There is little trouble in preparing the stain, and its application differs but slightly from painting.

Directions For Staining

In preparing any of the tinctures, it is of importance to powder or mash all the dry stuffs previous to dissolving or macerating them, and to purify all the liquids by filtration before use. It will be better for inexperienced hands to coat twice or three times with a weak stain than only once with a very strong one, as by adopting the first mode a particular tint may be gradually effected, whereas, by pursuing the latter course, an irremediable discolorization may be the result. Coarse pieces of carving, spongy end, and cross-grained woods, should be previously prepared for the reception of stain; this is best done by putting on a thin layer of varnish, letting it dry, and then sand-papering it completely off gain. Fine work merely requires to be oiled and slightly rubbed with the finest sand-paper. Thus prepared, the woody fiber is enabled to take on the stain more regularly, and to attain a high degree of smoothness. Stains may be applied with a good brush or with a woolen rag or sponge.

How To Stain Walnut

Use burnt umber and linseed oil, apply with a brush, and when dry sand-paper again and apply more stain. When the desired stain is made, varnish. A quick stain may be made by using water or thin glue instead of oil. This stain is not durable.

Another

Water 1 qt., washing soda 1 1/2 oz., Vandyke brown 2 1/2 oz., bichromate of potash 1/4 oz. Boil for 10 minutes, and apply with a brush, in either a hot or cold stain.

Black Stain

Boil 1 lb. of logwood in 4 qts. of water, add a double handful of walnut peel or shells; boil it up again, take out the chips, add a pint of the best vinegar, and it will be fit for use; apply it boiling. This will be improved, if, when dry, a solution of green copperas, an ounce to a quart of water, is applied hot over the first stain.

Black Stains For Immediate Use

Boil 1/2 lb. of chip logwood in 2 qts. of water, add 1 oz. of pearlash, and apply it hot to the work with a brush. Then take 1/2 lb. of logwood, boil it as before in 2 qts. of water, and add 1/2 oz. of verdigris and 1/2 oz. of copperas; strain it off, put in 1/2 lb. of rusty steel filings; with this go over the work a second time.

Ebony Stains

Stain work with the black stain, adding powdered nutgall to the logwood and copperas solution, dry, rub down well, oil, then use French polish made tolerably dark with indigo, or finely-powdered stone-blue.

Cherry Stain

Soft water 3 qts., annotto 4 oz.; boil in a copper kettle till the annotto is dissolved, put in a piece of potash the size of a walnut; simmer over the fire about half an hour longer, and it is ready to bottle for use.