Polishes For Pianos.—
| I.— | Alcohol, 95 per cent | 300 parts |
|---|---|---|
| Benzol | 700 parts | |
| Gum benzoin | 8 parts | |
| Sandarac | 16 parts |
Mix and dissolve. Use as French polish.
| II.— | Beeswax | 2,500 parts |
|---|---|---|
| Potassium carbonate | 25 parts | |
| Oil of turpentine | 4,000 parts | |
| Water, rain or distilled | 4,500 parts |
Dissolve the potassium carbonate in 1,500 parts of the water and in the solution boil the wax, shaved up, until the latter is partially saponified, replacing the water as it is driven off by evaporation. When this occurs remove from the fire and stir until cold. Now add the turpentine little by little, and under constant agitation, stirring until a smooth, homogeneous emulsion is formed. When this occurs add the remainder of the water under constant stirring. If a color is wanted use alkanet root, letting it macerate in the oil of turpentine before using the latter (about an ounce to the quart is sufficient). This preparation is said to be one of the best polishes known. The directions are very simple: First wash the surface to be polished, rinse, and dry. Apply the paste as evenly and thinly as possible over a portion of the surface, then rub off well with a soft woolen cloth.
Polishes For Silverware.
| I.— | White lead | 5 parts |
|---|---|---|
| Chalk, levigated | 20 parts | |
| Magnesium carbonate | 2 parts | |
| Aluminum oxide | 5 parts | |
| Silica | 3 parts | |
| Jewelers’ rouge | 2 parts |
Each of the ingredients must be reduced to an impalpable powder, mixed carefully, and sifted through silk several {597} times to secure a perfect mixture, and to avoid any possibility of leaving in the powder anything that might scratch the silver or gold surface. This may be left in the powder form, or incorporated with soap, made into a paste with glycerine, or other similar material. The objection to mixtures with vaseline or greasy substances is that after cleaning the object must be scrubbed with soap and water, while with glycerine simple rinsing and running water instantly cleans the object. The following is also a good formula:
| II.— | Chalk, levigated | 2 parts |
|---|---|---|
| Oil of turpentine | 4 parts | |
| Stronger ammonia water | 4 parts | |
| Water | 10 parts |
Mix the ammonia and oil of turpentine by agitation, and rub up the chalk in the mixture. Finally rub in the water gradually or mix by agitation. Three parts each of powdered tartaric acid and chalk with 1 part of powdered alum make a cheap and quick silver cleaning powder.