Historic Varnishes & Finishes: Japanning & Oil Finishing

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• introduction to the japanning process
• nature and production of European and Oriental lacquers
• choosing tools and materials
• the gesso ground
• making paint and varnish
• practical lacquering and polishing
• decoration and gilding
• application of a range of oil finishes

• prepare gesso grounds for application of a decorated surface
• mix lacquer and pigment in readiness for application
• apply coloured lacquer layers
• decorate and polish the lacquered surface
• select and apply oil varnishes