wine added. Let it stand till dissolved.

Twelve ounces shellac, 2 ounces gum elima, 3 ounces gum copal, 1 gallon of spirits of wine; dissolve.

The following must be well mixed and dissolved: - Pale shellac 2¼ pounds, 3 ounces mastic, 3 ounces Sandarac, 1 gallon spirits of wine. After the above is dissolved, add 1 pint copal varnish, 1 1¼ ounces shellac, ½ ounce gum juniper, ½ ounce benzoin, ½ pint of methylated alcohol.