2814. To Apply Paper to "Walls

2814.     To Apply Paper to "Walls. The upper end of the piece should then be taken by the corners, and the operator, stepping upon a bench or step-ladder, should barely stick the piece at the top, and in such a manner that the edge shall coincide with the piece previously hung; this can be done by sighting down the trimmed edge of the piece, while it is held in the hands. The cloth should now be held in a loose bunch, and the paper smoothed with it from top to bottom, care being taken to work out all air from under the paper, which, if not thoroughly done, will give it a very unsightly blistered appearance. If any air remains under a part of the strip after it has been hung, a hole must be pricked through the paper with a pin, to allow of its escape. A soft flat whisk-brash (such as is used for brushing clothes) is better for smoothing the paper than a cloth. After the top is secured so that the pattern matches, brush once down the centre of the strip as far as the paste is exposed. Then carefully unfold the bottom of the strip, brush down the centre, and smooth the whole by brushing from the centre to the edges, right and left, all the way down, finishing with one sweep down the trimmed edge, to ensure a perfect join. A moist cloth should be always at hand to keep the figures clean and free from color. If the wall be uneven or crooked, as is often the case in old houses, it will be difficult to avoid wrinkles, but they can be mostly got rid of by cutting the paper and allowing the cut edges to lap over each other, in places where there would otherwise be a wrinkle. By following these directions the most inexperienced will be able to do a reasonably tidy piece of work, but of course a high degree of skill is only secured by practice.

2815. To Make Glue Sizing

2815.    To Make Glue Sizing. Break up the glue into small pieces, put it in a vessel with sufficient cold water to just cover it; let it soak over night, and in the morning the glue will be soft enough to melt readily with a moderate heat, or in a water-bath. Add water to reduce to the desired consistency. This must be applied as directed in the foregoing receipts.