The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California

Care And Repair Of The House

The paste fillers which are most commonly used should be thinned with turpentine to brushing consistency before being used. The filler is first brushed across the grain and then with the grain. An old stiff brush may be used for this purpose, and if the filler sets too quickly the surface may be wiped with turpentine. After the filler has set for about a half hour wipe across the grain with excelsior to remove the excess. Curled hair or burlap may be used instead of excelsior for this purpose. Some liquid fillers are intended for use on open-grained woods, but most are intended for use on close-grained woods, and are applied by simply brushing them on. Some authorities recommend ordinary shellac in alcohol as a liquid filler.

Applying the Varnish.

The surface should be allowed to dry a day or two after a filler has been used, before the first coat of varnish is applied. The first coat should be allowed to dry from 5 to 10 days, after which time it should be rubbed with curled hair or excelsior to remove the gloss. The second coat is then applied and treated similarly, or rubbed with fine sandpaper or glass paper. If a first-class job with a gloss finish is desired, the next to last coat should be well rubbed with pumice and water before applying the finishing coat. The final coat (preferably the fourth coat) may be left with the natural gloss, or rubbed with pumice and water, it a dull or flat finish is desired.' Some manufacturers now make varnishes which dry with a flat finish.

Shellac.

Shellac is often used as an interior finish, especially where it is desired to retain the natural color of the wood. It should not, however, be used for exterior work. Nor should it be used where it will become hot, as near a fireplace, since it is likely to blister.

Shellac should be applied in thin coats and given ample time to dry. The first two coats may be applied six hours apart, and two days should be allowed between additional coats. It does not require rubbing, except, perhaps, after every third or fourth coat.

Exterior Work.

No filler is used in exterior work, since it is apt to be forced out of the wood by direct sunlight. All surfaces exposed to the sun, such as window sashes, sills, and inside blinds, are considered as outside work. The material generally used is spar varnish, the successive coats being lightly sandpapered, except the last, which is usually left with the natural gloss. Exterior work, especially if exposed to the direct sunlight, will require varnishing annually, but good interior varnishing will last 15 to 20 years.