Painting by Immersion and by Compressed Air: A Practical Handbook

by Arthur Seymour Jennings

Iron piano frame manufacturers have almost universally adopted the system of spraying bronze on the frames. Where the old-fashioned method is still in use, it is usually because the quantity of frames to be dealt with is hardly large enough to justify the outlay required in the purchase of a plant.

Another advantage should be mentioned. The special celluloid japans now largely used for application by means of compressed air obviate the necessity of a considerable amount of rubbing down and papering, etc., which cannot be dispensed with when the liquid is applied by means of a brush.

For the purpose of comparison, it may be said that these japans may be sprayed upon such articles as buttons, medallions, electrical and bedstead fittings, and also on wood brush-handles and furniture, large and small, with a gain of 5 to 1 over brushing.

Objections Sometimes Urged Against Spraying.

Having explained the advantages of the spraying system, we may now consider the objections which are occasionally raised against it.

One of the arguments most frequently used is that the effect thereby obtained must be less durable than is the case of the brushed effect.

Why such a theory should be advanced is a little obscure, for, theoretically, it is possible to apply, with a properly fitted plant, a far more even coat than is the case when brushing, and seeing that such paint is applied with the idea of protecting the article against rust, or corrosion, or of improving the appearance, the argument is for rather than against spraying.

However, to come to the practical side, the evidence is all in favour of spraying, for it has been proved by many exhaustive tests by independent persons, that, with the same material treated in the same manner, i.e., either air dried or stoved after spraying or brushing, there is no difference in the durability of the japan or paint, and that the sprayed result has this advantage, that some little gain in time is effected in the period occupied in drying or stoving of the paint.

Another objection is sometimes raised to the application of paint by means of the spray to rough and uneven surfaces. The argument here is that it is impossible to make the paint adhere to the surface, save with a good stiff brush.