One of the most popular finishes among craftsmen is the rich nut-brown shade known as "fumed oak" - a finish that will harmonize with almost any scheme of interior decoration. In producing the genuine finish, the white oak is placed in air-tight receptacles containing pans of ammonia, the fumes from which enter the pores and effect a chemical change in the tannic acid, which is prominent in this wood. After a day or so the wood is discolored to a considerable depth and is ready for the filling preparation.

When the amateur goes to the paint-store to purchase the necessary supplies, he will be rather surprised, if not positively confused, at the great variety of preparations bearing elaborate names with which he will be totally unacquainted. But keeping in mind the fact that these are only names for a filler, a varnish or a wax preparation, he will not experience much difficulty in getting exactly what is wanted.