The Berkel and Parnall's Slicing Machine Co., Ltd., whose extensive works are at 6, Bow Common Lane, London, E., have had a plant for paint spraying in use for the last four years, and find it to be quite successful and a great saving of time over the old method of applying the paint by means of brushes, in addition to a superior finish being obtained. The sprayer in this case is the "Invincible," and the paint is sprayed on under pressure varying according to the nature of the work. The iron parts which go to make up the slicing machine are first primed and stoved and any imperfections stopped in the usual manner. They are then painted by means of compressed air and again stoved, after which they receive a further coat, which is also stoved. Various ornamentation in gold is then put on, mostly by the transfer process, although certain parts require lining by hand. The final coat of varnish is given by means of brushes, it being found that this is the most economical way for this particular class of work. In this particular it will be observed that the method differs from that used in many other works where all the operations are done by spraying, including a final coat of varnish. The colour used for the paint is a bright red. There are two spraying cabinets with the usual exhaust, and turn-tables are employed for turning the parts round to receive the coat of paint. It may surprise some readers to learn the very large extent to which these slicing machines are used throughout the world for various purposes.
Gittings, Hills and Boothby, Limited.
The plant for spraying in use in these works is principally intended for experimental purposes in connection with the preparation of paints, varnishes and lacquers of various descriptions which the firm manufacture. An up-to-date type of pistol is used, with a pressure not exceeding 30 lbs. to the inch. The work is done in a small closet with glass sides open at one side, and a small turn-table is employed upon which to place the article that is being sprayed. Some admirable results are obtained with the aid of gold lacquers. It is found that in certain varnishes the application of heat is an advantage, but as a rule the spraying is done cold. Among the articles which have been painted are motor cars and various smaller appliances.
The Kingsbury Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
A typical plant for finishing picture frames, furniture, fancy articles such as wood, cane and other ornamental baskets, is that of the Kingsbury Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 1, Markfield Rd., Broad Lane, Tottenham, N. This firm are the inventors of what is known as the "Inolite" system of gilding, which is described as an ideal process. Certainly the work produced is as near perfection as one would desire, the gilding being excellent in appearance, while it is guaranteed for five years to be free from discoloration or tarnishing. The process consists in applying by means of spraying, first, a coat of special enamel, which when dry is rubbed down with a solvent applied by a pad. Upon this is sprayed a coat of gold paint, and a final coat of colourless celluloid varnish is given which protects the gold from tarnishing. The process adopted is described in greater detail under the head of "Picture Frame Finishing" in this book.
Fig. 103.—View from one end of Messrs. Lucas, Ltd., Airostyle Plants, showing Fan and Compressor Drives.
The coloured celluloid enamels which are applied to fancy baskets, etc., have a very attractive metallic appearance, which is far superior to the ordinary crude bronzy effect. Another speciality of the firm is the finish of frames in special black, which gives a perfectly smooth finish which might be called "egg-shell gloss." It is quite artistic in appearance, eminently suitable for the particular purpose, and gives a durable frame at a comparatively small cost.