Page:Cyclopedia of Painting-Armstrong, George D (1908).djvu/369



The practice of staining light and inexpensive woods to the colors of more rich and costly varieties is a branch of graining, and the advantage of being able to get a permanent and decorative finish upon new wood without preparatory painting is apparent to all.

Under the above heading are two distinct treatments, in one, the color effect alone is sought after, and in the other, the figure and characteristics of the wood are also imitated. Both of these methods have their proper sphere and limitations. The description and quality of the wood stained is a most important factor of its successful treatment. For instance, white wood may be stained with the colors of light oak or maple, and a rich and satisfying effect obtained. Apply, however, the same transparent glaze to sappy and knotty deal, or to light pine with a strongly marked grain, and at once it is obvious that color and grain do not agree. Ordinary pitchpine may be improved greatly by staining to the effect of walnut, but if afterwards the figure of ordinary knotted or Italian walnut were grained upon it, then an unnatural attempt at combination would be apparent. The very common and popular red staining of cheap furniture, presumably in imitation of mahogany, strikes in the mind at once a note of discord. Mahogany is an expensive wood, and therefore imitations of its color on common stuff are rather objectionable. Then, again, the color of even the cheapest mahogany cannot be obtained by a bare coating of stain, so that it is not satisfactory from either point, consistency or appearance. Mahogany, walnut, maple, and other choice woods, particularly those which are imitated best in