Probably the majority of metal articles made by the amateur are of iron or brass, and finishes for these vary considerably. Dealing first with the former, it may be said that there are few finishes that can be applied, or that would look well on rough iron. In every case it is presumed that some sort of preliminary finish has been imparted to the surface of the iron. This is not difficult to do; for some of the after-finishes to be superimposed, even the merest amateur with the most limited range of tools and appliances can obtain a suitable base for the final touch if only he knows what to do. After filing up or turning is all done the application of emery with a little energy will bring a very fair polish. Two or three grades of emery are necessary, finishing with the finest according to the degree of brightness necessary.

A very nice finish on this can be got by blacking all over with a mixture of lamp black and methylated spirit, brought to a consistency of cream. Apply lightly, but enough to give a clear black surface over all. When this is quite dry rub through the black with finest emery or a piece of rough leather on the prominent portions ol the article until the bright polished iron shows through, clearly in the centre, but dying away gradually until merging into the black. Then lacquer all over with colourless celluloid lacquer.

A better way to get a similar but improved finish of the same character is obtained in the following way. First obtain some silver or aluminium bron/.e powder, and mix this with celluloid lacquer which must be colourless. Apply with a brush evenly over the prominent parts of the article, that is, where the bright relief was given in the process previously described. When this is thoroughly dry, cover all over with the lampblack and methylated spirit, and again leave to dry. Then with a soft leather- this time-rub gently through the black on the prominent parts, being careful not to disturb the white bronze powder, bearing in mind the directions previously given for this part of the process. Then lacquer as before.

A very good preservative finish for iron goods, at present very popular, is by means of bronzing powder mixed with celluloid lacquer. There are various colours of these powders, and different degrees of fineness. The best for this purpose is the finest. Some makers excel in this, and these are the ones to patronise. The powder is mixed with the lacquer, and applied with a brush smoothly and evenly over the surface. If, when dry, the articles are quickly dipped in clear lacquer, and as rapidly shaken free of the surplus, then put in a warm place free from dust to dry, this finish is very durable, and easily kept clean by mere dusting.

There are many more finishes for iron, but the above are some within the reach of every amateur mechanic, entailing little expense, easily obtainable, and pleasing in results. The remainder of the space at command must be devoted to detailing some similarly good and easy finishes for brasswork. A softer metal, this may be more easily brought to a fine polish by the amateur situated similarly to those just considered in the case of the iron finishes. Nearly all modern and popular finishes on brass require a high degree of polish. This can be brought about either by hand or on a lathe. In the latter case mops are required. However, for the mechanic at home polishing by means of emery exactly as described for the ironwork, is always possible, but in the case of some finishes this is not enough. A higher degree of polish can be obtained by means of leather and crocus, or whiting, moistened with paraffin. If this is followed by rouge on a soft leather the highest degree of polish may be reached.

Now, in the case of satin finish this high polish may be regarded by the novice as a waste of time, because in the process it is considerably dimmed. It is essential, however, to form a texture, which is as important as the colour of the finish. This high polish is then broken up by means of a fine brass wire scratch brush. These can be bought for use by hand, and for this finish are very useful, because they can be utilised in an extremely efficient way. After lightly scratching the surface all over, the brushing takes a flogging form. This means the metal is struck lightly all over, breaking up the surface evenly, leaving neither the high polish nor long lines from the previous scratchbrushing. When well done, a smooth, satin-like surface results. This is assisted to mature if fine pumice powder is used in water with a brush. A good clear lacquer coloured, scarcely perceptibly, with a little green aniline dye, soluble in spirit, is applied when drying out is done, and afterwards the articles are put in a warm place to set hard.

On this finish a fine bronzed effect can be obtained by mixing some srood lead with a little tur-pentine, and brushing over lightly, recesses and hollows together, with all but the centres of flat and raised portions of the surface. Leave to dry, then with a soft leather tone down the edges of this black, blending the brighter brass with the black by degrees, rubbing off the darker part as required. Avoid any sharp lines of demarcation, but leave hollows and recesses to retain their deepest black. When done dip the articles in colourless lacquer, or brush this over, whichever is most convenient, and place in a warm place to harden.