Stains. Stains of almost any desired color and composition may be purchased, but in the following paragraphs an endeavor is made to explain the composition of a few stains which may be easily made by any one.

In finishing open-grained woods, the wood is often stained and then filled, as it is thereby colored more evenly; but upon general work, it is the custom to color the filling only. Stains for close-grained woods may be made by mixing dry colors with turpentine, boiled oil, and japan, - the same combination as the filler, except that the whiting is not used. A stain should be applied in the same way as a filler, but not allowed to become so hard before being wiped off, or there will be light places in the finish; these will also result if it is rubbed too hard in spots.

A cherry stain may be made by mixing Venetian red with rose pink. For mahogany, add a little carmine. Burnt umber makes a fairly good black walnut stain, but it is improved by adding a little burnt sienna. As-phaltum, thinned to the desired color, makes a good and convenient black walnut stain.

Equal parts of permanganate of potash and sulphate of magnesia, dissolved in water, will make a rich brown stain, though it will after several years fade to a light brown. Better results may be obtained if the stain is applied hot. Verdigris and indigo, mixed in hot vinegar, makes a good green; several coats may be necessary. Apply hot. A solution of logwood and sulphate of iron will make a good brownish black. This should also be applied hot.