380 APPLIED SCIENCE 



graining mixture, of a color to suit the kind of wood to be 

 imitated, is applied, and before drying, the coarse grain is 

 made by drawing a graining comb of leather or gutta-percha 

 over the surface. The surface is then worked over with a 

 fine steel graining comb in the same direction. The heavier 

 figures of the grain are made by wiping out the graining 

 mixture with the thumb covered by a piece of cloth. A fine 

 bristle brush is finally passed lightly over the surface to blend 

 or soften the heavy lines, imitating as nearly as possible the 

 grain of the natural wood. 



427. Kalsomining. In kalsomining the first process is 

 that of cleaning and preparing the walls. All grease or lime 

 spots are scraped and smoothed, and all nail holes and cracks 

 filled with putty, whiting, or plaster of Paris. The walls 

 are then given a sizing of thin glue, which causes the kalso- 

 mine to hold well to the wall, and at the same time prevents 

 it from striking in. Sometimes a coat of oil paint or hard oil 

 is used for this purpose, and also to prevent dampness from 

 striking through the walls and discoloring the kalsomine. 



Kalsomining mixture consists of dissolved glue, whiting 

 to give body, and some coloring material, such as is used in 

 oil painting, to give the desired color. It must be prepared 

 with reference to the work to be done, more glue being re- 

 quired, for example, on side-walls to prevent rubbing, than 

 is required on ceilings. 



In fresco painting, the kalsomine is applied while the wall 

 is still damp, making the color a part of the fresco work; 

 but in cases where the walls are not decorated, they are 

 allowed to become thoroughly dry before the kalsomine is 

 applied. 



Any desired color may be obtained by mixing the primary 



