Inside Measurements. Inside work is measured solid on both doors and windows, with three inches allowed on each square opening for tracing edges; base never less than one foot. Stair, rail and balustrade, three times.
Wall Work. With wall work, where the doors and windows are painted, one-half to two-thirds of the openings is deducted; where the openings are not painted, one-third is deducted; cupboards and pantry shelves, 11⁄2 measurement.
Floors measured solid—plain work.
CONSIDERATION OF SURFACE.
New Work. In figuring a piece of work, the consideration of the surface to be painted is of as much importance as measurements. There are certain lumbers used for exterior building which cannot with safety, to produce satisfactory results, be finished with two coats of paint, owing principally to the great absorption of the lumber, as well as its varied grain, ranging from dark to light. If the paint is mixed heavy enough to cover the dark grain the lumber will not be satisfied, and while a single painting may show satisfactory results, it will not sufficiently penetrate nor bind to withstand contraction of future coats, thus causing the paint to break from the surface.
Upon the reputation of a painter depends his success. His reputation is his principal stock in trade and should not be jeopardized by doing work against his judgment. If an architect, contractor or property owner has specified two coat work without consideration of the surface, and three coats are necessary, an explanation as to the resulting danger through such should be given him. If his views can not be changed, don't try to hide the surface by plastering on the paint, but apply two properly reduced and brushed out coats, remembering the surface must be satisfied even at the expense of hiding. It is much better for all concerned to have the lumber satisfied, thus leaving a
