Painting

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Introductory. The first thing a man wishes to know when he contemplates painting a house, is the cost. This will Obviously depend on the cost of labor, of materials, and the kind of materials chosen. The outside of a house is painted, either in whole or in part; the interior may be painted or varnished. Some houses have their walls partly covered with shingles; these shingles are sometimes painted, and sometimes - in fact, Often~ - left unpainted; but what is called the trim that is, the boarding about the eaves, windows, doors, the base-board, and corner-pieces - is painted. Shingles, either wall or roof, are often stained with a creosote stain consisting of a coloring matter dissolved or suspended in a liquid called creosote, which is applied for the purpose of preserving them; and though instances can be cited in which wall shingles that were never stained are still doing good service although believed to be now two hundred and fifty years Old, yet the use Of creosote will undoubtedly prolong the life of modern, sawn shingles, as it is noxious to insect life and a powerful deterrent Of natural decay. The color Of unpainted new shingles is generally disliked; but after four or five years wall-shingles take on a beautiful, soft color. The question Of staining shingles is a matter Of taste. Most houses are exteriorly painted with paint based on white lead or zinc. Some idea of the cost may perhaps be gained from the following considerations.