THE ART OF DYEING AND STAINING MARBLE, ARTIFICIAL STONE, BONE, HORN, IVORY AND WOOD, AND OF IMITATING ALL SORTS OF WOOD. A Practical Handbook for the Use of Joiners, Turners, Manufacturers of Fancy Goods, Stick and Umbrella Makers, Comb Makers, etc. Translated from the German of D. H. Soxhlet, Technical Chemist. Crown 8vo. 168 pp. 1902. Price 5s. ; India and Colonies, 5s. 6d. ; Other Countries, 6s. ; net. Contents: Preface. — Introduction. — Chapters I., Mordants and Stains: Acids, Alkalies, Iron Salts, Copper Salts, Aluminium Salts, Chromium Salts, Tin Salts, Lead Salts, Manganese Salts, Silver and Gold Salts. — II., Natural Dyes : Redwood, Red Sandalwood, Madder, Orchil, Cudbear, Lac-Dye, Cochineal, Saffron, Annatto, Safflower, Fustic, Fustet, Quercitron, Flavin, Turmeric, Weld and its substitutes, Persian Berries, Barberry Root, Indigo, Logwood, Cutch, Galls, Sumach, Knoppem. — III., Artificial Pigments: White Lead, Naples Yellow, Red Lead, Smalts, Ultra-Manne, Cinnabar, Prussian Blue, Orpiment, Realgar, Chrome Green, Chrome Yellow, Chrome Red, Chrome Orange, Mosaic Gold, Green Mineral Colours, Red Ochres, Rouge, Cadmium Yellow. — IV., Coal Tar Dyes : Reds, Yellows and Oranges, Blues, Violets, Greens, Browns, Grey and Black — Aniline Dyes Soluble in Fat : Resinate Colours, Aniline Lakes. — V., Staining Marble and Artificial Stone : Red, Violet, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Black, Execution of Parti-Coloured Designs. — VI., Dyeing, Bleaching and Imitation of Bone, Horn and Ivory — Bone Bleaching — Dyeing Bone: Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, Violet, Green, Grey and Brown — Horn, Bleachmg and Whitening — Dyeing Black, Grey, Brown, Blue, Green, Violet and Red — Imitation of Tortoiseshell for Combs: Yellows, Dyeing Nuts. — Ivory: Dyeing Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, Violet, Green, Grey and Brown — Further Remarks on Ivory Dyeing. — VII., Wood Dyeing : Black, Grey, Brown, Violet, Blue, Red, Yellow, Green — Imitation of Mahogany : Dark Walnut, Oak, Birch-Bark, Elder-Marquetry, Walnut, Walnut-Marquetry, Mahogany Spanish Mahogany, Palisander and Rose Wood, Tortoiseshell, Oak, Ebony, Pear Tree — Black Dyeing Processes with Penetrating Colours. — VIII., Varnishes and Polishes: English Furniture Polish, Vienna Furniture Polish, Amber Varnish, Copal Varnish, Composition for Preserving Furniture.
Key Takeaways
- Various mordants and stains are used to achieve different colors on wood.
- Natural dyes such as madder, cochineal, and indigo can be used for coloring.
- Artificial pigments like Prussian blue and chrome yellow provide vibrant hues.
Practical Tips
- Use mordants to enhance the adhesion of dyes to the wood surface.
- Experiment with different natural and artificial pigments to achieve desired colors.
- Apply varnishes and polishes for protection and a finished look after dyeing.
Warnings & Risks
- Be cautious when handling chemicals like lead salts, which can be toxic if ingested or inhaled.
- Ensure proper ventilation when working with volatile solvents used in dyeing processes.
- Avoid direct skin contact with dyes; use gloves and protective clothing to prevent irritation.
Modern Application
While the techniques described in this chapter are rooted in historical practices, many of the principles still apply today. Modern woodworkers can benefit from understanding these methods for creating unique finishes or imitations. However, safety precautions have been significantly improved since then, especially regarding chemical handling and environmental protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of mordants are used in dyeing wood?
The chapter mentions several types of mordants including acids, alkalies, iron salts, copper salts, aluminum salts, chromium salts, tin salts, lead salts, and manganese salts.
Q: How can one achieve a black color on wood using natural dyes?
The chapter suggests using substances like logwood, galls, sumach, and knoppem for achieving a black color on wood through dyeing processes.
Q: What are some artificial pigments mentioned in the text that can be used to dye wood?
Artificial pigments such as Prussian blue, chrome green, chrome yellow, and mosaic gold are mentioned as options for coloring wood.