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 EVERY MAN HIS OWN PAINTER! 
 
 OB 
 
 Paints-How to Select and Use Them 
 
 A PLAIN TREATISE 
 
 ON 
 
 fio^ESTEAD, Villa (^Cottage 
 
 PAINTING, 
 
 CONTAINING INFORMATION VALUABLE TO THE 
 
 HOUSEHOLDER AND PRACTICAL PAINTER. 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR OF 
 
 HOUSE DECORATION." ETC. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 HENRY CAREY BAIRD, INDUSTRIAL PUBLISHER, 
 
 No. 406 WALNUT STPEET, 
 
 1872. 
 

 V' 
 
 Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1872, by H. C. BAIRD, in the Office of the Librarian of 
 
 Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
 
 f' J-z/Vz 
 

 The 
 
 pamphlt^t, 
 
 hereto attached will show 
 
 the !o 
 
 tier-press 
 
 of 
 
 "Every Man His 
 
 Own 
 
 Painter 
 
 »? 
 
 Tliose that are ottered 
 
 for sal 
 
 e by tile P 
 
 ibh 
 
 slier at SI:') per lUO. or 
 
 sint^le 
 
 copies, 25 
 
 ^•ents, will be neatly bound 
 
 in cli)t 
 
 h. 
 
 
 H. C. BAIRD, 
 
 Industrial Publisher. 
 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 Being in constant receipt of inquiiiesfrom city and country as to the proper colors to 
 
 select for painting homesteads, cottages and villas, to obtain the best results which har- 
 monious combinations can efEect, and, as these inquiries, when from country residents, 
 are usually accompanied by requests for direction as to the quantity of color requisite, 
 and its application, involving details too lengthy for written answer, I have thought it 
 well to compile such information as seemed most appropriate, In the present handy 
 printed form. 
 
 This pamphlet has little claim to originality or thoroughness ; it consists mainly of 
 suitable extracts taken by kind permission of my publisher from my other works, and 
 I must refer those who desire more complete information as to the laws of harmony, com- 
 binations of color, selection of appropriate furniture, carpets, etc., to their pages. 
 
 In the advice given as to the selection of painting material, I do not profess to 
 speak "ex cathedra," but only to express opinions which I think, without egotism, 
 my long experience, study and opportunities entitle me to form and give. 
 
 THE AUTHOR. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Although in Nahire's world all is harmony, and the eye dwells with pleasure upon 
 the handiwork of God, fresh from llis creative and unerring hand, this regard for beauty 
 seems to cease when human design is brought to bear upon the embellishment of our 
 homes or structiu'es. 
 
 When we remember that tlie lesson of harmoniously blended coloring is taught us at 
 every step by an artist Divine in power and taste, we may well feel wonderment that 
 the imitativeness of man has not made him an apter pupil when seeking to beautify the 
 work of his own hands. In nothing does this want of harmony obtrude upon 
 and offend the eye oftener than in house painters' ornamentation. This proceeds 
 either from absence of taste on the part of the owner of the property, under whose direc- 
 tion it is done, or lack of knowledge in the mechanic to whose unrestricted judgment the 
 work is often left. To correct the evil pointed out, this pamphlet has been WTitten, 
 in the hope that it may act as a guide to those who may be called upon to decide 
 either for themselves or others, on matters of decoration. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 EXTERIOR PAINTING. 
 
 Where so much depends upcm varying place, outline and surroundings, it is diflfionlt 
 to lay down any strict or settled rule as to outside painting ; but certain it is that judi- 
 cious selection of color is most important — since, by taste, the modest dwelling may be 
 enhanced in beauty, while, by its want, a mansion, otherwise handsome, may be re- 
 duced in appearance to the level of a barn. Nothing, certainly, can be worse than the 
 choice of a dead white for outside coloring ; it is not in harmony with the sunlight, 
 and surfaces so painted have an appearance most distressing to the eye. We have no 
 warrant for it in the landscapes nature has spread around us. There, wherever we 
 turn, nothing glaring or obtrusive meets us — all is blended together with soft and grate- 
 ful coloring. Between a building and its surroundings there should undoubtedly be a 
 contrast ; but one that is subdued, not conspicuous. A tiny flower springing up amidst 
 the grass may present a snowy speck, but that is a far different matter from the sharp 
 outlines of an extensive building. FoUow nature if you will, but be sure not to mis- 
 read her teachings. Under no circumstances, therefore, should white or any distinct, 
 cold or formal color be more than very sparingly employed for outside decoration. Let 
 there be a gentle blending with the view around, making your house prominent if you so 
 desire; improving its architectural points; toning down its har.sh irregularities; but 
 let the prominence be subdued, and not thrust itself before the passer-by in conspicuous 
 evidenci' of bad taste. 
 
 The objections against employing white for outside purposes apply with equal 
 force to other primary colors— they are all too conspicuous and formal in appearance. 
 Yellow is the onlj^'one which can be tolerated, and even the shade of that must be care- 
 fully selected, or better left alone. Gray also is objectionable, being cold in appearance 
 and especially inappropriate where green is present. 
 
 To the eye of taste nothing is so pleasing as a warm drab or fawn color, or what are 
 usually known as neutral tints, the shades of which, for better guidance and illustration, 
 we give upon the following page, taken by kind permissicL of Messrs. Harrison Brothers 
 6 
 
SJLHV^^IFLE OJLI^r) 
 
 "Town and Country" Ready Prepared Paints, 
 
 For HOMESTEAD, COTTAGE & VILLA USE, 
 
 Manufactured by HARRISON BROS. & CO., 
 
 PHILADELPHIA & NEW YORK. 
 
 Vo. 1. Ifo. 2. No. 3. Xo. 4. No. 6. No. 6. 
 
