A good way of preparing whitewash is to break up 6 lb. of whiting in a pail containing just sufficient water to cover the whiting; when the latter is thoroughly slaked and settled down, pour off the surplus water, stir the dissolved whiting with the bare hand and arm, and add 1 qt. of hot double size. Incorporate the two and set aside in a cool place to form a jelly. To prevent a yellow shade, grind a little indigo or ivory black in water and mix with the whiting and strain before adding the size. When required for use, dilute with cold water and use at once. Excess of whiting will cause the distemper to crack and flake; excess of size will impart an "eggshell" gloss. To prepare a good ceiling whitewash, proceed as above as far as the slaking of the whiting; thoroughly mix it with the hand and stir in a hot solution of Young's patent size; use a cupful of size to every 2 gal. of the dissolved whiting. If the wash is to be perfectly white, potato starch may be used. Set aside to jellify, and then with a distemper brush rub it through a piece of coarse canvas stretched over the top of a pail.

For use, dilute with cold clean water.