In this connection a good light is a prime requisite. Chairs and tables should be turned upside down so that the lower, not easily accessible parts can be coated first. In enameling it is very important to examine all vertical surfaces for runs or sags within the first five minutes, before the liquid hardens and becomes too tacky to smooth out with a wiped brush. This is particularly important around beading, carvings, and turnings where the brush may skip the valleys. Flat horizontal surfaces are left until last, with excess fluid eliminated by "crosshatching"-brushing first with the grain then across it. Finally, care must be exercised at all times that no coat is applied before the underneath one is completely dry. The rule to remember is: never finish over a glossy surface or attempt to sand one that is not hard dry. Decorative finishes for painted or enameled surfaces are discussed later in the chapter. opaque finishes As previously mentioned, the purpose of an opaque finish is to conceal the surfaces of woods deficient in grain patterns, or to hide inferior material, or even poor workmanship. Applied with brush or spray gun, these finishes run the gamut of color and sheen, from a high gloss enamel to flat paint, and may be decorated with decalcomanias, stencils, peasant painting, various novelty effects, or glazing. This socalled "painted furniture" has become justly popular in bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, rumpus rooms and nurseries, as well as on the outdoor porch or in the garden. Enamel Finish. Although a good grade of enamel will effectively resist mild heat, hot water, milk, fruit stains, and alcohol, unless specifically recommended hy the manufacturer, it is not intended for outdoor use. Enamels use varnish, lacquer, or a synthetic as a vehicle for their pigments. 3l6 FURNITURE MAKING AND CABINET WORK Varnish enamels, unlike paint, which must be thoroughly brushed out, are flowed on with the least possible brushwork. Usually used at can consistency, a varnish enamel may be thinned with varnish or turpentine. Enamels can be sprayed, particularly if heated, although with a suctionfeed gun on a small compression unit it may be necessary to dilute the mixture as it comes in the can. Pigmented lacquer (enamel) produces a very hard, durable, waterresistant film, which is quickdrying and therefore likely to be dustfree. Not suitable for brushing it is sprayed on after dilution with lacquer thinner. Since the lacquer, its thinner, and lacquer spray dust are highly inflammable, precautions are necessary to prevent combustion when spraying inside the shop. The installation of an exhaust fan should be seriously considered if extensive spraying operations are contemplated indoors. Synthetic enamels can be applied by either spray or brush with equal success. Made from a synthetic resin base they deposit a tough, weatherresistant film, which dries in from 4 to 6 hours unless accelerated by baking. Their solvents are supplied or specified by the manufacturer.