Rensselaer Republican, Volume 15, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 May 1883 — Glass Floors. [ARTICLE]

Glass Floors.

Water-glass is now being mode use of in the production of a paint whioh, in addition to its beauty and durability, is also advantageous as a means of protection against the aetion of fire. As a floor paint it is found especially valuable. The surface having been well cleaned, any crevioes or oracks between the boards are next luted with a thick mixture of water-glass and pulverized chalk or gypsum; then, by means of a stiff brush, a coating of of sirup-like consistency, is spread over the floor, and to this succeeds a second coating of the same, mixed with the desired color—the latter a mineral color, as the alkalies of the water-glass commonly decompose vegetable colors. This coating having become dry, other layers of the water-glass are given, until the floor aoquires a fine lustrous appearance. In order to insure a polished brightness, the surface, is ground off a little, oiled and thoroughly dried. The water-glass is not worn away either by heat or by continued use. In the Binghampton Inebriate Asylum there were at' one time eighteen cases of persons whose condition was directly traceable to Black Friday. Political failures are also accountable for many cases. Political campaigns always send a considerable contribution to the asylums. L"' ‘ '