Here are my Stanley No 5, 6 & 7 all Japaned in the Aga 
Number 5 was a learning curve and really could do to be done again.
Number 6 was pretty good for the second attempt, even though I say it myself.
Number 7 perfection 
Better job than Stanley ever did.
How did I do it? Well I started Here I found it a pretty good guide of how to do it.
A recipe…
asphaltum, 2 lbs.
boiled linseed oil, 1/2 pint
spirits of turpentine, 1 gallon;
Mix the ashhaltum & boiled linseed oil first in an iron pot, boil slowly until the asphaltum is melted, then take it some distance from the fire, cool a little, and add the turpentine (avoiding ignition) before it cools too much, and it is finished. It might look quite brown at first but it will darken with age and when more coats that are applied.
Asphalum Suppliers
Early history of Japaning
Click Here
More interesting reading & recipes HERE
