This section is from the book "Cyclopedia Of Painting", by George D. Armstrong. Also available from Amazon: Cyclopedia of Painting.
Mix 2 ounces of potash and 2 ounces of pearl-ash in 1 quart of water, which will make an excellent stain. Should the color be darker than required, it may be diluted with water. It must be used very carefully, as the potash will blister the hands if allowed to touch them, the mixture should also be used with a very common brush, as it softens the hair so as to render it of little value afterwards.
 
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