 No. 7. No. 8. No. 9. No. 10. No. 11. No. 12. 
 
 No. 13. No. 14. No. 15. No. 16. No. 17. No. 18. 
 
 No. 19- No. 20. No. 21. No. 22. No. 23. No. 24. 
 
 No. 25. No. 26. No. 27. No. 28. No. 29. No. 30. 
 
 No. 31. No. 32. No. 33. No. 34. No. 35. No. 36. 
 
 No. 37. No. 38. No. 39. No. 40. No. 41. No. 42. 
 
 e# 
 
& Co., from their published list of " Town and Country " paints, which being generally- 
 considered stainlard where decoration is concerned, we have thought appropriate to 
 select. 
 
 Tlie tints given may be employed with harmony and effect in a variety of combina- 
 tions, but some of them (such as 35 and 30) are, of coui'se, not intended for exterior 
 painting. They may also be mixed or recombined so as to produce others. 
 
 For houses partially surrounded by foliage, either No. 8, 9, 10, 11 or 12 may be used 
 with good effect for body color; they liarmonize well with green, give a warm, cheerful 
 appearance, and accord with either a summer or winter landscape. For the trimmings, 
 (door frames, cornices, window frames, etc.), 7, 14, 15 or 31 may be taken; and for 
 the blinds, 8 or 9. Green may also be used with propriety and good effect for blinds 
 when any of the yellow sliades are employed as body colors. Pleasing combinations may 
 be arranged by using some of the oUve drabs for trimmings. 
 
 For houses standing alone and conspicuous, unscreened by foliage, the gray or drab 
 sliades should be taken, either 2, 3, i, 5, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24; say, for instance. No. 22 
 or 24 as the body color, 20 for trimmings, and 21 for blinds; or 5 as the body color, 15, 16 
 or "2 for frames and cornices, and 17 for the blinds. Or again, say 21 for body color, 5 
 
 trimmings, and 17 or 23 for blinds. Green must never be used with these tints, as 
 the contrast would be exceedingly discordant. 
 
 Where a residence does not stand alone, sameness should be avoided by the selection 
 of colors differing from those of the house adjoining. 
 
 "Wlien, as in tlie case of a farm-house, out-buildings are clustered near the principal 
 structure, altliougli a general harmony sliould pervade the wliole, it is not expedient to 
 employ any one sliade for all; eacli, except, perliaps, the minor buildings, sliould liave a 
 distinctive appearance given it by the use of different shades of color, selecting tlie light- 
 est for the main edifice, without, however, making too marlccd a contrast. ■ 'i . 
 
 The shades, Nos. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 would be too ol)trusive and glaring if used as 
 body colors for tlie exterior of residences which happen, by standing alone and un- 
 screened by foliage, to present conspicuous objects in the landscape. They would, in 
 such cases, be almost as undesirable as white, and should never be employed on extended 
 lirominent surfaces. 
 
 On the' other hand, as neither gray nor drab have harmony witli green, their shades 
 sliould not be used where foliage is present in any marked quantity; nor may green be 
 employed witli tliem for blinds. 
 
 It lias hitherto been very common to use green for blinds irrespective of what the 
 contrast may be with the body color of the house; but as nature is usually lavish with it 
 herself, that alone is sufficient reason why it should be only sparingly handled for outside 
 painting. We have ah-eady shown where its use is judicious and of good effect. 
 
 The shades of gray Xos. 2, 3, 4, 5, should not be combined for body and trimmings as 
 the effect is disagreeable. Tliey look better in contrast with other tints. 
 
 Wliere it is not desired to make the residence conspicuous, Xos. 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 
 22, 23 or 24 are suggested as quiet, unobtrusive shades. 
 
 For window sashes white may generally be employed with good effect; but they 
 should, at any rate, be of a shade ligliter than that used for the window frames; and 
 when a yellow tint is taken for the body color, wliite must be avoided on the trimmings, 
 and'a liriglit gre . substituted, especially wliere the house is not surrounded with foliage. 
 If natural green ' "rese '". then a rich shade of brown makes handsome sash- work. 
 
 For roofs, ' -LLE. . . sliould have tlie preference, not only for the sake of effect but 
 to prevent, as fa ■^i, ', tlie leakage likely to be caused by contraction and expansion 
 
 of the wood or n lae heat of the sun, also to moderate the temperature of upper 
 
 rooms, Xos. 10, 11, 12, 17, 23 and 24 may be mentioned as suitable. 
 
 We have not attempted to give any extended list of the combinations whi^'h may be 
 employed for exterior painting. They can be varied according to taste by taking, if 
 desired, some of the darker tints for body colors and tlie ligliter for trimmiii;;s and blinds, 
 merely taking care to observe the general rule we have explained as to which are proper, 
 
8 
 
 and tho reverse. But it must be always remcmberpd that liarmony is attainable by 
 contrast, as well as by analosy ; that is to say, not by the employment only of colors which 
 are of kindred nature, but the grouping also of those which are dissimilar, provided the 
 latter are really such as barmouize when combined. 
 
 CHAPTER m. 
 
 INTERIOR PAISTINQ. 
 
 It must not be supposed that a well arranged and pleasing home need be peculiar to 
 the wealthy only. It duos not depend so much upon the cost of the furniture. Who is it 
 that has not entered rooms richly equipped, which, from their stiff, cold look, made tho 
 visitor feel utterly uncomfortable? while, on the other hand, many a modest home, by 
 simple taste and the touch of a woman's hand, has an air of comfort and beauty im- 
 parted which no mure wealth could give. To produce these chaste results, walls, furni- 
 ture and carpets should be decorated and chosen of colors which will harmonize. To aid 
 those whose eye or education may not have been cultivated, it is our purpose to give some 
 requisito hints. 
 
