Take two parts of stearine, two parts of Venetian soap, one part of pearl-ash, and twenty-four to thirty parts of a solution of caustic potash. The stearine and soap are cut into slices, mixed with the cold ley, and boiled for about half an hour, being constantly stirred. Whenever the mass rises, a little cold ley is added. The pearlash, previously moistened with a little rain water, is then added, and the whole boiled for a few minutes. The mass is then stirred until cold, when it is mixed with so much cold ley that it becomes perfectly liquid, and runs off the spoon without coagulating and contracting. Before using this composition, it should be kept for several days well covered. It may be preserved for years. Before applying it to the objects, they should be well dusted, the stains scraped away, and then coated, by means of a thick brush, with the wash, as long as the plaster of Paris absorbs it, and left to dry. The coating is then dusted with leather, or a soft brush. If the surface has not become shining, the operation must be repeated.