TO INTEREST HOUSEWIVES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 164, 11 June 1940, Page 9

TO INTEREST HOUSEWIVES.

VARNISH AND PAINT. Varnish is not only a restorer of finishes on furniture, but it is also a protection of surfaces. The liquid completely covers those to which it is a.pplied,-so that the surface beneath it is not touched by wear, scratches, etc., unless these latter are so deep that they cut through the varnish to the wood or material under it. It is the protective value of varnish that is considered to-day. An instance comes to mind that tells its own story. An ordinary floor oilcloth lasted for twenty-five years, all the time looking like new, with the pattern as perfect as originally, because the man of the house put on a new coat of good varnish whenever the coat already on it was wearing off. It stands to reason that- when the top is' renewed before the under material' is worn, this under part remains untouched, and hence, perfectly good. . Paint is another covering that is both protective and decorative. This IS true of indoor and out-door finishes. A house is better preserved that is painted’before the wood beefomes bare. AVlien blinds become faded and weather beaten, the whole dwelling takes oil new attractiveness when they are painted. Screens will last much longer when painted each year. The netting, without such painting, will rust and break, unless it is of copper wire, which' is more expensive. Ordinary wire screening will also have a brownish hue instead of the desired black. This undesirable colour betrays the fact that the screen is old and rusty. Screen paint is of such a consistency that it can be applied readily, and without spattering, if reasonable care is taken when applying it. Both; sides of a screen ha,ve to be painted for durability, and certainly for good looks. Cane or sea-grass chairs can ho varnished or pahn ted to keep them looking new. If a different colour is wanted, use a stain before varnishing; or a varnish stain. Be sure to get into all the crevices. In factories such chairs are spray-painted, which ensures covering the-.surfaces completely. With a brush the work is more arduous, but nevertheless the new appearance of the chair, repays for the labour of painting it with a brush.