New Work

In figuring a piece of work, the consideration of the surface to be painted is of as much importance as measurements. There are certain lumbers used for exterior building which cannot with safety, to produce satisfactory results, be finished with two coats of paint, owing principally to the great absorption of the lumber, as well as its varied grain, ranging from dark to light. If the paint is mixed heavy enough to cover the dark grain the lumber will not be satisfied, and while a single painting may show satisfactory results, it will not sufficiently penetrate nor bind to withstand contraction of future coats, thus causing the paint to break from the surface.

Upon the reputation of a painter depends his success. His reputation is his principal stock in trade and should not be jeopardized by doing work against his judgment. If an architect, contractor or property owner has specified two coat work without consideration of the surface, and three coats are necessary, an explanation as to the resulting danger through such should be given him. If his views can not be changed, don't try to hide the surface by plastering on the paint, but apply two properly reduced and brushed out coats, remembering the surface must be satisfied even at the expense of hiding. It is much better for all concerned to have the lumber satisfied, thus leaving a good foundation for subsequent paint coats, even though a surface may be left which will soon show signs of wear under weather exposure through not having sufficient pigment to form protection, than to apply heavy coats which will not properly penetrate nor bind and with future coats soon break away, leaving a surface which will always be a treacherous one to paint no matter how much judgment may be used in future painting.

Old Work

The value of a practical painter is his practical knowledge in knowing how to treat or repaint a surface in order to produce the best results, no matter in what condition the surface may be. It is impossible to give definite instructions regarding old work, as conditions are too varied, but there are a number of important points which should be carefully considered in figuring on this work. In appearance the building may be in first-class condition and apparently only need freshening up. Examine the surface carefully and determine whether the foundation coat is properly bound to the surface. Do not be responsible for some one else's careless work in not having properly satisfied the surface, thus not leaving a foundation to which subsequent coats can be applied with satisfactory results. If you work over such a surface, you are the one who will be blamed, as invariably the statement is made that the building was in good condition before the last coat of paint was applied. Don't hesitate under such conditions to recommend that the building stand for a longer period before repainting, or, the application of but one coat of paint so mixed that it will penetrate through the old coating and into the original surface.

Never apply two coats of paint to an old surface when one coat properly reduced will answer the purpose. There is as much danger in applying too much paint as too little.