New Method od Coloring Woods.

Manufacturer and builder 7, 1879

A German paper lately published the following directions for giving colors to wools: "The surface to be smeared with a strong solution of permanganate of potash, which is left on a longer or shorter time according to the shade required. The woody fiber decomposes the permanganate, precipitating protoxid of manganese, which is fixed in the fiber by the potash, set free. In most cases five minutes suffice for the operation. Cherry and peartree wood are most easily attacked, but a few experiments will serve to show the most favorable circumstances. When the action is excited the wood is carefully washed, dried, and afterwards polished in the ordinary way. The effect of this treatment on many woods is said to be surpriding, particularly on cherry wood, to which a very beautiful reddish tone is communicated. The color is in all cases permanent in light and air."