WHITEWASHING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20098, 8 November 1928, Page 5

WHITEWASHING.

CARE OF OUT-BUIILDINGS.

In the .minds of many, whitewashing means s,lnking some lime in water and splashing it carelessly over a,prescribed surface. The result is all too familiar — whitewash so badly streaked as to bo most unsightly, and at tho slightest touch brushing off the woodwork. In fact, frequently it does not remain long enough to be of any real value. To execute a good permanent job—a job that will not only clean and disinfect tho building, but improve its appearance —one must regard tho task much tho same as painting. First of all, the walls, sills, and all projections that have accumulated largo quantities of dust should be carefully brushed clean with a stiff broom, otherwise the whitewash will simply form a coating over tho dust, and will subsequently curl up and fall off. thus exposing tho original dust. This dust is frequently the refuge for diseaso germs and vermin, and should be removed. Whitewash is a good exterminator if allowed to come into contact with vermin, and will penetrate cracks and crevices which are in a horizontal position, such as those on dropping boards, in a thorough manner; but, if sprayed on the dusty sides of the building, it is apt to run olf the dust like water from an oiled surface. Spraying is much easier and quicker than applying the whitewash with a brush and if the above cleaning precautions are taken it is equally effectual. The following is a good formula for whitewash that will not rub off Slake a half-bushel of good strong lime in boning water, using just enough water to cover the lime and keep it from burning when the slaking process is completed. Add a little more water, and then strain tho solution to reinovo any sedmien s sand, lumps, or foreign substance twsolve about 71b. or 81b. of sa ut j o „. water, and add this to the .lime solu,t.on. work it thoroughly and allm for a couple of days. When^aay use, thin to tho proper consistency, apply it. hot. . m j x jj ){ » tho wash Another good recj ■ jj nlo as with skimmed milk- • ■ su ] p hato of ur.,,0. «... tl.« »<]'• ii r .«r. zinc ancl llh- , q f whiting will unThe addition | • mlts jde rise, and if prove the wnsl .o dof {ei .