Method of Operating.—The sulphuric acid is mixed with the alcohol, and left for an hour in contact, shaking from time to time. Afterwards the amyl acetate is added, and left in contact for another hour under similar agitation. In case of the employment of vaseline oil and lavender oil, these two are mingled in ether alcohol. The base is introduced and left in contact for 24 hours, with frequent agitation. The fluidity of the product is augmented by increasing the quantity of the solvent.
Properties.—Wood covered with this coating is fireproof, non-hygrometric, and refractory to the electric current. It also resists the action of acids and alkalies. Metals covered with it are sheltered from oxidation, and effectually insulated on their surface from the electric current. The coating is liquid in form, and applied like collodions, either by the brush or by immersion or other suitable method.
Paint Deadening.
Another way is to add white wax instead of water to the last coating. This wax paint also gives a handsome dullness but is more difficult of treatment. A nice matt coating is also obtained by addition of Venetian soap, dissolved in water instead of the wax. This is very desirable for church decorations where exceptionally large surfaces are to be deadened.
Paint Dryers:
| I.— | Ordinary barytes | 25 pounds |
|---|---|---|
| Whiting | 4 pounds | |
| Litharge | 2 pounds | |
| Sulphate of zinc | 2 pounds | |
| Sugar of lead | 2 pounds | |
| Boiled linseed oil | 5 pounds | |
| Plaster of Paris | 1/2 pound | |
| II.— | Whiting | 16 pounds |
| Barytes | 16 pounds | |
| White lead | 3 pounds | |
| Boiled linseed oil | 3/4 gallon |
Paints For Gold And Gilding:
Gold Paints.
For making gold paint like the so-called “washable gold enamel” that is sold by the manufacturers at the present time, it is necessary to mix a celluloid varnish with the French flake bronze powder. This varnish is made by dissolving transparent celluloid in amyl acetate in the proportion of about 5 per cent of celluloid.
| Transparent celluloid, finely shredded | 1 ounce |
| Acetone, sufficient quantity. | |
| Amyl acetate to make 20 ounces. |