110 PAINT TECHNOLOGY AND TESTS 



previous to the application of the priming coat, was the better 

 method. Panels Nos. 1 to 8 in each test were therefore shel- 

 lacked over the priming coat, while on all other panels the 

 shellacking was done directly on the bare wood previous to the 

 application of the priming coat of paint. 



Application of Paints. In order to determine just how much 

 paint was applied to each panel and to reckon the spreading rate 

 therefrom, careful weighings were made during the application 

 of every paint. This was carried out by placing a quart can of 

 paint as received, upon a laboratory balance, the gross weight 

 being taken and recorded. The can was shaken and its contents 

 transferred to a quart-size enameled cup where with the aid of 

 a paddle it was broken up into a mixture of even consistency. 

 A portion of this paint was then transferred to two small sample 

 cans carefully numbered with the formula number, for future 

 reference and analysis. The reduction of the paint was then 

 made. The brush used on the priming coat was placed with 

 the pot and the paint on the balance and the weight taken by 

 the official weigher. The pot was then given to the painter who 

 applied the priming coat to one panel. The brush, pot, and 

 paint were then handed back to the official weigher and the 

 difference in weight recorded. From these data could be reck- 

 oned the spreading rate of the formula applied. 



The drying of the panels was noted every few hours and 

 observations made to determine whether the paints were pene- 

 trating properly into the surface of the wood. A period of eight 

 days was allowed between each coat in order that thoroughly 

 hard setting might take place. 



During the application of the second coat of paint to the 

 panels, fresh cans of paint were used in every case so that fresh 

 reductions could be made of the proper consistency. Full data 

 were also recorded on the ease of application, working, and nature 

 of drying shown, as well as appearance presented by each paint 

 after each coat had been applied. New packages of paint were 

 also used for the third coat, and, as a rule, the paint was applied 

 without reduction or with full oil reduction, turpentine being 

 eliminated in nearly every case for the third coat work. 



Reductions. The single pigment paints, such as white leads, 

 were reduced by the so-called ounce system, each ounce of oil 

 added to 12| ounces of paste pigment representing one gallon 



