thoroughly nor so easily. Besides, brushes should never be put away after a rinsing-out in turpentine alone. It not only make the hairs brittle, but rarely entirely removes the color. If a brush, having been used in blue, for instance, is not thoroughly washed until divested of every trace of blue, be dipped in Carmine No. 1, a tinge of blue will inevitably be imparted, that will effectually destroy the purity of the carmine. This may not be notice before firing, but as blue is a strong color it will be quite perceptible afterwards.
If alcohol is not convenient, turpentine will do, to clean palette and knife ; but soap and warm water must be resorted to for brushes.
Alcohol does the same work, with less labor and more dispatch.
It cannot be to strongly urged that cleanliness and neatness in all the details and appurtenances of china-painting are of paramount importance.
Every accessory must be kept scrupulously clean, and nothing can accomplish this so quickly and with such ease as alcohol. As alcohol evaporates very quickly, it should be kept tightly corked ; and a good plan is to keep a wide-necked bottle especially in which to clean brushes. It should be sufficiently large to admit the brush. The color settles at the bottom, and the alcohol always remains clear and clean.
Next Chapter is on Palettes.
