Page:Cyclopedia of Painting-Armstrong, George D (1908).djvu/228

220 one coat is desired, the second coat can be applied of the same paint mixed to a heavier consistency; however, one coat is usually sufficient over old paint. It is not necessary to apply extra coats if the color used is of a similar shade to the old paint. A well covered surface can be made with one coat. Avoid applying more paint than is absolutely necessary to produce a solid finish.

Gloss Finish. If the work is to be refinished in gloss, clean the surface and sandpaper or rub with steel wool to a smooth surface, then apply one coat of enamel or gloss finish as directed for new work, finishing coat.

Flat and Enamel Finish. If the work has received two or three coats of oil paint which have dried solid without signs of cracking or checking, it can be repainted with fair results if first sandpapered smoothly, then covered with a coat of paint mixed flat. When this is hard dry, apply a second coat if necessary; however, if the one coat will produce a satisfactory finish, it is all that should be applied. If an enamel finish is wanted over this same surface, the enamel can be applied over the flat color. The first enamel coat should be reduced with a pint of turpentine to a gallon of enamel. When hard, rub the surface with fine steel wool to cut the gloss and level the surface, then apply a smooth, even coat of enamel, using a full brush and flowing on the enamel. This can be rubbed or left in a gloss finish.

If the work is to be painted or enameled white and the surface has received numerous coats of oil paint and good results are expected, the old paint will have to be removed. Then the surface, if thoroughly cleaned and sandpapered, will be in good condition to receive paint and should be treated in the same manner as new work which has not been sized.

To enamel over a varnished surface, it is very necessary to remove all of the varnish. The ground work for enamel should be built up with a portion of the enamel or a good