New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-24
HISTORICAL FACTS IN CONNECTION WITH
AN INDUSTRY WHICH OCCUPIES
AN IMPORTANT PLACE IN
NETWORK CITY.


iective purposes in ancient times. Chemistry
had not come to the painters aid to supply
him with materials possessing preservative
properties. and the pigments. mostly ochres.
umbers. siennas and other simple preparations
which were used in olden times were employed
merely with the view to produce an ornamental
effect. 1t is only within the last two or three
centuries that paints have come to be employed
for the purpose Of Obviating the effects or at
mosphere and the elements of decay. As soon
the preservative properties Of oil paints were
recognized a rapid increase in their employ
ment took place. Their popularity was based
almost entirely however. upon their protective
quality. and for a long time they we're applied
Unfortunately, without any regard for artistic
effect A change came gradually. and new ideas
were introduced into painting. Art was COM
bined with utility and in the present methods
OF house painting both the points Of protection
and ornamentatiOn are considered
The widespread Introduction OF the modern
ornamental cOlOrs. the dark greens. olives. ma
rooms. etc. opened the door for the introduction
of combinations Of ingredients bearing the name
of paints. and possessing temporary decorative
value. that were entirely worthless. far as
any protective effect was concerned good
paint must possess a certain amount of hard
ness to enable it to withstand the friction or
the rain and wind. sufficient toushness to re-
sist ordinary abrasion or friction without sus-
main uninjured by the contraction or expansion
of the surface to which 1t is applied.
EXCELLENCE OF RESULTS.
These qualifications paint can possess un-
less the ingredients are in proper chemical COM
bnation. Paints in which the liquids merely
hold the solids In suspension or mechanical
mixture can never possess durability: their
liquids absorbed by the wood. or chemically
changed by the atmosphere. leaving solid COM
i ponents to be scattered by the breeze washed
off by the rain
this city careful study has been given to these
important facts. and the result Is that the
manufacturers have succeeded in producing
superior line Of house paints.
The local manufacturers have introduced
many valuable improvements In the preparation
OF the oil. with view of increasing its harden
Ing and elastic properties and they have
perfected the processes for manufacturing the
different dry coors. thereby producing new COM
binatons Of pigments which provide the advan-
tages OF economy. covering properties. facility
of application and durability.
ANOTHER BRAND
The manufacture of ready mixed paints is an
important part Of this industry. and there are
reasons why colors supplied ready mixed by
reliable concerns superior in many respects
The painter buying his material in small
quantities labOrs under a disadvantage. as he
cannot always hope to secure the proper thor
oughness In their Incorporation. He is not al
ways able to get the same make of colors and
ingredients. and the supplies Of one firm furnish
different results from those Of other manufact-
urers BY the use of ready mixed paints he is
enabled to accomplish more work. with far bet
ter results within a given time. than was posi-
BILE where he had to perform personally the en-
tire work Of mixing his cOlOrs. The large
manufacturing firms Of this city not only pro-
duce the mixed paints. bu. also the dry colors
rtolS in hair v rPoD
large share of the business of paint manu-
, facture Is done with the railroads While most
persons realize the necessity for we-kept
track, efficient rolling stock and proper station
facilities the importance of neatness and at
Effectiveness I'm the exterior appearance Of roll
ing stock is frequently underestimate. Dingy
cars and locomotives are not calculated to at
tract the travelling public. a fact which up-to-
date railroad men appreciate thoroughly. The
character of the work turned out in the paint
shop In important. The painting or vanishing
of the woodwork Of a car the exterior of a
locomotive protects them from the elements. and
II this detail is neglected the property is dam
aged and heavy outlay Ia needed to accom-
plish its restoration.
Another factor to be taken into consideration
IN this connection Is the loss OF car or loco
motive service. To paint car or locomotive re-
uulres a stay of some twenty-five or thirty days
In the shop. 1t can hardly be calculated how
much time will be lost II inferior material is
used. and the painting must De done oitener
In places where the wear and tear is most Sc
we're gives to this end of the business great
significance.
Much care has been given IN the New YORK
factories TO the production of high grade var
nishes and in competition with both domestic
and IMPORTED makes our manufacturers stand
unrivaIled t'.'
The manufacture of oil and water-color paints
for artists is an important branch OF this Dusi-
ness i'm which the New-York manufacturer has
succeeded in taking a large amount OF business
from English firms. who formerly controlled th's
field. ,,-s
LARGE FACTORIES.