Printing
Printing mould surfaces is a process requiring more than ordinary judgment and dexterity on the part of the moulder to do it well. It is usually practised in foundries that make a specialty of fine register and stove-plate work, where the patterns are very thin, with more or less decorative work on their front surfaces. Any attempt to fasten the blacking on these surfaces successfully with the brush or tools is next to impossible, and it is certain that returning the pattern for that purpose is not only productive of better work, but more expeditious also. A heavy lead or charcoal that adheres well to the sand is first dusted over the surface and the dust allowed to subside. In the mean time the moulder has brushed his pattern, and perhaps warmed it a little; a dusting of lighter blacking is applied, and the pattern returned, rapped down, and withdrawn, leaving a thin coat of carbon evenly distributed on every part, and having no other blemishes than are contained in the pattern. See RETURN-FACING.