PAINTING 109 



Prepare a pint of starch in the same way as is done for linen, and also 

 make a strong solution of soft soap iu about a cupful of hot water. Mix 

 the starch and the soap solution together, stir well, and add to the white 

 lime or whiting, at the same time stirring in sufficient water to reduce the 

 consistency of the mixture to that of cream. 



A little blue may now be added to improve the whiteness of the 

 mixture. 



Next strain the mixture through a very fine sieve and let it stand for 

 about six hours before applying. 



A Cheap Whitewash. — The Department of Agriculture of New 

 South Wales recommends the following as a cheap whitewash which 

 will stand rain and weather without coming off, and will do for galvanised 

 iron : — 



Place enough tallow required for the purpose in a large bucket, then 

 lay about the same quantity of good lime (dry) on top of the tallow, 

 i.e. equal proportions of each j then pour enough water on to slake the 

 lime. When the heat from the lime has melted the tallow, and all is 

 dissolved, stir thoroughly until well mixed ; then apply (warm, if 

 possible) with a large brush. This will do for any surface. The 

 surface must be quite dry before applying the mixture. If required 

 to dry very white add a small quantity of blue. 



Surfaces, such as those of walls and ceilings, should be washed 

 clean and allowed to dry thoroughly before they are whitewashed. 



Painting. 



Paint protects the more perishable parts of a building against the 

 deleterious effects of alternations of moisture and dryness, heat and 

 cold, gases, etc. It has also a decorative effect, when applied tastefully. 



Woodwork should be painted only when the wood is thoroughly 

 seasoned and dry. A coating of paint on partially seasoned or wet 

 wood confines the sap and moisture, and thereby hastens decay instead 

 of retarding it. 



The woodwork of first class buildings is given four or more coats 

 of paint, but in buildings of an inferior class often only two or three 

 coats are applied. 



Materials used in Painting. — The principal constituent of oil paint 

 is white lead (basic hydrated carbonate of lead). Other constituents 



