XLIX. The true receipt of the English varnish, such as in that country is laid on sticks and artificial-made canes.

Valuable Secrets concerning Arts and Trades:
or Approved Directions, from the best Artists, for the Various Methods...
Printed by Thomas Hubbard,
Norwich, 1795Chap. III. Secrets for the composition of Varnishes, &c.


Smoothen and polish well your sticks; then, rub them, or your artificial made canes, with a paste made of flour. Then, having diluted, in water, a discretionable quantity of Flemish glue, and red orpine, give one coat of this, very smooth and equal, to your sticks. If, after this is dry, you do not think it sufficient, give them another, and let them dry. Then, give them a third coat, of clear varnish, made with turpentine and spirit of wine. After this is done, put a soaking, in an equal quantity of water and chamber-lye, some turnsol cut very small. With this colour you touch your sticks, or canes, here and there with a hair brush. Then, holding them perpendicular, on their small ends, between both your hands, you roll them quick and brisk, (as when you mill chocolate), in contrary senses. This operation gives them a negligent and naturallike marbling, over which you are to lay another coat of varnish, and set them to dry.