No. 133.] 1^9 



ZINC PAINT. 



Specimens of zinc paint, wljite and red, wiili zinc in a lattalie 

 i'oinij were exliibited by the iVew- Jersey zinc company, at our fair 

 iu 1850, for wliich the lusiitute awarded its gold medal. In 1851 

 this company cflertd, tluougli the American Institute, very liberal 

 special premiums for the best specimens of zinc painting, to be 

 exhibited at the th^a approaching fair, which brought forward a 

 number of competitors with specimens of great beauty, and iu all 

 probability had no small influence in extending the use of zinc as 

 a paiiit, in th^ place of white lead. We are gratified to 

 learn that the use of these paints is rapidly increasing, and that 

 experience has already established important facts in regard to 

 them, from \vhich the public will undoubtedly derive lasting ben- 

 efit. That the use of white lead as a paint for the interior of our 

 dwellings is unwholesome and injurious, does not admit of a 

 doubt ; that the use of it by artizans engaged in the business of 

 painting has been attended with fatal consequences, is well known 

 and universally admitted. From recent investigations and experi- 

 ment in the use of the white oxide of zinc, the following fads 

 seem to have been arrived at, viz: 



Zinc, used as a paint, is perfectly harmless. 

 The first cost of zinc painting is less than lead. 

 It need not be renewed as often as lead. 



It is not readily discolored by exposure to dampness, sulphuret- 

 ted hydrogen, or other gaseous exhalations. 



The red oxide of zinc is prepared for paint by pulverizing the 

 ore and grinding it in oil, and forms an excellent article for out- 

 side work, particularly fur covering iron, for roofs, ^c, and is 

 known as "Brown Metalic Zinc Paint." The white oxide of zinc 

 may be produced by the company through the agency of their 

 improved process for working the ore, at a cost of two to three 

 cents per pound ; it is then ground in oil, and is ready for the 

 market. 



The New-Jersey Zinc Company deserve the thanks, as well as 

 the patronage, of the citizens, for their perseverance and enter- 

 prise, through which they are now enabled to furnish an article 



[Assembly No. 133.) 9 



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