42. It was said in the preceding paragraph that the application of the rubbing-in coat presented no difficulties, but the proviso inserted relative to the color being properly mixed means what it says, for if it is not, trouble will surely follow. If the color is too thin and oily the operator will find it hard work to smooth it evenly. If it has been made more transparent by the proper megilping, the color will brush out evenly, and a full brush of color can be carried to the work. The operator should run over the mouldings of the upper panels, and if he has enough color on his brush, also the lower ones, then he should brush out the panels themselves, helping himself to the surplus color on the mouldings; then the short middle stiles, then the lock rail, upper and lower rails, then the end stiles, finishing up with the door edges last.
43. What a “rubber in” should not do is to try to skin his color on. Many are afraid to carry more than half an inch of color from the pot to the work, seemingly afraid they can’t manage it with a full brush, but that is a very poor way and if pains are taken to distribute the color along the panel mouldings first, its distribution will be much more even than if put on by skinning. It will take only about two dippings to do the side of an ordinary door, and it will be in just the shape that the grainer wants it. On the other hand again, he must not put it on too heavy, as the edges will not wipe clean, and if too oily will even run and show up ragged at the edges.
QUESTIONS ON LESSON VIII.
38. How should graining colors be mixed for distemper work?
39. What may be added to the thinner to prevent the color drying too quick?
40. What else is useful in retarding the drying of the distemper graining color?
41. What is meant by the operation of rubbing in?
42. How is the graining color applied?
43. What is it that the “rubber in” should not attempt to do?