First Aid for those Shabby Floors

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23767, 21 September 1940, Page 6 (Supplement)

First Aid for those Shabby Floors

JpERMANGANATE atain followed by linseed oil gives a fine, deep colour to floor boards and it is easy to use. A ilb. of permanganate of potash will cover a floor 16ft. by I6ft. The materials needed are: Permanganate of potash, ilb.; a pail or old paint tin; a wide brush; linseed oil, 1 pint; floor polish. The brush should not be a good one, as_ the permanganate destroys the bristles. \Vear a pair of old gloves to prevent the hands becoming stained. If the boards have been previously stained or polished, they should be scrubbed with soda and water to remove any grease*

To Mix the Stain.—Dissolve 4ozs. of permanganate in about three pints of hot water and apply to the floor with the brush, rubbing well into the grain and cracks of the boards. It can be slopped on quite carelessly, but care must be taken to avoid splashing the walls and wainscoting. Allow to dry, a process which should take only a few hours. When dry, the floor is a light chocolate colour. If necessary touch up any light patches with more permanganate. Next rub linseed oil in with the rag. Do not stint the oil, and be sure to ruij well into the grain and the cracks. The linseed oil immediately turns the permanganate stain into a deep, rich colour. Now leave the floor for at least twelve hours, but twenty-four hours or more if convenient, to enable the oil to soak in thoroughly. Then apply floor wax with a soft rag, and polish the floor in the usual way.