 The primary colors, red, blue and yellow, from their brightness, should not be 
 brought into conspicuous prominence; neither should sombre colors predominate to the 
 exclusion of all that is cheerful. The true use of either showy or neutral colors consists 
 in moderation; both are well in their places, and re(iuire only judicious combinations for 
 the eye to be pleased and an air of real comfort produced. 
 
 It is difficult to lay down any formal rules which shall apply to general decora- 
 tion, because that which would be harmonious and proper in one case, and under 
 certain circumstances mi.sht be most inharmonious in another where the conditions varied. 
 
 If it is desired to paint the walls, some of the light, cheerful shades, given on our 
 card of tints, are very pleasing, while contrast may be made by other colors upon panels, 
 mouldings, etc. 
 
 The tone of color should be fixed by the furniture, and this ought to have par- 
 ticular reference to the aspect; because the furniture of a room maybe considered, in 
 regard to coloring, in the same light as a key-note in music, or as the principal figures in 
 a picture; and the general tone must, therefore, depend ujiun the colors of which it is 
 composed ; for instance, if the prevailing color be blue, gray, cool green or lilac, the 
 general tone must be cool ; but if, on the other hand, it be red, orange, brown, yellow, 
 or a warm tint of green, the tone must be warm. But, as stated before, there can be no 
 pleasing combinations of colors without variety. This, by judicious management, may 
 be given without in the least interfering with the tone, for it is merely the general color 
 of the furniture which ought to fix the tone, and there may be tho most decided 
 contrasts in its parts, which, by the introduction of proper medial hues through- 
 out the room, can be reconciled and united. Apartments lighted from the south and 
 west, particularly in a summer residence, should be cool in their coloring ; but the apart- 
 ments of a town house ought all to approach towards a warm tone, as also such apart- 
 ments as are lighted from the north and east of a country residence. 
 
 CHAPTER rV. *i 
 
 SELECTION OP MATERIAL. 
 
 It will be obvious to all our readers, whether professional painters or not, that no 
 suggestions or advice which we can give for their guidance in matters of decoration will 
 avail to produce good effect unless proper material be employed to carry out the work. 
 This portion of our task, advice as to selection of material, is therefore most difficult and 
 important, as we must decide impartially and without favor between many contending 
 claimants. 
 
9 
 
 To illustrate our difficulty in this respect we may say that probably in no article of 
 commerce is adulteration carried to a greater extent than in paints. In the case of 
 almost any other manufactured article there is a chance of obtaining something at least 
 approaching that which we ostensiljly buy ; but this is by no means certain where pig- 
 ments are concerned. It is well known to the initiated that hundreds of tons of so-called 
 white lead, etc., are sold annually tliat do not contain one particle of what their labels 
 profess. 
 
 In large cities such as Pliiladelphia and New York, this is well understood, and goods 
 of the class referred to do comparatively little mischief, because all but those produced 
 by well-known and reputable houses are avoided ; but large quantities find their way into 
 the country districts, forced into notoriety by wholesale puffing, and generally displaying 
 a showiness of label which increases in proportion to the vileness of the mixture. 
 We would especially caution our readers against these. 
 
 How important this question of adulteration is will be seen from the following example. 
 In a future chapter we shall give some directions as to the quantity of paint requisite for a 
 given surface. Kow our rule will be based upon strictly pure and standard material, and 
 it is obvious that if tlie same rule is applied to an article containing from fifty to seventy- 
 five per cent, of adulteration and useless matter, the calculation will be valueless and 
 disappointment certainly result ; for this reason, and on the score of economy also, we 
 cannot too emphatically urge those consulting our pages for advice, to buy, /or ^ood work, 
 naught but good, jywe material, the production of standard well-known makers ; it will 
 be cheaper and more satisfactory in the end, no matter how much apparently lower in 
 price, and however speciously urged the adulterated compounds may be. It must be re- 
 membered that the expense of painting does not consist so much in the cost of material 
 as in that of labor, and the latter becomes considerably diminished when the paint is 
 such that it can be applied with a proper regard for true economy. 
 
 There are, of course, many purposes where, as for rough work, a cheap paint may 
 be employed to advantage, and a pure would be comparatively thrown away, so we must 
 not be imderstood as condemning nil such mixtures indiscriminately ; but in buying them 
 care must be taken to ascertain that they have been prepared by some reputable manu- 
 facturer, who, while making no pretensions to purity for the article, will make the quality 
 follow at least in the ratio of the price to purity, aud not give all adulteration for the 
 money paid. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 WHITE LEAD. 
 
 Notwithstanding the great number of so-called white lead manufacturers existing, 
 the majority of them are so in name only. Its production constitutes a most important 
 branch of industry, but one in which, owing to the large capital requisite, and length of 
 time before the finished article can yield return, only a few powerful firms are en- 
 gaged. 
 
 The actual corroders of lead doing business in New York, given, not in order of pre- 
 cedence, but alphabetically, are 
 
 Battelle & Kenwick, The Atlantic White Leajj Co. 
 
 Hall, Bradley & Co., " Brooklyn " " " 
 
 Harrison Bros. & Co., " Union " " " 
 
 J. Jewett & Sons. 
 
 In Philadelphia. 
 Harrison Bros. & Co., Wethekell & BkO. 
 
 John T. Lewis & Bros. 
 
10 
 
 Boston, rittsburj;, Baltimore, St. Louis and other large cities, each contain one or two 
 firms, who are actual corrodiTS, but all the rcnialiuUT, and their name is legion, who claim 
 to bo manufacturers are eitlier grinders, who purchase dry lead from one or other of the 
 corroders and mix or adulliratc it to suit themselves, or else dealers, who have brands put 
 up for them under their own labels. 
 
