A flat finish may be secured by using what is termed a "flat varnish." In the use of a flat varnish, two coats are required, the first being a gloss varnish. About 50 per cent of these varnishes contain a large percentage of wax over which you cannot apply at any future time paint or varnish, as neither will adhere permanently to a wax surface. The use of some of these flat varnishes is commendable, especially in producing certain results on natural hardwoods.
Graining is practically becoming a lost art, owing to the general use of hardwoods. Where the work is well done, this specification should produce splendid results. Some painters may not agreed with me in the number of coats and manner of mixing the ground coating; let them try it, and they will find no cracking or crazing of their varnish; but of course the varnish must be good, and undercoating perfectly dry.
Woods best adapted to painting and graining are birch, cherry, maple, poplar, and white pine.
Natural Finish for New Interior Softwoods All woodwork shall be thoroughly gone over, cleaned up, and sandpapered where necessary, after which apply one coat of white shellac and two coats of a good wearing body varnish, the last coat to be evenly flowed on. After shellacing, close up all nail-holes and other imperfections with putty colored to match wood, being careful to rub off any surplus putty. Sandpaper thoroughly between coats. (See Note 15.) NOTE 15—This would apply to white pine, poplar, yellow pine, cypress, etc. Sometimes a flat finish is required; in that case, specify rubbing with oil and pumice stone to a dull even finish. I do not recommend close rubbing on two coats of varnish, as it must be kept in mind that close rubbing will practically remove one coat of varnish. I do not recommend any rubbing for servants' quarters, nor yet for the average medium job.
The natural color of these woods is sometimes an objection. In that case I add a "touch" of burnt sienna, or burnt and raw sienna, to the first coat of varnish, not sufficient to produce a stain, simply giving the wood a warm pleasing glow, removing the harshness of the natural color.