WOOD SHINGLE STAINS The popularity of bungalows and drop shingle construction has greatly increased the use of shingle stains. There are many such stains on the market, of good quality, made by various manufacturers. Several of them contain some creosote, which incerases their preservative power; while any desired effect is produced by the addition of coloring matter. Shingles are often dipped in stains before laying. This is the best method of application, since the stain or preservative thus reaches all parts of the surface, and also penetrates any openings in the shingles. A large number of shingles can be dipped in a short time, so that the cost is not great, while both the lasting qualities of the shingle and the appearance are greatly improved. (For specifications for staining shingles, see page 108.) If a shingle stain which has a lead base is desired, the following preparation published by Radford will be found useful: A good shingle stain may be made by using pure white lead (in oil), strong chrome green (in oil), raw umber, and a little lampblack, mixed until the desired shade is reached, thinning with boiled linseed oil and a little japan. To 1 quart of this paint, add, for dipping purposes, 5 quarts creosote oil; and for application with the brush, mix 1 quart of the oil paint and 3 quarts of creosote oil. A common estimate is that gallons of stain will be sufficient for 1,000 shingles, dipping twothirds of the shingle.
The following estimate of the covering capacity of shingle stain is based on the average cedar shingle, size 4 by 16 in.
One gallon of stain will cover 150 sq. ft. one brush coat, or 100 sq. ft. two brush coats.
Two and one-half to 3% gallons of stain will dip 1,000 shingles, two-thirds of length of shingle to be dipped.
Three gallons of stain will dip and brush-coat 1,000 shingles in some cases.
The covering capacity of creosote bleaching oil is about one-fifth less than the above figures.
The protection of shingles from fire by means of special paints is discussed in the chapter on "Fire Resistance."