House Painting. The following directions are obtained from a thoroughly practical source, and will be found useful both to the amateur and the workman.

2746. Priming

2746.    Priming. The same paint is used for the first coat in outside and inside work; it should be as thick as will work conveniently, and requires only litharge for dryers. The paint should not be laid on too thickly, and well worked in with the brush.

2747. Priming for Iron Work

2747.    Priming for Iron Work. This must be oil color laid on a surface freed from rust. For paper and canvas, a coat of size takes the place of priming, as paint rots these materials.

2748. Puttying

2748.    Puttying. This consists in filling up all nail-heads and cracks with putty, by a putty knife; and should always be done after priming.

2749. Second Coat for Outside Work

2749.    Second Coat for Outside Work. Mix the paint with raw oil, as thick as it can be used freely. Cover the surface, work it across to even it, and finish longways with long, light sweeps of the brush.

2750. Third Coat for Outside Work

2750.    Third Coat for Outside Work. The paint should be mixed with oil, a little thinner than for the second coat; laid on very evenly, and not too thickly, and finished as smooth as possible.

2751. Second Coat for Inside Work

2751.    Second Coat for Inside Work. The paint for this coat should be mixed with raw oil and turpentine, about equal parts, and be as thick as will work freely; laid on thinly and well crossed and finished to prepare a smooth surface, with as few ridges as possible, for the next coat.

2752. Third Coat for Inside Work

2752.    Third Coat for Inside Work. Mix the paint thinner than for the last coat, using but little oil, and more turpentine; laid on thinly and well finished, so as to leave no brush marks.

2753. Fourth Coat or Flatting for Inside Work

2753.     Fourth Coat or Flatting for Inside Work. The paint is mixed with turpentine only, and thin enough to spread or flow even, before it sets; lay on evenly and quickly, brushing lengthways only, and finishing up as the work proceeds, as this paint sets quickly, and spots touched up afterwards are apt to be glossy.

2754. Drawn Flatting for a Fourth Coat

2754.    Drawn Flatting for a Fourth Coat. The oil in which the white lead or other paint is ground, is drawn out by mixing with turpentine, allowing the paint to settle, and then pouring off the liquid; repeating the operation with fresh turpentine till the oil has been completely washed out. This makes a better color, without gloss, and easily flowing. As it sets very quickly it must be applied thickly, evenly, and quickly, with closed doors and windows, to avoid a draught.