 All of the corroders mentioned, no doubt, grind low grades for the trade; but their 
 own brands of ;<i(re lead, that is, those which bear their names, may, in all cases, with 
 confidence be relied on as strictly what is claimed. There is much rivalry as to the merits 
 and demerits of these brands; but it is more among the consumers than the corroders 
 tliemselves; the latter are, as a class, conservative, and look quietly on, fully satisfied that 
 there is room enough for all; the former vaunt the particular brand they are accustomed 
 to use and constitute themselves its zealous champions, altliough they know nothing, 
 probably having never tried, the merits of the Others. The truth is that prejudice has 
 more to do with this favoritism than merit. 
 
 There may be some slight difference in the mode of preparation and grinding, but 
 they are all { id, and all, as we have said, undoubtedly pure, so that the consumer is siife 
 in selecting any. 
 
 Tlie following extract is taken from an article on white lead appearing in the Guide 
 for Coach Painters, by Arlot: "One brand will have the preference and almost exclusive 
 sale in one section of the country and be almost unknown in another. The oldest and among 
 the most widely distributed is that of ITarrisim Bros. A- Co., and it is usual with those who 
 are about having painting done and are particular as to the work to Insert in their 
 contracts that onlv this brand be employed; but the preference so often given to it is not 
 due to a degree of purity over the others, as all are pure, but merely to the extreme and 
 peculiar care given to it while passing through the various stages of washing, drying, 
 grinding and preparing for market, the result of an experience of over sixty years devoted 
 to the business." The brand here referred to, and indeed, most of tiie really standard 
 American, compare in all respects with the best Engli.sh; and, indeed, rannot be told from 
 them even by tlie most expert judges apart from the original packages which are, of 
 course. In themselves distinctive. A preference is given by some to English leads over 
 American, and it is due to a fear either of not procuring what is strictly pure or to a 
 prejudice wliieh many entertain for whatevi^' is foreign; the former is owing to the 
 number of brands put into the market here by irresponsible makers, who, sheltering 
 tliemselves behind .some higlisounding title or company, have not hesitated to employ 
 adulteration, thus casting reproach upon American manufactures. It is however an 
 entirely groundless fear since all doubt may be avoided by taking only the standard 
 brands of actual and responsible corroders. The latter is a prejudice hard to combat, but 
 most ridiculous in its effect, since hundnds of tons of so-called English lead, whi<h never 
 crossed the Atlantic, are yearly put up under closely imitated packages and brands and 
 sold to the admirers of foreign material, who, in considiTation of its supposed foreign 
 origin, accept its quality with amusing faith, pay for material really American and by no 
 means the best (since there is no local manufacturer's name upon it to be injured by 
 inferiority) a foreign and higher price than thi'y could have bought the self-same article 
 under its proper name, if their fancies had not inti'rfered to make them hanker after 
 something which smacked of abroad. Meanwhile those in the secret laugh in their sleeves 
 to hear the loud commendations of English (!) lead and the announcements made of its 
 superiority to every thing American. This, we believe, would apply to many other articles 
 than white lead if the mysteries of trade were only fully known. ^ 
 
 No one need hesitate between home and foreign white lead, unless bigoted blindly in 
 favor of whatever .savors of European manufacture. Use the brands of responsible, well- 
 known corroders, and there need be no fear of adulteration or any question as to 
 quality. 
 
 From what we have said, it will be apparent that to procure good work or satisfactory 
 results, it is of first importance that material K'ltown to be good should be emjiloycd. The 
 painter should, for his own and his credit's sake, purchase nothing else ; and the owner 
 
11 
 
 should, for the same reason, permit this only to be used upon his work. If lead is to be 
 employed let those requiring painting done stijralate for their own protection, either by 
 bargain or contract, ichat the hrand shall be, and thus guard against the employment of 
 pigment, which, by being perhaps only second-rate, may cause the work to speedily re- 
 quire redoing. We may here remark that all strictly pure leads are always of pre- 
 cisely the same price, and if not kept in stock by local dealers, can always be procured 
 by them ; so there is no reason why the property owner should be restricted to auy 
 particular brand against his wish or taste. 
 
 A painter can easily mix two pots of paint, of whicli no one, not even a painter 
 himself, unless of much experience, could, in looking upon them, form an opinion as to 
 their comparative value ; yet it might be only as one to two. Now, the paint in the one 
 pot, that was not above half the value of that in the other, would, from its want of 
 density and body, spread over a much larger surface of work than the more expensive 
 mixture, and it cannot be examined after its application to find out its quality, nor caa 
 the quantity of material in a given surface be guessed at, so that the painter may either 
 receive the same price per yard for t' ■ greater number produced by the pot of low priced 
 paint that he would receive for the smaller number produced by the pot of high priced 
 paint ; or may reduce his rates in proportion to the saving effected in material and work- 
 manship. This is one cause of such differences being found in the estimates of painters 
 when brought into competition for work. The most unscrupulous have always the best 
 chance where no other distinction except that of pric: is made. It shows the iuijiortance 
 of stipulating for the employment of standard brands of lead only, such as "Harrisons', " 
 "Brooklyn," "Jewett's," or "Union." 
 
 CnAPTER VI. 
 
 ■WTien we come to colors the difficulties besetting the consumer are greatly increased. 
 The etiquette and profession of the trade is tliat the manufacturer's name attached to a 
 brand shall indicate purity, but in practice it is found only to represent, in a number of 
 cases, the best grade made by the particular manufacturer, and not by any means to 
 guarantee absolute freedom from adulteration. The competition is keener than in the 
 case of white lead, and those engaged in the manufacture being unequally matched, so 
 far as producing facilities are concerned, some appear to be compelled to resort to cheap- 
 ening devices to prevent, temporarily, their being driven to the wall. Take, for instance, 
 chrome yellow; we have seen the analyses of several leading brands, in whicli as high as 
 forty per cent, of adulteration appeared, yet they bore responsible makers' names upon 
 them. 
 
