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For door and window
trims and other interior woodwork, white pine is recommended, as
it is the cheapest, and, if properly finished, looks very well.
It may be stained, if too light—the transparent stains merely
darken the wood and do not conceal the natural grain. Under no
circumstances try to imitate oak or walnut by graining. Such
shams deceive no one and are in the worst taste. If we use paint
for interior work let us use it frankly, carefully selecting the
color, and avoiding a shiny surface, a flatted or dull finish
being preferable.
The interior
woodwork should be selected with some little care, and all
stained - either satin-wood or light black-walnut. These stains,
which can be easily procured, are better if laid on in oil, and
then, if covered with two coats of varnish, make the nearest
approach possible to the appearance of the above-named natural
woods. No grainer’s art can do as well. Handsomely stained and
varnished woodwork is, we think, the most superior mode of
treating interiors. It adds much to the warmth and cosiness of
the rooms, has the effect of furnishing, and, so far as
cleanliness is concerned, is of great help to the housekeeper.
This style of finish, whether for the humble cottage or costly
mansion, is better and more attractive, if done with good taste,
than the most costly and elaborately painted tints.
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