The Golden State: Where & How to Live, Secure, Visit, Enjoy and Thrive in California
First Aid For The Ailing Houses
OF ALL THE VARIOUS THINGS a home owner can do to his house, few give such quick and satisfying results as painting. New paint discoveries and easy-to-use equipment have so greatly simplified painting that almost anyone can do a good job with little effort. Also, to most people, painting is a pleasant and relaxing occupation, and it results in less expesive redecorating costs when the home owner does it himself. Some home owners, however, prefer to do only the preparation, then call in a professional for the actual paint-ng. To be sure of getting the best results, the home owner in either case should know what materials and methods produce long-lasting, attractive effects.
BEWARE OF FALSE ECONOMY
A home owner cannot be too strongly warned against the false economy of saving money in buying paint by price alone. Any saving that may be made will be lost many times over in its shorter life and in the cost of replacement.
A home owner who asks several painters for estimates on a paint job may find wide differences. In making his decision, he should not let a low price blind him to the possibility of scrimped and shoddy work and cheap materials. The reason for a low price should be investigated, with the thought in mind that the essential thing is a job that will be long-lasting and satisfactory.
A painter crowded with work, who justly prides himself on the satisfaction he gives, will charge a fair price. One reason for a lower price may be a very legitimate desire to hold a gang together during a slack period, and this is a condition of which an owner can safely take advantage. On the other hand, it may be due to a deliberate intention to use cheap materials and slapdash workmanship, which would be ruinous to the home owner. The job should be given to the man with a reputation for honest and conscientious work, at a price which will interest him in doing his best. Considerable money will be saved by the long interval before repainting will be required.
Paint is easily adulterated, which can be suspected when the price is low. To avoid this, and for assurance of good quality, as good an indication as any is high price. With the exception of a few brands of paint sold in quantities so large the price can be reduced, it is usually true that the higher the cost of the paint, the better it is. As the cost of paint is so small, compared to the cost or effort of having it put on, there is real economy in buying the best and longest-lasting paint which can be purchased.