 As ui the case of white lead, the number of those claiming to be manufacturers is ex- 
 tremely large, but the actual makers of colors doing business in New York, taken, not in 
 order of precedence, but alphabetically, are 
 
 F. W. Devoe & Co., C. T. Uetstolds & Co., 
 
 Harrison Bros. & Co., D. F. Tiemann & Co. 
 
 Hainemajw & Steiner., 
 
 In Philadelphia. 
 
 Harrison Bros. & Co., John Lucas & Co. 
 
 J. T. Lewis & Bros., 
 
12 
 
 Most of the other large cities of the fnion contain probably one or two firms who 
 are actual makers of colors, but the remainder are either grinders ■who buy the article 
 ready-made from the manufacturer and adulterate iter mix it to suit themselves, or 
 dealers who have brands put up for them under their own labels. 
 
 All thecolor maimers wliose names we have given are rcimtable firms, and although 
 they no doubt produce for the trade low grades of goods, their own first brands may be 
 relied upon, even though there may be, in some cases, a departure from strict purity. 
 Many of the large paint grinders are also perfectly reliable and stand in perhaps as good 
 a trade position as some of the smaller actual manufacturers, and their names are a 
 guarantee for good material. 
 
 Each color maker has a speciality, particularly in permanent green, and there is a 
 rivalry amongst their patrons similar to that we liave referred to as existing in tlie case 
 of different brands of lead. Some painters use "Magnesia," or "Iteynold's Emerald," 
 others give a preference to "Hampden," while many will have nothing but "HarrLsons" 
 Sylvan," or "Lisle," or "Devoe's Park Lawn." All of these favorite greens are good, 
 and there are some additional brands which are also reliable. 
 
 As all the brands mentioned are meritorious, each possessing some special and 
 distinctive feature, either in shade or other ([uality, it is hard to discriuiinatt^ l)etween 
 them. Tlie greatest rivalry is on the question of permanency, and on this i)oint some 
 practical experiments have been tried with the following results : Samples of the prin- 
 cipal greens in the market (all of which bore upon their labels emphatic claims to per- 
 manency) were taken and boiled in water. It was foimd that all lost their bright color 
 and some assumed a diity yellow tinge, with the exception of those made by Harrison 
 Bros. & Co., which remained unchanged. Their Sylvan and Lisle samples were then tried 
 in boiling oil, (which admits of a much higher temperature than water), but no altera- 
 tion of shade was apparent. A similar trial was then made by placing the different 
 samples on live coal, but with the same result, all lost their color except the Sylvan and 
 Lisle. These greens seem therefore to have the superiority, at least for hot and dry 
 climates, and it is understood that tliey stand the extremes of cold and damp as well 
 as heat. This superiority is probably owing to the maniifacturcrs being chemists as 
 well as color makers, and thus able to better combine the material employed. 
 
 Were we addressing solely a New York or other large city circle of readers, where 
 skilled labor and good material can at all times be procured, we might consider the 
 hints given as sufficient, but as our treati.so will probably reach a country circulation 
 wliere the labor procurable is often the reverse of skillful, and the material, if accessi- 
 ble at all, the reverse of good, we must go further in our advice. 
 
 All the shades of color shown on our card of tints may be produced by mixing various 
 pigments in proper combinations; but, as these combinations, in the first place, require 
 some experience which it is impossible to impart on paper, through written rules, and as, 
 moreover, the material available in countiy districts would probably be variable in 
 quality, and the means of properly combining it wanting, a class of pigment of a more 
 practical kind has been found necessary in the shape of a paint ready mixed in certain 
 shades, and in a state to be used without further preparation exceiit the addition of oil 
 and turpentine; and this want has been well supplied by Towni and Coimtrj- paints, the 
 property of Harrison Bros. & Co., whoso sample card we have adopted, as already ac- 
 knowledged, for our standard and means of illustration. 
 
 Although primarily intended for country use, and especially adapted for those who 
 desire a paint, ready prepared, which can be applied by any one without experience, so 
 convenient has the application of these paints been found, and so beautiful and lasting 
 are the tints which their process of mixture procures, that they are also largely coming 
 into use even in towns where other material and competent labor are procurable; and 
 this is not to be wondered at when we consider that no painter can expect to make his 
 combinations by merely manual means so well as they can be effected by the use of 
 powerful mills and machinerj' specially adapted for tlie purpose. 
 
 Numerous efforts have been made to perfect paints tliinned with oil and entirely 
 
13 
 
 ready for use, because such a form of paint appears, for plausible reasons, to recommend 
 itself and offer advantages at least to the country consumer; not only, liowever, are the 
 seeming benefits from such a form of pigment entirely without good foundation, but any 
 proper attainment of the end in view is, from several causes, impossible. 
 
 The fault inherent in all such paints is that they become, in time, what painters call 
 "tacky" or "fatty:" the oil loses its fluidity and freshness, becomes gummy, and so 
 unfit for use that even experienced workmen cannot execute good work with it. 
 
 Paint so prepared may be fair in quality when first put up, but no one can tell how 
 long the packages of it have remained in the manufacturer's hands, or liow long after 
 reaching the dealer they may have been kept in stock. After standing for a while the 
 heavier particles settle naturally to the bottom, and form a thickened mass, with tl;e oil 
 upon the top, which it is more difficult to bring back into a proper consistency, than to 
 mix entirely fresh paint. 
 
