Hello Hi, I am trying to make the recipe written in the book – “Making Authentic Shaker Furniture”( by John G. Shea), Chapter IV / Shaker Furniture Finishing / To Color Blue on Wood
Here is the part that I absolutely can’t translate:
“…When used put a quantity sufficient into pure water and add Pearlast…”
What is Pearlast ? No definition or trace on the internet ? Does the product translate differently in 2023 ? Thanks in advance.”
Replies
A reference to a highgloss additive I would imagine. There are "pearl"varnishes.
Could that be a typo? Pearlash is a leavener used in baking. Perlast appears to be some kind of polymer.
It is indeed pearlash, not pearlast.
It's an alkaline compound, and a crude form of potassium carbonate. Sometimes lye or potash was used instead.
Some old finish recipes used pearlash in various stains. It's most notable use was probably in bleaching seedlac, to create a very clear shellac.
So, potash....burned wood... alkaline to make soap etc. Everyone probably had some back in the day.
Of course ! Thank you very much for all your answers; they will help me make this 180-year-old recipe ! ;)
Let us know how it goes. I'm always interested when someone recreates an original recipe.
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