PAINT, composed of a mixture of oil and mineral, generally white lead, and applied to wood, iron, and even stone, acts as a preserver by shielding the surface from the action of rain and the atmosphere.

A building left unpainted any length of time, absorbs moisture quickly; and besides rendering the rooms unhealthful, by reason of moisture, it decays very rapidly.

The best time to apply paint is in the spring or autumn. Cool weather, if dry, is better, as the paint hardens naturally and presents a firmer surface to the action of the elements. In summer, when exposed to the sun, the oil in the paint soaks into the wood and leaves the lead to crumble and wear off quickly; yet if care is taken to apply the paint at proper hours, the action of the sun will affect it but little.

Kinds Of Paint

Pure white lead is the base or body of all durable paints, and is vastly superior to all others for first coats. Owing to the fact, however, that it is prepared by an acid process, it is not so good in a pure state for outside coats, as it is in many cases not thoroughly washed and contains more or less acid, and when so exposed to sun and rain the presence of the acid is liable to make it powder and rub off like whitewash.

Zinc, which is prepared by fire process (oxidized), contains no acid or other injurious substance; and when mixed with white lead, it forms the best outside coats, the zinc neutralizing the acid in the lead and giving additional firmness to the body.

The mineral paints contain iron as their base, and are mixed with oil and prepared for use as lead and zinc. Many manufacturers now put up paint in cans, ready for use, and there is abundant room for deception. Consumers should beware and purchase of reliable dealers.

Colors

Which color should be used in painting a house, is purely a matter of taste. The surroundings determine this to a great degree. A house surrounded with heavy foliage would require a lighter tint than one standing in an open space. Every house should have two or more tints; the cornice and verandas should be of a contrasting shade with the body of the house, while the shutters, etc., should have a darker tint than either. Of the various colors, the olive tints in their different shades are very pleasing to the eye, also lavender, drabs, stone, etc. A pea-green is a very healthful color, and with proper contrasts in veranda and shutters is very pleasing.