 Even were good pigment in such shape possible it would not be desirable, for all that 
 it can, at the best, claim to save is the trouble of adding requisite oil. This is much 
 more than counterbalanced by the objections against it 
 
 The mixture is made, by the addition of oil, to assume a bulky form, rendering 
 necessary an increased cost for transportation and package, when the simple thinning 
 needful, oil and turpentine, could, in most cases, be bought much cheaper nearer at hand. 
 
 Each coat of paint upon any surface, from priming to finish, requires a different con- 
 sistency; but a paint bought ready mixed can, of course, only be of one consistency, and, 
 even if adapted to one class of coating, must, after all, require modification for the others, 
 according to the work it is intended for. 
 
 Such paints are far from having any advantage in jjoint of economy. It is repre- 
 sented that a given number of gallons will go further in covering surface than the same 
 number of gallons of pure lead thinned with oil, and tliat, therefore, the former is the 
 cheaper of the two. This is ingeniously i)ut forward, and the assertion as to mere 
 covering power possesses really a morsel of truth; but the cmtm is carefully kept in the 
 back-ground. The simple fact is that the mixed paints in question are not formed from 
 lead at all, nor do the originators of them claim svich to be the case. Their base is zinc, 
 not lead, and every painter knows that the former, so far as mere coating over a surface, 
 will go further than the best pure lead; but this single quality does not determine the 
 superiority of zinc as a pigment, or settle its value as compared with lead; so that a com- 
 parison between these ready-mixed zinc paints and pure lead is not proper unless emry- 
 thing be taken at the same time into consideration. The comparison should be between 
 zinc and zinc; this alone would make the conditions equal, and the result would be 
 greatly in favor of pahit prepared from lead, ground in oil, but not thinned. 
 
 Several descriptions of tliese ready-made jiaints have, from time to time, been put 
 upon the market with claims to cheapness, durability, beauty, and wondrous cliemi- 
 cal properties; and by dint of advertising in country papers, baclced by the usual 
 array of testimonials, have secured some little patronage from the inexperienced. But, 
 as common sense teaches us that no chemical agency can hold a heavy body in suspense 
 in a ligliter, and thus annihilates any pretensions to such paint remaining homogeneous 
 after standing any length of time, so does the practical experience of every painter show 
 that the fattiness from such pigments, when not brought speedily into use after being 
 put up, is detrimental to good work. 
 
 We have, so far, in referring to paints sold entirely thinned, taken it for granted that 
 they are (as they claim) prepared with linseed oil; but this is seldom the case. Kerosene 
 and other mixtures of the kind are commonly resorted to for the purpose of cheapening. 
 There is, of course, no danger of trash of this description becoming "fatty," or losing 
 any virtue, for the simple reason that it never had any! ! and it is equally certain that 
 pure lead and good oil cannot be expected to come out with advantage, in nominal cost, 
 from a comparison so unequal. Who, however, would knowingly buy a kerosene paint, 
 
14 
 
 if it was plainly called by that name instead of some clieraical or well soundinR title? 
 With such paints the injunction is generally given not to use oil but turpentine, if further 
 thinning should be requisite; and why? because oil will not mix with the trash employed. 
 
 "Town and Country" paints are ground in oil, but not thinned to the consistency 
 requisite for immediate application. They are adapted either for town or country use, 
 are made from good material, may be self-applied, and all the objections which we have 
 enumerated as existing against paints already thinned are obviated. To prepare them 
 for painting it is only necessary to add linseed oil, raw in dry weather, with the addition, 
 Id damp, of Patent Dryer, or of one-third boiled oil, it having drjing properties. A little 
 turpentine may also be used, (say one quart to each gallon of oil), it being only about 
 half the cost of oil, and not injurious to the paint. First coats always reciuire a thinner 
 coat than the succeeding, especially on plaster walls or new wood, which are absorbent. 
 The proportion of thinning reciuisite for 100 pounds of these paints for first coats will 
 range from about C}^ to G3<; gallons, according to which tint may be employed, as some 
 require less oil than others; second coats from 4J^ to nyi gallons. Turpentine may be 
 mixed in the proportion of one quart to a gallon of oil. They are prepared in all the 
 shades shown on the card, and can be procured in any quantity by merely stating the 
 number affixed to tlie tint desired. Being always made according to a certain fixed for- 
 mula, further supplies can be had at any time of exactly the same shade, without the 
 least variation. As pigments they have many desirable qualities to recommend them for 
 either indoor or outside work: their smooth, elastic, glossy surface does not crack or peel, 
 they are found to be almcst entirely indestructible, and will certainly stand exposure to the 
 action of the elements far better than any ordinary paint prepared in the ordinary way. 
 They forn! an admirable protection for roofs ; have an affinity for iron which makes them 
 excellent preservatives, and hence are adapted for coating vessels, freight cars, etc. 
 Their richness aud purity of tone commends thorn to the eye of taste, and they are, at the 
 same time, so reasonable in price that none.need plead expense as a reason for not making 
 their dwellings clean and sightly. The introduction of these pigments certainly forms a 
 new era in decoration. 
 
 One hundred pounds of the "Town and Countrj-," with oil and turpentine added in 
 proper proportion, may be estimated as sufficient for one coat on about T.'JO square yards 
 of surface; if two coats arc to be given, this quantity of paint will cover about 4S0 yards; 
 or three coats, about 300 yards. 
 
 At the price at which these paints are sold, the cost of material, oil included, suffi- 
 cient to give the exterior of an ordinary house two coats, would be only about $35, so that 
 there can be no excr.se for neglecting this necessary and cleanly work, and preserving 
 property many years from the action of the elements. 
 
