Mission furniture is rooted in the Arts & Crafts movement of the late 19th century. One of the oldest primary resources available on mission furniture is a Popular Mechanics handbook from 1909 titled “Mission Furniture: How to Make It” by H.H. Windsor. This book outlines detailed plans for constructing chairs, desks, shelves, and more.
The handbook also includes information on how to achieve various wood finishes, giving us a window into the past and helping us understand the techniques early mission furniture craftsmen used to create the timeless appearance we still enjoy today.
However, if you decide to follow Windsor’s advice, just know you do so at your own risk — we can’t vouch for all the methods the book describes, and the instructions are far from comprehensive. Not all these wood finishing techniques may be safe or effective without specialized expertise.
True Mission Oak Stain
According to Windsor, the “true mission oak stain” is a dull gray with reddish flakes and almost-black grain. This look can be achieved with a mixture of black and pink pigments, oil, japan drier, and turpentine.
Flemish Finish
Flemish oak was one of the most popular “fancy oaks” in 1909. Windsor recommends filling the wood with a paste filler strained with raw umber and, once it’s dry, applying a stain made from transparent flat raw umber. For darker shades, a drop of black pigment can be added to the stain.
Mahoganizing
To create a finish that looks like mahogany, the handbook recommends rubbing diluted nitric acid into the wood, then using a brush to apply a stain made with dragon’s blood (a type of resin) and sodium carbonate dissolved in alcohol. Multiple coats can be applied. Rubbing the wood with a bit of raw linseed oil can add extra luster and shine.
Linseed Oil
For craftsmen on a budget, the book recommends mixing equal parts of boiled linseed oil and asphaltum varnish, brushing it on, removing the excess with a rag, and applying a coat of varnish.
Filling Oak
Two parts turpentine, one part raw linseed oil, and a bit of japan drier can make a “very good” hardwood filler for oak. After applying a coat of filler, let it stand until it turns gray, then rub it off with a rag. To show off the wood grain and give it a golden effect, you can apply a coat of burnt umber stain prior to the filler.
Wax Finishing
For wax-finishing softer woods, first apply a stain, then a liquid filler or shellac. Two parts melted wax and one art turpentine can be rubbed vigorously into the wood with stiff bristles or a woolen rag to produce an eggshell gloss effect.
Often, waxing open-grained wood will show white streaks in the pores. To minimize this effect, use black wax instead. While artisans in 1909 had access to black wax, they could also make their own by melting floor wax, adding a drop of black pigment, and allowing the wax to cool and harden. Windsor promises that this wax won’t streak but give a smooth, glossy finish.
Oak Fuming
Ammonia fuming can be difficult and dangerous, but according to Windsor, “Darkened oak always has a better appearance when fumed with ammonia.” The ammonia doesn’t actually make contact with the wood — instead, a small saucer of it is placed in an airtight container, with the wood suspended above it. After a few days, the fumes will create a dark or grayish color. The wood should be waxed afterward, not varnished.
Additional Wood Finishes
If you’re a mission furniture purist, you’re free to stick with the old-fashioned wood finishes, but it has been well over a century since mission furniture originated. Thanks to modern innovations in manufacturing and materials, there are now endless options for wood finishes that contemporary Arts & Crafts artisans did not have access to.
To learn more about modern wood finishing techniques and how they compare to the historic methods recommended in the 1909 handbook, check out another one of our blog posts, “Exploring Modern Wood Finishing Techniques for Mission Furniture“.
The Timeless Beauty of Mission Furniture
At Sugar House Furniture, we celebrate the traditional techniques pioneered by long-ago craftsmen. Each of our heirloom-quality furniture pieces is created with timeless beauty in mind, reminiscent of the past while also suiting modern interiors. To see what we have to offer, come visit us in Salt Lake City, Utah, or browse our website. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
