The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
Furniture Finishing
NON-GRAIN-RAISING STAINS
Under various trade names are marketed liquid stains, possessing all the qualities of water stain as to bleeding or fading, and at the same time do not raise the fibers of the wood. These stains dry quickly, requiring only about forty minutes. They are made by mixing water soluble acid aniline colors in a heavy carbon chemical and reduced by addition of thinner solvents to proper consistency for brushing or spraying. If one attempts to make these stains it is advisable to get the right information before starting. Only dry anilines known as acid colors are soluble in this liquid. The use of these stains is restricted to some extent because their cost is higher than oil or water stains, but production may improve, and if so, this class of liquid non-grain-raising and permanent stain will be very popular for all classes of wood finishing.
APPLICATION OF NON-GRAIN-RAISING STAINS
This stain may be applied the same as water or oil liquid stain with either a brush or spray. It is particularly adapted for use with a spray because of quick drying qualities and the ease of application. One can stain and shade at the same time by repeating the operation of staining on the portions to be shaded. The result of course depends upon the skill of the operator. All runs must be wiped or brushed out immediately as this stain is a very quick drying material.
Filler
THE pores, or cells, of the wood fibre must be filled to give an even surface when finished, and as a smooth finish is desired on most furniture, it follows that we must use filler. There are two kinds of paste filler. One is new and is intended to be used under a lacquer finish. The oil paste filler, so common and used more than all other fillers, is a paste mixture of silex, or silica, ground with linseed oil, japan dryer, turpentine, and different colored pigments, such as the umbers and ochres. Paste fillers are made in both quick drying and slow drying goods. The quick drying filler will dry within three to four hours while the original oil paste filler requires overnight drying before coating. The tendency is toward an oil paste filler that will not be disturbed by the lacquer, but any filler that can be dissolved by toluol or xylol (two coal tar solvents used extensively in lacquers for cutting gums) will always give trouble and require longer time for drying. For this reason it is advisable before using to test out all fillers, to see if the lacquer will dry clear over them.
