Zinc-white is used as a base in the production of enamels, because of its whiteness, the bright tones it produces with colors and on account of the action this pigment has when combined with resin varnishes. The action is somewhat like that which occurs when white lead is mixed with linseed oil.

Zinc ground in demar is best, but that finely ground in poppy seed oil, or refined linseed oil will answer all ordinary purposes.

For all enamels the following must be observed; that the zinc and, in fact, all pigments be finely ground, that the enamel be carefully strained after it is made. That it be not too heavy in body, but about the consistency of varnish.

To prepare a good enamel, suitable for first-class work, make a liquid base by combining 4 1-2 parts of good Demar varnish, 4 1-2 parts of good pale rubbing varnish, with 1 part of turpentine, and add to each gallon, 1-2 oz. of sugar of lead, previously rubbed up in a little oil or varnish.

To each gallon of this liquid, 5 pounds of white zinc, ground in paste form, is thoroughly incorporated.

Exterior, weather-proof, and so-called marine enamel is made by combining 9 parts of the palest wearing body, or, preferably, white finishing varnish, (made from white Kauri gum) with 1 part turpentine and adding 5 lbs. of the best oxide of zinc, (zinc white) ground in oil, to each gallon. The addition of 1-2 oz. of sugar of lead, as before mentioned, will improve the drying. Strain after mixing.

No. 2

Use 4 parts of No. 2 Demar varnish, 5 parts of any pale, low-priced quick drying varnish and 1 part turpentine, adding, as above, 1-2 oz. sugar of lead to each gallon of liquid. The same amount of zinc is used as in the first.

No. 3

Use 9 parts Demar varnish, 1 part turpentine, with 1-2 oz. sugar of lead to each gallon.

The sugar of lead is prepared by triturating or grinding the powder with a little oil or varnish before adding it to the solution.

No. 4

Use 10 parts of palest quick drying rosin varnish, 1 part pale liquid dryer and 1 part benzine. Add 5 lbs. of zinc white to each gallon.

To produce blue white, add a trifle of prussian blue or ultramarine in oil.

The above formulae are for white. Tints are made by adding sufficient oil color strained after thining slightly with turpentine.

The best white or porcelain enamel suitable for all decorative purposes, and which can be rubbed and polished to any degree desired, is made as follows:

25 lbs. Best French Zinc, (ground in Demar varnish) 2 gallons of palest rubbing varnish 2 gallons, best white Demar varnish, 1 gallon turpentine 2 ozs. sugar of lead is added.

The sugar of lead is previously ground or rubbed down to a smooth paste in a little varnish.

The addition of 1-2 oz. of dry Prussian blue will produce the blue white or porcelain shade. In adding blue, great care must be excerised, lest too much blue be introduced.

The enamel, after thorough mixing, should be carefully strained to free it from all unmixed particles.

Black Enamel

Add 1-4 lb. of carbon black, ground in oil, to each gallon of any quick drying varnish which has been slightly thinned with turpentine.

Red Enamel

Add 4 lbs. of any good Vermillion to each gallon of liquid made as above.

Flat White Primer

Mix 1 part raw oil, 1 part dryer, with 8 parts turpentine. Add from 25 to 40 pounds of white lead in oil to each gallon to produce the body and covering power required. Zinc can be used in the proportion of 20 to 25 pounds to the gallon, in place of white lead, but does not cover so well.

Bath Tub Enamel

Mix 9 parts pale wearing body varnish with 1 part turpentine. To each gallon of the above, add 5 pounds of a mixture composed of 1 part white lead and 2 parts zinc, ground in oil.

In making enamels, it is always well to carefully strain them before use, through cheese cloth.

Enameling Bath Tubs

Clean the surface to be enameled with a strong solution of washing soda in water. After drying, it should be rubbed down with sand paper and all dust removed.

Three coats of enamel are necessary to make a good job, and plenty of time must be allowed each coat to dry thoroughly. Flat white primer may be used for the under coats. Finish with enamel.

How To Enamel Paper

Melt 1 pound of paraffine wax, withdraw from the fire; just before it begins to solidify, mix with 1 gallon of benzine or gasoline. The color is prepared by mixing 10 parts of whiting, paris white, or barytes and the necessary pigment to produce the desired shade, with 1 part of gelatine glue previously dissolved in a little water.

To each pound of the prepared color, add and mix 1-4 pound of the prepared paraffine. Strain before using. This will render paper waterproof.