Russian furniture treated with “strong vodka”

Abstract

The paper continues a series of articles on the study of materials and technologies used in the production and restoration of Russian furniture in the 19th century. It is dedicated to the technique of wood surface treatment by “strong vodka”. References to the furniture treated in this manner are often found in archival documents describing the Russian furniture of the first half of the 19th century. Currently, the term “strong vodka” is used in another sense, and the technology of wood treatment is forgotten. Archival documents were analyzed and laboratory studies were conducted to examine the old technology. In the 19th century the term “strong vodka” meant nitric acid. Treatment with this substance the surface of light wood allows for deep stain and emphasizing its texture. Knowledge of the technology will give us a better idea of the character of this period’s furniture and will help restorers in working with surfaces finished by “strong vodka”.

Keywords:

furniture, strong vodka, nitric acid, etching, restoration