It is most successful and expeditious as well as the most economical process for giving a smooth surface to rough castings—a condition which is, of course, indispensable when these have to be painted and varnished.
For ordinary surfaces of woodwork of a slightly rough or uneven character, two or three coats of the filling composition will suffice to produce, when carefully rubbed down, a perfectly smooth surface of a hard metallic nature, combined with great tenacity and durability.
"Philorite" is another speciality which may be mentioned in this connection. It is manufactured by Messrs. Wilkinson, Heywood and Clark, Ltd., and is a filler made in white and seven colours. This is a great advantage when the finish is to be coloured, as it may save a coat of paint. It can be rubbed smooth without difficulty, and will serve as a perfect ground for enamels and japans, as well as for paint. For use it is thinned out with American turpentine to the required consistency, say, that of a ready mixed paint. It is brushed on with a stiff bristle brush, and two coats may be safely applied on one day. The last coat can be rubbed down smooth with pumice and water or sandpaper. It may also be used as a knifing paste for defective surfaces.
Rubbing Down.
In many cases the coats of paint, japan or enamel have to be rubbed down between coats in order to produce a perfectly level surface. This is usually done by means of finely powdered pumice stone and water, and it is important to remember that the operation must be done with care so that the rubbing is quite uniform. If a slight gloss is given to the paint the portions which are rubbed down can readily be discerned, as they will have a gloss, and in this way uniformity can be ensured. It is of the utmost importance that all of the powder be washed away before the next coat is applied; if any is left it will mar the job. It may be noted that the work of rubbing down may be done more expeditiously by means of the finest grade of steel wool. On the Continent this is now used exclusively, and it is rapidly gaining favour in Great Britain.
Fig. 18.—Sprayed Show Card.
Fig. 19.—Dipping and Stoving Bedsteads.