The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Furniture Finishing

RUBBING EQUIPMENT

Various kinds of rubbing machines are on the market. From a small portable machine with oscillating pads attached to one or two shoes, they are made in sizes up to a large machine that will rub surfaces as long as a bedrail or even longer. Factories use large rubbing machines for heavy duty and small machines operated by electricity and compressed air. One popular type of rubbing machine is equipped with two shoes to hold felt pads, about four inches square. These pads can be removed and sandpaper or steel wool pads attached. These machines are made with long and short stroke.

FINISHING MATERIALS

The first thing to consider is the use of stains and what kind of stain? should be used in the finishing room. Aniline stains are extensively used, and are the least expensive in most cases. Under this heading we have three different kinds of aniline stains, known as water, spirit, and oil stains. Water stain is by far the most desirable and the most permanent, being nonfading as a rule. Non-grain-raising liquid stains that will not raise the grain of the wood are permanent, quicker in drying, and non-bleeding. They are very popular under lacquers.

Water brown, red and black are the most important under this heading. Occasionally one requires yellow or blue. Green, of course, can be made from yellow and blue, but some prefer to use malachite green.

To test a water stain for mixtures or adulterations, wet a piece of filter paper and blow from the hand a small amount of the powder over the paper. You can readily perceive whether the brown, for example, has any yellow or orange in it, or whether a red may have some black in it to make it appear deeper. Water stains should be dissolved by pouring water over them, heated to at least 180 degrees.