Waterproofing for Fish Lines
Dissolve ¹⁄₂ oz. of orange shellac in ¹⁄₂ pt. of alcohol, and add 1 teaspoonful of Venice turpentine, the same quantity of raw linseed oil, and 2 oz. tincture of benzoin. Shake well, and set in a varnish can in hot water.
Soak the coiled line in the varnish for two hours, then hang it up to dry. Thin the varnish with alcohol, and repeat the dipping. When the line is dry, rub it down well with a wool rag greased with tallow. Silk lines treated in this manner are pliable, and the fibers of the silk are so united by the varnish that the strength of the line is almost doubled.