A gray finish is used more generally at the present time than in the past. It is put on in place of the white skim coat.
The natural color is a pleasant gray tint. It may be made smooth enough for papering. The skim coat, white or gray, may be tinted with fresco color at less cost than it can be papered. Paper becomes necessary on a white skim finish after a short time.
The hard white finish, which is not commonly used at the present time, is very satisfactory excepting for its extreme whiteness. This finish is made by the use of white sand and skim rubbed and floated down until only a sufficient amount of the lime or skim proper remains to cement the sand to the wall. The same kind of a finish with gray sand is very satisfactory.
Proprietary finishes for plastered walls are now used to some extent in the better class of work. They are very hard, of waterproof texture and of any color desired. The coloring of finish for plastering is ordinarily not successful. However, some of the proprietary colored goods before the public are very satisfactory when well put on. The one difficulty in the way of their use is in getting the plasterer to handle properly a thing with which he is not familiar.
Back plastering is common in very cold climates, and is done by plastering on the back of the sheathing between the studding. It is independent of the inside plastering.
Cement pavements in floors are considered in the previous chapter.
GAS-PIPING.
Gas-pipes are placed in a house before lathing. The gas company which supplies the illuminating or fuel gas furnishes the inspection for each set of pipes. Below is given a form of specification in use by an architect in a natural-gas region.
GAS.
Illuminating Gas.—Provide and fix gas-pipe and fittings according to gas company’s regulations. All pipes shall be concealed, excepting where it is desired to attach a burner. Cap pipes. Lights to be placed as indicated by table below.
Fuel or Natural Gas.—Provide and fix pipe and fittings according to company’s regulations. Company’s certificate of approval will be required before payments are made. Cap pipes until mixers and burners are attached.
Valves and connections shall be provided preparatory to mixer and burner connections. Provide connection with street mains.