Silvering and Gilding by Powdered Tin.

The Scientific American 33, 6.5.1848

For the Scientifis American.

A quantity of pure tin is melted and poured into a box, which is then violently shaken, the metal assumes when cold the form of a very fine gray powder. This is sifted to separate any coarse particles, and is mixed with melted glue. When it is to be applied it should be reduced by the addition of water to the consistence of thin cream and is laid on with a soft brush like paint. It appears when dry like a coat of gray water color, but when its gone over with an agate burnisher, it exhibits a bright surface of polished tin. If the glue is too strong the burnisher has no effect, and if too weak the tin crumbles off under the burnisher A coating of white or gold colored oil varnish or lacquer, is immediately laid over it, according as it may be intended to imitate silvering or gilding. This kind of gild ing is often used for covering wood, leather, iron or other articles in constant wear. It is very ornamental and resists the effects the weather.