Can be made by adding to the above mahogany stain, a small portion of
vegetable black, and shaking it up till well incorporated. To use the
spirit oak stain on larger surfaces we have found it preferable to apply
it in the same manner as a French polish--namely, let all dirt and wax
be perfectly rubbed off with fine glass paper, till quite smooth, then
make a flannel rubber in the form of a printer’s dabber, put a little
stain on the dabber, and put a clean calico rag over it; apply a little
linseed oil, with your finger, to the calico, and commence rubbing over
a small space, in a circular direction (never suffering the rubber to
remain on any part), till you feel it become tacky, then apply a little
more oil, and so on, till the stain on the rubber is exhausted. Should
the stain become too thick to work freely, add a few drops of spirits
of wine, and shake it well together. When you have raised a fine polish
over the surface, let it remain a few hours to harden, then take a clean
bit of calico, and just damp it with spirits of wine, rub it lightly
over the surface in a circular direction, which, repeated two or three
times, will clear off all smears, and leave the most beautiful gloss
ever seen.
In this latter process of finishing off, you must be cautious not to
damp the rag too much, for that would instantly destroy all the polish;
also, to change the rag often, and not suffer it to remain on any part.
For carved work it is only necessary to clean it as before directed, and
apply the stain with a camel’s-hair brush, by a gentle fire, letting it
dry between each application.
The best oak varnish stain is that made with asphaltum; but, as the
manufacturing is attended with great danger, we think it best not to
give the particulars; and it can be procured cheaper than it could be
made in small quantities.