New publication RECIPE BOOK OF HISTORICAL VARNISHES

Recipe book of historical varnishes
Jaromír Tulka

This book focuses on the chemistry and technology of historical varnishes, with an emphasis on the period from the 16th to the 19th century. The issues are systematically divided into the terminology, history and concept of historical varnishes, as well as a brief description of the raw materials used for production in that period. Significantly, varnishes are subdivided according to the solvents and film-forming media used, with emphasis on natural oils, gums, resins, pigments, dyes, and drying agents. The main body of the book is a recipe book containing a compilation of more than 200 recipes for the production of the basic groups of historical varnishes, namely alcohol, turpentine and oil varnishes, including recipes for the preparation of ferments, varnish paints and polishes. The book is intended for manufacturers, dealers, craftsmen and amateur users of paints and varnishes, workers focused on the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects, and finally for the general public and other interested parties.