TO POLISH KAURI GUM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22277, 27 November 1935, Page 5

TO POLISH KAURI GUM

In regard to polishing kauri gum so that it will keep its shine, as asked for by a correspondent, M.H. writes to say that it is difficult to put a polish on to gum so that it will last indefinitely without destroying the gum's natural appearance and colour. She says, however, that painting over the gum with a thin coating of some colourless white varnish, after having first given the surface a good polish with some whiting and water, will be found to hold the polish a long time. If the gum is very rough to begin with, it will be necessary to polish with some fine emery powder and water before using the whiting. Another way is, after having first brought the surface to a good state of polish with emery and whiting (or rottenstone), to use a little olive oil, rubbing it well into the whole surface till the gum becomes warm to the touch. Give it a final polish with' some rottenstone and a little olive oil after bringing the surface to as good a polish as possible with emery. The rottenstono alone also is good. It is not mentioned if the gum to be treated is in a coarse, rough state, or already fairly burnished. In the former case it will be necessary first to wear it down with coarse emery powder and water, gradually reaching the finer state, finally using whiting or rottenstone.