PAINTS FOR WOOD Paint is made by mixing and grinding certain solid substances in linseed oil or other liquids. The solids are termed "pigments," and the liquid in which they are ground is called the "vehicle." To these are added a wide variety of colored pigments if colored paints are desired.
The most common and the best pigments are white lead and zinc oxide; and the most useful vehicle, linseed oil—these forming the basis of nearly all the best paints. Turpentine is generally added to paint to make it more fluid, and hence easier to spread. Several substances called "driers," usually lead or manganese salts dissolved in oil or turepntine, are also used with paint to make it dry more rapidly. Colored paints made upon a white lead or zinc white base are most serviceable, and last longer than pure white paints.
A number of important points must be observed, or good results will not be secured in painting, no matter how good the paint may be. In the first place, the surface to be painted should be thoroughly cleaned and dry; and, if it has been painted previously, every bit of old, loose paint should be completely removed. All nail holes and cracks should be well filled with pure whiting and linseed oil putty. Knots or sappy places in the wood should be coated with some material which will prevent any matter in the wood from exuding and causing blisters. The best coating for this purpose is pure orange shellac. Paint should always be applied in thin coats well distributed. Three thin coats of paint will give much more wear than two heavy coats, although they require less material. Moreover, ample time should be allowed between coats, for thorough drying. Autumn is usually considered the best season of the year for painting, because of slower drying and less likelihood of blisters forming in the hot sun; but with propel! care, good exterior painting can be done at any time of the year.