| The first step in mixing paint is to choose the formula | | | | the linseed oil for in the formula, and finally the |
| that fits your requirements most closely. At this time, | | | | turpentine or other thinner. The paint is now ready |
| decide whether the conditions of the job are so | | | | for straining. Besides removing skins and other foreign |
| exceptional as to require modification of the formula. | | | | substances, straining completely incorporates the |
| If the wood to be painted is extremely resinous or | | | | pigment with the oil. As a result the paint becomes |
| extremely dry, then be sure to decrease or increase | | | | finer and its brushing qualities are improved. To strain |
| the proportion of linseed oil. If the painting is to be | | | | the paint properly, tie a double thickness of |
| done in localities close to the seacoast, 15% to 20% | | | | cheesecloth over a clean empty pail. Pour the paint |
| of zinc white should be added to white lead, reducing | | | | over the cheesecloth, stirring it with a brush. The |
| the amount of white lead accordingly. | | | | paint will go through, leaving skins and dirt on the |
| The addition of zinc white prevents chalking of the | | | | cloth. |
| paint, and makes a harder surface. The secret of | | | | If there is much un-dissolved matter resting at the |
| success in preparing paint is thorough mixing. Both | | | | bottom of the strainer, remove it with the brush to |
| white lead and zinc white are commonly sold in the | | | | allow the paint to go through and proceed until all the |
| form of a paste, which consists of the mineral | | | | paint is strained. Remove the cheesecloth and the |
| pigment, in addition to the linseed oil in which it was | | | | paint is ready for use on your new bathroom cabinet, |
| ground. Such pastes are thick and heavy. They | | | | bookshelf, bathroom vanity, or bathroom sink. |
| require considerable effort to incorporate them with | | | | In case it has been decided to add zinc white to the |
| the other paint ingredients. The most practical | | | | formula, as recommended above for localities near |
| procedure is to secure a sturdy paddle and a | | | | the seacoast, be sure to break, up the zinc white |
| container large enough to hold at least twice the | | | | paste in a separate container from the one used for |
| amount to be mixed. | | | | breaking up the white lead. This is necessary, |
| No matter how much paint you need, it is highly | | | | because zinc paste requires more oil to thin it to |
| unadvisable to use a steam shower or bathtub for | | | | working consistency. After the two have been |
| this purpose, as the bathtub drain would hinder your | | | | blended with the oil, they may be mixed together, |
| mixing capabilities. There are vats created specifically | | | | and the other ingredients added as suggested for the |
| for mixing paint, so it is recommended that you use | | | | preparation of white-lead paint. |
| those instead. Transfer the white lead to your | | | | In order to obtain a dead flat paint for interior |
| container, add a small amount of the linseed oil (about | | | | finishes or enamel undercoat from white lead, |
| 1 pt. to 100 lbs.), and work the oil in thoroughly, by | | | | substitute turpentine in place of oil for breaking up |
| vigorous use of the paddle. | | | | the lead. Let this stand overnight. The next day it will |
| After the oil has been well incorporated in the lead, | | | | be found that the oil contained in the white lead will |
| add another small amount of oil and proceed as | | | | have risen to the top; pour off this oil, which will of |
| before. Continue working in this manner until a heavy, | | | | course take the turpentine with it, and proceed to |
| creamy paste, free from lumps, has been formed. At | | | | mix with fresh turpentine. Though new technology |
| this point the tinting colors are added, unless of | | | | and machines have made mixing a lot easier, it can |
| course, the paint is to be white. They are now | | | | still be a tedious process. |
| prepared for mixing by adding to them a little linseed | | | | Having some sort of relaxation routine in swim spa or |
| oil or turpentine, just enough to form a thin paste. | | | | Jacuzzi can help ease your mind after you are done. |
| This color paste is then added slowly to the | | | | To obtain the best results in house painting, it is |
| white-lead-linseed-oil paste, with thorough stirring | | | | important to follow an order of work which has been |
| after each addition of color. | | | | found most practical. The rule is to start painting at |
| It is important to take this precaution, as paint that is | | | | the highest point in this structure and to work |
| colored too intensely will take much white to lighten | | | | downward. If the roof is to be painted or stained, |
| it. If two or more tinting colors are used, add them in | | | | this job should be done first of all. |
| alternate installments, so it is easy to correct an | | | | Then the body of the house is painted, and after |
| excess of any one color. This is especially ugly in | | | | that has been completed, the windows, railings, |
| elegant rooms, with a fixture such as a steam sauna | | | | posts, trim, and doors are painted. The porch floors |
| or infrared sauna for infrared or steam sauna | | | | and steps are left until the last. If the cornice is |
| therapy. After the white-lead-linseed-oil paste has | | | | beaded or carved, it should be painted before the |
| been colored, add the drier slowly and stir it | | | | body of the house, to avoid soiling the new work. |
| thoroughly. | | | | The remote parts of porch railings and fences should |
| Continue the stirring and add, in order, the balance of | | | | be painted before coating the outer facings. |