THE MODERN FLOOR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19374, 24 December 1932, Page 11

THE MODERN FLOOR

WOOD-STAINING AT HOME. Whoever first thought of using permanganate of potash (Condy’s crystals) as a floor stain deserves all our gratitude. Cheap, easily mixed, and applied straight on to the wood, it is the simplest of all stains, and gives a very satisfactory deep brown colour.

It is impossible to give exact quantities for mixing, as the strength depends a good deal on the porous nature of the wood, and on the desired light or dark shade.

Dissolve sufficient crystals in hot water to make a deep-coloured solution, testing its strength by brushing a little on an odd piece of board. Make a note of the proportions used, so that you can mix the same shade again should you need extra stain to finish the floor. |

Let it become cold before using, and then apply it in good brushfuls until the whole floor is evenly stained. It will dry Tairly quickly, but for good wearing should be left untouched for at least 24 hours. A second coat is then sometimes necessary.

The floor may now be polished in the usual way, with a good wax polish for preference.

A mixture of black japan and turpentine is perhaps the best stain of all. It costs more than Condy’s crystals, and is more troublesome to put on, but it is well worth using for its wearing qualities and its rich brown

colour. The shade can be varied, too, by adding a tube of oil colour; red, if you like a warm russet brown, yellow for a golden tone. Dark greens and browns are also useful. A floor that tones with the furnishings of a room is a decided decorative asset, and the woman who cares to experiment will enjoy working with this oil stain. It must be mixed to a good brushing consistency, and will be found to go further on a new floor if applied over a very thin coating of size. As with all floor stains, it should be left to harden as long as the room can be spared, and then coated with a hard floor varnish.

When the floor is in use again, a weekly polishing with -a good wax polish is the best way to keep a good fresh surface on all stains and varnishes.