t from the
regular wax polish, says a correspondent of Wood Craft. With soft woods
you first apply a stain, then apply a liquid filler or shellac,
according to the quality of work to be done. The former for the cheaper
job. The usual proportion of wax and turpentine is two parts of the
former to one part of the latter, melting the wax first, then adding the
spirits of turpentine. For reviving or polishing furniture you can add
three or four times as much turpentine as wax, all these proportions to
be by weight. To produce the desired egg-shell gloss, rub vigorously
with a brush of stiff bristles or woolen rag.

THE FUMING OF OAK

Darkened oak always has a better appearance when fumed with ammonia.
This process is rather a difficult one, as it requires an airtight case,
but the description herewith given may be entered into with as large a
case as the builder cares to construct.

Oak articles can be treated in a case made from a tin biscuit box, or
any other metal receptacle of good proportions, provided it is airtight.
The oak to be fumed is arranged in the box so the fumes will entirely
surround the piece; the article may be propped up with small sticks, or
suspended by a string. The chief point is to see that no part of the
wood is covered up and that all surfaces are exposed to the fumes. A
saucer of ammonia is placed in the bottom of the box, the lid or cover
closed, and all joints sealed up by pasting heavy brown paper over them.
Any leakage will be detected if the nose is placed near the tin and
farther application of the paper will stop the holes. A hole may be cut
in the cover and a piece of glass fitted in, taking care to have all the
edges closed. The process may be watched through the glass and the
article removed when the oak is fumed to the desired shade. Wood stained
in this manner should not be French polished or varnished, but waxed.

The process of waxing is simple: Cut some bees-wax into fine shreds and
place them in a small pot or jar. Pour in a little turpentine, and set
aside for half a day, giving it an occasional stir. The wax must be
thoroughly dissolved and then more turpentine added until the
preparation has the consistency of a thick cream. This can be applied to
the wood with a rag and afterward brushed up with a stiff brush.

HOW TO MAKE BLACK WAX

When putting a wax finish on oak or any open-grained wood, the wax will
often show white streaks in the pores of the wood.