Kōrero: Kauri gum and gum digging

Varnish

Varnish

One of the prime uses of kauri gum was in varnish. In the late 1800s, it had two distinct advantages over other resins. It held its colour better and, because it had a lower melting point, it was easier and safer to handle. By the early 1900s, much quality furniture – such as this table – was being finished with kauri gum varnishes. Only the highest grades of gum were suitable.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

The Kauri Museum, Matakohe

Permission must be obtained from The Kauri Museum before this image is stored, reproduced, or altered in any form for any purpose.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Te tuhi tohutoro mō tēnei whārangi:

Carl Walrond, 'Kauri gum and gum digging - Origin and early uses', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/mi/photograph/12952/varnish (accessed 24 April 2024)

He kōrero nā Carl Walrond, i tāngia i te 24 Sep 2007