The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Furniture Finishing
Another name that has come down for several generations and still persists is: "French polish." Originally this name meant the concoction of a formula as follows:
Gum sandarach, 14 oz., 2 drachms
Gum mastic in drops, 7 oz., 2 drachms
Shellac (the yellower the better), 14 oz., 2 drachms
Alcohol of 0.8295 spec, gravity, 3 qt., 1 pint
"Pound the resinous gums, and effect their solution by continued agitation, without the aid of heat. Before using, the wood should be made to imbibe some linseed oil, the excess of which should be removed by an old flannel."
The above original recipe, as first invented, is taken from a French work, the Dictionnaire Technologique, not, however, for its usefulness (as it has not been in use for many years), but as a matter of curiosity.
The use of refined shellac gum, benzoin, and linseed oil, in different proportions, is yet to be noted in many sections among the older craftsmen, but the younger men prefer to buy their French polish in the form of an amalgamates or French varnish, and thus save all the time necessary to make up such a formula as above and yet have a better product. Time is too valuable to waste it in making up formulas in small lots for individual use. With all the amalgamater and French varnish to be had at reasonable prices from supply houses, little excuse can be given for wasting time in making up anything. Nothing can be gained by sticking to an old material when something new is demonstrated to be better and quicker. Quality first and then consider time-saving and ease of application.
AMALGAMATER IN FRENCII POLISHING
This product is one that is destined to supersede French varnish for frenching out light abrasions in the finish. Already it is preferred wherever it has been used to any extent, and even though it is opposed by some who prefer to stick to the old materials, every year finds an increasing sale for this material.
Nothing for sale today in the line of frenching materials, can be used as easily and cover as large a surface without the usual streaks, and that without the use of oil on the rubber. The popularity of amalgamater is due to the fact that it can be used on any kind of finish, even by a novice, after a little practice, and will leave a clear, hard finish that is durable. Even when French varnish is used to build up the surface, amalgamater should be used to finish, in order that the finished surface be firm and free from rubber marks.
