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House Furnishing and Decorating: Oilcloth

Oilcloth consists of a foundation of burlap covered with a number of coatings of coarse paint. The pattern is printed on the surface with wooden blocks, one for each color. Oilcloth may be obtained in any width from three feet to twenty-four feet, but is ordinarily sold in narrow widths and medium weights.

In purchasing oilcloth first look at the back and choose a grade of cloth the background of which is closely woven. Next see that the coating of paint is of good weight or thickness, and choose a cloth having a smooth surface rather than one which is coarse or has a raised pattern. These portions are the first to wear.

Oilcloth improves with age as the paint hardens; hence select, if possible, a piece which has been a long time in stock.

Linoleum is a coined word for a floorcloth consisting of a mixture of oxidized linseed oil and pulverized cork. This is laid upon a foundation of coarse burlap and made to adhere by pressure. Linoleum was invented by an Englishman, William Walton, and was formerly sold at rather high prices on account of a monopoly in the use of the patents in the United States. The patents have now expired and linoleum is being sold in competition with oilcloths for floor coverings. It presents a better appearance, is much more durable, and hence is cheaper in the long run. Oilcloths and linoleums, if of good quality and properly laid, are perhaps the best of all floor coverings for kitchen, pantry, laundry, or any other room where wet or greasy substances are likely to be spilled or where there is a great deal of wear. A good grade of linoleum in a solid color also makes a desirable background for Oriental or other rugs as a substitute for a hard-wood floor.

To Lay Oilcloth. - The floors of many rooms, especially in houses that even. have been standing for many years, become very rough. The cracks widen, and some boards wear or settle more than others, making the surface un- This condition presents two difficulties: the cracks admit draughts from beneath, and the sharp and uneven edges wear the floor coverings. Linoleums and oilcloths being stiff. and brittle are especially liable to wear and break along these cracks; hence, before laying these floor coverings, put down a number of thicknesses of newspapers. These will also prevent the floor covering, when heated by the sun or by the heat of a stove, from sticking to the floor.

Or use carpet felt or carpet linings obtainable from dealers for this purpose.

Or cover the floor evenly with sawdust by working it into the cracks as much as possible.

Or spread over the floor a rather thick coating of fine dry sand.

Any of these methods makes a solid filling that increases the life of the oilcloth many years.

To Varnish Oilcloths. - Oilcloth and linoleum may be much improved in appearance, and also indefinitely preserved by an occasional coat of varnish. To apply a fresh coat once in three months is not too often. This freshens the colors, prevents the oilcloth from cracking, and, by lessening friction, makes it much easier to clean.

If linoleum is used as a background for rugs in bedrooms or living rooms it may be painted, in imitation of various colors of wood, with any of the modern varnish paints which contain stains, and dry with a smooth, glossy surface. When so treated a good linoleum makes an imitation of a hardwood floor, which can hardly be excelled either for beauty or durability. It is especially useful in those cases where a large rug is used for the center of the room with an open border about it. It is, of course, much better in such cases to cover the entire room with linoleum, and to lay the rug upon this.

HOUSE FURNISHING AND DECORATING To Renew Linoleum. -Old pieces of linoleum may often be made as good as new by first washing them with a strong solution of sal soda, ammonia, and soapsuds to remove the original color. Then apply a coat of any good light-colored paint, and lay over this any desired color of varnish paint in imitation of the woodwork. Instructions as to what paint to use may be had from the dealers. Always allow paint and varnish to become thoroughly dry and hard before walking upon it.