Page:Cyclopedia of Painting-Armstrong, George D (1908).djvu/223

Rh exterior work, more oil can be used for building up the ground work than for interior. However, if the work is to be varnished, most of the oil should be cut out. A great many painters prefer not to varnish exterior work, but apply a coat of oil, rub off with a soft cloth and let the work remain with this finish. Where varnished work is used on the exterior, the graining should be done in distemper if possible, or the oil graining color should be allowed to stand until thoroughly hard before applying the varnish; this insures against blistering and cracking.

Floors. Where the priming can be allowed to stand a sufficient time to thoroughly harden, the paint can be mixed with half turpentine and half oil. Where time will not permit, 2-3 turpentine and 1-3 oil should be used. Floor paint should dry hard, remembering that the priming or foundation coat is very important. After hard dry, putty and apply a second coat of paint mixed with 2-3 turpentine and 1-3 copal or mixing varnish. This will dry hard with a slight gloss. Sandpaper and dust off and apply a coat of the same shade mixed with 2-3 varnish and 1-3 flat color. This will dry with a good gloss and can be used without fear of scratching or peeling if the varnish used is of good grade. After the floors have been used and have become somewhat worn, they can be renewed by washing clean and applying a thin coat of floor finish. This can be repeated as often as the floor shows wear.

Where it is possible, the wood should be stained before being nailed to the wall or as soon as the carpenter has finished dressing. This will save time and labor in finishing. The stain should be of thin consistency so as to penetrate into the wood and not remain in spots on the surface. Allow the stain to remain on the wood a short time, then wipe off with a cloth to even up the work. On very soft pine,