The priming or first coat should be mixed according to directions for flat work. If the lead used is soft ground, it should be washed with turpentine and allowed to stand over night and the turpentine poured off in the morning. Reduce the paint with all turpentine to which reduction should be added 1-32 to 1-16 gallon of the enamel to each gallon of paint. This will assist in hardening the paint and the mixture can be used either on bare wood or over a sized surface. When the priming or first coat is thoroughly hard, putty with good hard-drying putty, one which will not turn yellow, then rub with fine sandpaper or steel wool, after which apply a second coat mixed flat, to which has been added a pint of the enamel to a gallon of paint. Rub this coat smooth with fine sandpaper or curled hair. Apply a good, smooth, even coat of enamel of good consistency. If properly applied, the enamel can be left in full gloss finish or lightly rubbed. If a higher finish is desired, reduce the first coat of enamel with a small amount of turpentine, one pint to the gallon of enamel. Rub this coat with fine steel wool to kill the gloss and level down the surface, then flow on a smooth, even coat of enamel. This can be rubbed to the finish desired and polished after three to four days' standing.

If desired, zinc can be used for the flat coats in the foregoing directions; however, it is best to use lead for building up undercoats.