Applying Different Coats of Paint

The Body Coat or Second CoatAdditional coats of paint should never be applied until the undercoats are thoroughly dry. The weather and the composition of the paint are variable factors, consequently it is impossible to give a definite time. The time of drying usually varies from two or three days to a week.The second or body coat should be of the same color as the finishing coat and somewhat thicker than the priming coat. More turpentine and less oil are characteristics of body coats as compared with priming coats.A paint prepared in this way will adhere well to the priming coat and leave a flat surface that will receive a final coat of gloss paint if desired. Brushing the paint on the surface as evenly as possible should be the aim in applying the body coat.The Third or Finishing CoatA painter always aims to give the required color and good wearing qualities to the finishing coat. For outside service this means that the final coat should be gloss paint. In order to secure gloss, turpentine is reduced to a minimum in the formula.Linseed oil replaces the turpentine and adds its binding qualities to the final surface of paint. The third coat of paint should be applied as smoothly as possible, using the brush by the method already described Canada Goose Chilliwack for spreading the priming-coat.House painters usually apply the trimming coat in connection with the finishing-coat. Two containers and two brushes at least are required in this case. The trimming paint must be applied very carefully to avoid the possibility of having the two colors run into each other.The painter should stir his paint frequently and strain it if necessary to get rid of any chunks and coarse material which are apt to settle to the bottom, and which, if left in the paint, may get into the brush, and be carried to the surface.Paints for floors and the inside trim of houses often contain a small amount of varnish which makes a harder surface. For outside use a good spar-varnish may be mixed with the paint.Hints and Precautions for PaintersWhite lead paints are poisonous if taken into the stomach. Dust from lead paints, if inhaled, may get into the throat and finally into the stomach. There is very little danger, however, if the painter washes his hands before eating, and avoids the use of tobacco while painting.Tobacco which is handled with hands partly smeared with paint is dangerous. There is such a thing as lead-poisoning, but it is entirely preventable, and is a very rare disease. Paints containing turpentine and benzine should not be placed near an open fire because these solvents are very inflammable.Ultramarine blue contains surplur and should not be mixed with white lead or any other lead pigment. Turpentine is not recommended for use on the hands in removing paint. Linseed oil will remove paint more easily and then the hands can be washed with soap and water.Benzine or kerosene are not good thinners and should not be substituted for turpentine in paints. Colored pigments should be added to the paste pigment and oil while the paint is being mixed, rather than to the paint after it has been completely thinned.