 On an average the "Town and Country" paints cost, when ready thinned for use, 
 about $1.50 per gallon. Take, for instance, Xo. 7: 
 
 100 pounds would cost in keg, $10.00 
 
 6)^ gallons of oil, at say $1.00, 6.50 
 
 2 " of turpentine, at say .75, 1.50 
 
 $18.00 
 The above would be equal to about 13V4 gallons of mixed paint, at the rate of $1.33 
 per gallon, whereas, from $2.2.) to $3.75, and even $10.00 per gallon, i» charged for paints 
 sold ready thinned. A diiTerence of from $1.00 to $8.50 per gallon paid by the credulous 
 consumer, and for what? the mere (unadvantageoas) addition of thinning, gciierally 
 impure. 
 
 It Is only claimed for ready thinned paints that a gallon will give two coats on from 
 20 to 26 square yards, but 100 pounds of "Town and Country" mixed as above, are suffi- 
 cient for two coats on 450 yards, or an average of 33>^ yards (two coats) to the gallon, 
 so that the pure material shows a gain not only on cost per gallon but on surface 
 covered 
 
15 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 ORIGIK AND PRODUCTION OF PAINTS. 
 
 Even amongst professional men, who daily handle the pigments in their trade, 
 there is a very general lack of information as to the mode of production, yet the subject 
 is full of importance, involves large business interests, chemical knowledge and scientific 
 skill. It has, besides, a special bearing upon questions of cost, pcnnanency and quality, 
 which should be weiglied when considei-ing what to select or to avoid. 
 
 Desiring, in placing before our readers information on the subject, it should be of 
 the best and latest which chemistry has developed, we visited one of the leading 
 manufacturing establishments, that of Uarrison Bros. & Co., in order to confirm and in- 
 crease our knowledge. 
 
 It will be seen by reference to our lists of tlie actual corroders of white lead and 
 manufacturers of colors doing business in New York, that only this one firm appears 
 in the duplicate capacity, and when we add that they are also extensively engaged in 
 the manufacture of tlie very chemicals which form the base of colors, their advantage 
 over all others engaged in the business will be apparent. A visit to their works, in 
 fact, comijrises everything that could be seen by taking separately a number of different 
 establishments having only a limited specialty each. To illustrate this let us lake the 
 article of white lead. Although there are, as we have already shown, several bom;, fide 
 corroding firms, they have aU either to buy the acetic acid necessary, or at any rate the 
 acetate of Ume from wliich the acid is made, but Harrison Bros. & Co. produce both upon 
 tlieir own premises, and have hence an obvious advantage not only in cost, but in saving 
 of transportation. Then again in colors, as no manufacturers besides themselves (ex- 
 cept J. T. Lewis & Bros., of Philadelphia,) are at the same time corroders of lead, and 
 as lead is a base of color, they have also tha advantage of supplying themselves with 
 this necessary article, and also of saving costs of drying and packing, as well as trans- 
 portation upon it. To go further, altliough there arc, as we have sliown, many manufac- 
 turers of colors, yet all of them, not being also makers of chemicals, which latter enter 
 largely into, and are indeed the component parts of all color, begin, so to speak, only 
 lialf way instead of at the commencement, whereas the Messrs. Harrison themselves 
 produce all the necessary chemical bases, such as sugars and nitrate of lead, sulphuric, 
 acetic, nitric and muriatic acids, alum, copperas, etc., and save not only the profit upon 
 them but even the expensive crystalization which such articles as acetate and nitrate of 
 lead ordinarily undergo when prepared for the commercial market; also the cost of packing 
 and transportation is saved by the use of articles in tlie works wliere made. In ready 
 prepared "To\vn and Country" paints they have the same advantages. Paints of a 
 similar character are made by other manufacturers, but as none of tliem are corroders 
 of lead and some of them not even makers of colors, they have to purchase their 
 supplies from outside sources, and are thus, of course, unalile to compete with Harrison 
 Bros. & Co. on this speciaUty. In selecting their establishment, tlierefore, as the 
 source of information as to the details of the origin of pigments, and in taking its 
 products as standards for employment, we have done so in common and impartial 
 justice, and in the interests of our readers only, without intentional slight to the nuruber of 
 reputable but smaller manufacturers engaged in similar business. 
 
 On our visit to the factories referred to we found invoices of crude raw material 
 landing at the wharves to be gradually absorbed according to their nature through tlie 
 various branches of the works; and after going through process after process, leaving in 
 a hundred different and finislied forms. 
 
 Nothing wasted; one product formed from another or the combination of several, all 
 dovetailing together and turned to utility by chemical art. One vessel was unloading 
 brimstone from Sicily for the sulphuric acid department; and otliers, with several hundred 
 cords of wood on hoard, for tlie production of pyroligneous acid and acetates of lime, were 
 discharging cargoes, wliile another laden partly witli pig lead was just hauling into her 
 berth. Piled up near the wharf lay vast heaps of clay which had lately been discharged, 
 
16 
 
 and was shortly to appear in the market iindor tlie form of alum; and near by stood larpe 
 etoreliousos filled with Syracuse and Liverpotil salt used in prcuhicing muriatic acid. Out 
 of these crude materials, with but few and unimportant additions, the A\'liite Lead of 
 Commerce, Chemicals and Colors, in numerous and dissimilar forms, are all jiroduced. 
 now they work and interlace one with another, and how, hy intermixture of tlieir jiroducts, 
 so many diflercnt residts are attained will be bast apparent by the annexed diagram. 
 
 We Iiave not space for a detailed description of the various processes involved in the 
 production of white lead and colors, but the chart given will probably convey a clearci' 
 idea of tlieir origin than any written explanation. 
 
 The heavy line at the foot, marked 15 (base), indicates the starting point of all color 
 bases and products. It is at this point that the manufacture is commenced at the works 
 ■we have referred to. 
 
