Page:Cyclopedia of Painting-Armstrong, George D (1908).djvu/362



Mordants are chemical preparations, the effect of which is to fix and enhance the colors given by stains and dye-stuffs. Spirits of niter is used for the satin-wood stain, a strong solution of oxalic acid for the oak, and dilute nitric acid for mahogany.

Mahogany Stains. 2 ounces Dragon's-blood dissolved in a quart of rectified spirits of wine, shake frequently during process of dissolution.

Dark. In 1 gallon of water boil $1/2$ pound of madder and 2 ounces of logwood chips, brush the decoction, whilst hot, well over, and when dry, paint over the work with a solution of pearlash, composed of 2 drams of pearlash to a quart of water.

Light. In 1 quart of oil of turpentine dissolve 2 ounces of Dragon's-blood, keeping the vessel in a warm place, and frequently shaking it. When completely dissolved, the mixture is to be applied to the work, or if the latter be small, it may be steeped in the stain.

Grind raw sienna on a slab, using beer as a medium, during grinding, add burnt sienna until the desired color is obtained. This mixture is then to be thinned, either with more beer or with water, and is to be applied with a brush, and wiped off with a piece of flannel. It is desirable to avoid foxey colored mahogany, and if this stain should give too brown a color, a wash made of madder or logwood boiled in water may be passed either entirely or partially over it. The work may then be oiled, varnished, or polished, as desired.

Dragon's-blood is a name given to several resins found in commerce, which have a similar appearance, a fine dark