| Publisher | Year | ISBN |
| Sterling Publishing Company | 1995 | 0-8069-0512-3 |
Charles L. Driggs
I wish I had run across this book when it was first published, as negotiating the learning curve (as far I've gone) might have been easier. All the recent Porch questions about how to make dyes and finishes used by craftsmen of the 15-19th century just might be answered in this book. 125 pages of methods of making dyes or stains from roots, nuts, etc.; how to blend and apply spirit varnish; milk paint preparation and use; selection, blending and use of wax finishes; selecting and using traditional oil finishes; and fuming. Maybe the most surprising bit was 28 detailed pages devoted to the variety of ways to prepare for and use different styles of French polishing to achieve different effects, followed by 7 pages providing guidance on repair of a French polish finish. Even touches on use of hand planes and scrapers for surface prep. This is a Galootish book that sells for well above it's original retail price.