 The double lines at top, marked A (apex), show the point at which ordinary color 
 makers all begin to manufacture, and some idea can be formed of the number of chemicals 
 on which they have to pay profit, cost of preparation for market, packing and transpor- 
 tation before they can commence the production of colors. Tliis sufficiently illustrates the 
 advantages possessed by Harrison Bros. A- Co. in beginning, as they do, at the very founda- 
 tion, and' working from the raw material upwards, and justifies the mention which, in the 
 Interest ol our readers, we have given their productions. 
 
 CHAPTER "VTIL 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In closing onr treatise, let us once more emphatically repeat, that good results Cdn 
 only be obtained by the use of good material, and that it is not the cost of this material, 
 but of labor, which constitutes the main expense of decorating. Good material. Indeed, 
 diminishes cost, since it effects a saving of time in addition to the durability it secures. 
 Let those then who may buy pigments for themselves insist upon the best, even though 
 seemingly dear in price as compr.red with lower grades, and let those who may entrust 
 work to others stipulate for what they may wish employed,* and stand firm against being 
 persuaded out of it, thus insuring themselves against the use of what may be inferior. 
 One, at least, of the local dealers is likely to have all that is wanted, or can easily pro- 
 cure it upon order if desired. 
 
 Let us again, remind our readers that the cheerful comfort and soft relief which 
 harmony of color and neat arrangement bring, arc owned by no exclusive class, are the 
 property of none however rich, but open to the poor as well as the wealthy, the inmate of 
 the cottage as well as of the mansion. Call in their aid, then, to enliven and make beauti- 
 ful your homes, and by their influence reacli purer and more ennobled minds. 
 
 It is not much to saj' that one half tlie <lrunkenness and miserj' of the world, especially 
 where tlie working classes are concerned, may be traced to comfortless and cheerless homes. 
 
 -Place, Date. 
 
 •The following is a form of contract which may be used to advantage ; 
 
 The undersigned agrees to thoroughly paint the story house, number- 
 
 the property of ; giving coats throughout, and properly finishing every part of said premises in a 
 
 workmanlike manner, completing the same in days under a penalty as liquidated damages, of 
 
 dollars per day for non-completion within specified time. 
 
 It is further agreed that nothing but lead (insert here Harrison Brothers & Co. , or whatever brand 
 
 you may desire) for the interior, and grcea for the blinds, etc, etc, fiiiding all requisite labor and material 
 
 for the sum of $ payable 
 
 [Signed,] 
 
 This form may, of course, be varied to suit the requirements of any particular case; the nature, whether 
 external or internal, of the work to be done ; but a written contract of this kind is much preferable to a mere ver- 
 bal bargain. If it is desired that " Town and Coimtry " paint:, be employed the tints should be specified by 
 number. 
 
BICHROMATE OF POTASH-^ 
 
 SUIBHURIC ACID'^r 
 
18 
 
 A wife ■with stockings down about her heels Is not an exhilarating sight, and when com- 
 binod with dirty floor, disordcrod grati? and untidy furniture, small inducement has the 
 good-man to remain after r<turningfrom liis work, and he too often seeks relief in the 
 parlor of the tavern, which offers for the time being, at least, a sort of delusive comfort. 
 That even poverty is an excuse or renders such thing necessary we emphatically deny. A 
 little paint (which as we have shown can be self applied), a broom, a Uttle soap, a piece 
 of carpet however plain, a flower here and there, might without much cost transform 
 from wretchedness many a lowly home; refine and humanize the dwellers; and, by in- 
 creasing their self-respect, make them better parents, citizens and men. 
 
 To those who have means at command, we would recall what we have elsewhere said 
 that mere profusion of expenditure — gilt by the yard and gorgeous hangings — docs not con- 
 stitute harmony nor evidence of taste. It is well that they who have wealth should by its 
 outlay stimulate art and manufactures, but let them seek by discrimination to guide these 
 into channels of refinement and good taste. 
 
19 
 
 ATTENTION, PAINTERS AND VARNISHERSI 
 
 A Complete Guide for Coach Painters : From the French of M. Arlot, Coach 
 Painter, by A. A. Ferquet, Chemist and Engineer. To which is added an Appendix^ 
 containing information respecting the Mati'rials and the Practice of Coach and Car 
 Fainting and Varnishes in the United States and Great Britain. 12nio. $1.25. 
 
 The Interior Decorator : The laws of Ilarmonious Coloring adapted to interior 
 decorations, with a Practical Treatise on House Painting, by D. K. Hay. 12mo. 52.25. 
 
 Painter, Guilder, and Varnisher's Companion r Containing Rules and Regu- 
 lations in everj-thing relating to the Arts of Painting, Gilding, Varni.shing, Glass-Stain- 
 ing, Graining, Marbling, Sign- Writing, Gilding on Glass, and Coiuth Painting and 
 Varnishing; Tests for the Detection of Adulterations in Oils, Colors, etc.; and a State- 
 ment of the Diseases to which Painters are peculiarly liable, with the Simplest and Best 
 Remedies. Sixteenth Edition. Revised, with an Appendix. Containing Colors and 
 Coloring — Theoretical and Practical. Comprising descriptions of a gi'eat variety of 
 Additional Pigments, their Qualities and Uses, to which are added Driers, and Modes 
 and Operations of Painting, etc. Together with Chevreul's Princii)les of Harmony and 
 Contrast of Colors. 12mo. $1.50. 
 
 SiQN Writino and Glass Embossing : A Complete Practical Manual of the Art. 
 By James Callingham. Withl5Platesof Alphabets, and other Illustrations. 12mo. Si. 50. 
 
 ^" The above, or any of my books, sent free of postage at the publication prices. 
 My new and revised Catalogue of Practical and Scientific Books, 95 pages, 8vo, sent 
 free of postage to any one who will furnish his address. 
 
 HENRY CARET BAIED, 
 Industrial Publisher, 
 406 Walnut Street, Philadelhhia. 
 
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