This section is from the book "The Carpenters, Joiners, Cabinet Makers, And Gilders' Companion", by F. Reinnel. Also available from Amazon: The carpenters, joiners, cabinet makers, and gilders' companion.
The surface may first be rubbed with a diluted solution of aqua-fortis; then one ounce of dragon's blood being dissolved in a pint of spirit of wine by heat, and one-third of an ounce of carbonate of soda being added, the mixture is filtered, and afterwards laid on with a soft brush. On being done over a second time, the wood acquires the external appearance of mahogany.
Put two ounces of dragon's blood, broken in pieces, into a quart of rectified spirits of wine; let the bottle stand in a warm place, shake it frequently, when dissolved, it is fit for use.
The surface of the wood must first be planed smooth, and then rubbed with weak aquafortis; after which it is to be finished with the following varnish: - To three pints of spirits of wine is to be added four ounces and a half of dragon's blood, and an ounce of soda, which have been previously ground together; after standing some time, that the dragon's blood may be dissolved, the varnish is to be strained, and laid on the wood with a soft brush. This process is to be repeated, and then the wood possesses the perfect appearance of mahogany. When the polish diminishes in brilliancy, it may be speedily restored by rubbing the article with a little linseed oil.
Mix in a tea-spoonful of cold water a few drops of oil of vitriol, and touch the spot with a feather dipped in the liquid, taking care neither to exceed nor to come short of the due quantity of acid: too little doing no good, and too much only substituting one stain for another. In the latter case, or where the colour is made lighter than the rest of the wood, perhaps a little linseed oil would be the readiest and best restorative.
Nothing more is necessary than to wash the mahogany with lime water, which may readily be made by dropping a nodule of lime into a basin of water.
 
Continue to: