(1671) Three Coats of Paint.

Manufacturer and Builder 10, 1876

— You are entirely mistaken, as will be clear to you when we explain the reasons on which the accepted custom is based. The surface of the wood should be well penetrated with the oil first, and this you prevent when you mix much white lead in the oil, which quickly dries to a film which may be easily scraped off, and with it all subsequent coats. By oiling the wood first, (and oil alone would be best; however, to see plainly what places have been touched by the brush, it is convenient, and will do no harm, to add a very little white lead,) the oil penetrates freely, fills all the pores of the wood, and whey dry forms a good foundation for the subsequent coats, which will adhere well to it, and with it to the wood. You will realize the correctness of this view still better if you prevent the first coat of paint from penetrating the new wood at all by filling the pores with glue, painting it first with glue-water, and when dry giving it a single coat of oil with plenty of white lead; it will then have a gloss at once as if painted three times. This is often the way In which cheap houses are painted, but it is a regular imposition, because such a coat of paint very soon peels off in spots, and cannot stand any wear and tear. Therefore stick to the accepted three coats; first thin, and last thick. This is the best.