fff7ro^?TmnBg •*» — IW ~VM I M& » S '| 4 lCXUUiXj Liquid Velvet J Made Bjy The OBrien Varnish Company South Bend Ind. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2017 with funding from ^ Columbia University UdkafTeg* https://archive.org/details/whyarchitectsspeOOobri geino a FeW Words Onto Important Subject of TONE and INTERIOR, DECORATION TOTpose Interested in NeV buildings or in Malting Old Interiors Loo^NeW The Architect’s Problem * ( )SSI BLY no other building' prob- lem presents such an array of tantalizing elements as that of Tone- Interior Decoration; and once the general scheme is decided, just what product to use to make it most effective and permanent . And, no one interested in the building — whether it be a modest home or giant sky-scraper — realizes more fully the importance of using just the right medium than does the architect. Primarily his work has to do with plans, stresses, beauty of the building outline, and other kindred features. But he knows that a poor decorative scheme or an ordinary decorative material will mar an interior that is otherwise architecturally perfect. And that is why almost invariably , architects zeal- ous for their professional standing , specify OBRIEN'S LIQ I II) VEL VET , the wondcrfid all 'round flat -drying oil enamel for coating walls and woodwork which renders them immune from the attacks of time , water , dust and germs , while affording a combination of rich tone effects hitherto produced only by the master mural artist. And that is why is known so generally as “The Specified Brand.” Even without its given name, these other three words would suffice to describe LIQUID VELVET USED ON “THE BIGGEST BUILD I XG IN I’HE \V( >RLD” Mil RAILWAY EX< HA XGI Bl i LDI XG. SI LOUIS, MO. P(tf/C Three k ST. BARNABAS HOSPITAL, MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. FINISHED WITH LIQl’ ID VELVET. it. And when any article reaches such a state of pop- ularity as to be distinguished by so trite an expression originated and employed by master architects them- selves, it is only safe to suppose that back of it all is a super-quality which must mean something to the prospective builder, as well as to the dealer desirous of giving utmost value. The Story of Liquid Velvet Five years ago, the chemists and engineers of The O'Brien Varnish Company set out to develop an easily applied wall covering that would be a veritable enamel coating for walls and woodwork- one which could be produced in a wide range of tones for any decorative scheme, and which would be wash- able — while possessing an unusual durability and versatility. The initial step which led to the production of Minneapolis, Minn.. January 33d. 1014. The O'Brien Varnish Co., South Bend, Indiana. Gentlemen : We cannot speak too highly of your Liquid Velvet, having used it on the walls of our new pavillion. a building of eighty-seven thousand square feet. We like Liquid Velvet because of the soft tones, no shine and the absence of odor while the work is being done. We are now painting the Nurses' Residence with Liquid Velvet and have no hesitancy in saying that it is the best paint for hospitals. Very truly, St. Barnabas Hospital, Harriet S. Ilartry. Supt. Paye Four such ;i wall enamel was made hv preparing a liquid in which others could make their own washable wall coatings. After making this liquid and selling it for three years the next development was an exhaustive study of the most acceptable pigments to combine with it, so as to produce a washable wall enamel with every possible quality of beauty, utility and durability. An unusually fine equipment made it possible to carry every test to finality. Remember— here was a great series of tests being made by a varnish house to produce an article the importance of which had not been seriously con- sidered heretofore. And, it is the very fact that is made by a varnish house that commends it so strongly to architects, contractors, decorators and others in the building trades who wish to see their work enhanced and perpetuated in a real quality covering. The Great Test At last was considered perfect. And a master test was decided upon. It was placed before the architects, contractors and high grade artisans for their unbiased opinion. They accepted the work I’nge Fire '/m : ' .r m///. //'/, 'v, '//////v /v : v/.i — ? 1 If PITS '////// '/M, » ' i fci . ,jk% ' "V ,^-lp IN THK LIBRARY. LIQIID VELVET PRESENTS A RENTEl I. ARK A To THE EYES. of the chemists and engineers of The O'Brien \ arnish ( ompany, as being the best yet offered as something far in advance of all others. The High Standard The best wall enamel is one which can be applied both as a finishing coat to walls as well as an under- coat to woodwork. It must also have considerable water-proofing quality as well as durability. It must be of such a nature as to form upon drying, a hard, elastic and impervious surface that may be washed with water or antiseptic solutions, or subjected to fumes of products used for fumigation. The pig- ments must be permanent, unfading, non-darkening and unaffected (even when most delicately tinted) by the caustic lime that exists in cement and plastered walls. It must not glare — it must present a restful area to the eye — features particularly desired in bedrooms and hospital wards. I pon application it should How out to a smooth velvety texture and present highly pleasing, soft toned effects. ■o;.. ■i® «C- ; jiff y ■ */» Page His '//a* ; ;:r ; m '/////a ■/////» ;WH And It Should Have Weight It is essential for a good coating that the amount of pigment per square inch or square foot of suiface should he large. 1 his means durability. weighs nearly eighteen pounds to the gallon, being heavier than any other article offered for this class of wo rk. Remember, is an oil enamel. The pig- ment is prepared in a flat drying oil, permitting the use of large quantities of it. Right there is the main secret of its superiority. As a result it spreads very freely — leaving no laps or brush-marks, while being easy to apply. To produce an enamel of unusual weight and still have enough oil to act as a good binder, de- manded the utmost skill of the master varnish makers of The O'Brien Varnish Company. Architects, contractors, decorators and painters know this — and it has given rise to many interesting experiments on their part. I line and tune again they have weighed out the enamel — applied it— noted the quantity of oil in it — observed how the enamel loses its lustre very slowly — and how finally the oil Page S ill oyj LIQUID VKLVKT LKNDS ITSELF TO ANY DECORATIVE SCHEME Full LIVING ROOMS. content dries flat — not because of the quantity of the pigment, but because the iraxeovs binding material is a flat drying one. Most enamels and paints of I his character depend on an unnecessary quantity of inert pigment to flatten the enamel, and a freedom from excess of binder. They go flat immediately, show marks and streaks, are inclined to peel because lacking the necessary binder, and possess no great durability. on the other hand, leaves a flat, smooth surface with a dull metallic finish, thus showing its exact pigment combination and the perfect union of the pigment with the liquid. Please get this thought again. All these are not mere “book'' arguments. They are the facts which architects, builders and master painters have tried, tested and proven for themselves. Always the verdict has been that possesses every quality that an enamel-covering should possess, and to a degree not secured in any competitive brand. /// /// /// /// //'/ a ' /,:// //////z// //////'/// /,///'/// ///w v//v,/y.’ y/M -'//M 7m , vm/. "\em m-. m. ’ "/m Pnrje Eight A Word in Passing — About Color Schemes and Tone Effects To the prospective builder who may be seeking ideas here on technical color and tone effects, let us just say this: Consult your architect, or your decorator. A bewildering array of material has been written on this subject, and the average catalog which does not confuse with exhaustive tone and color notes is un- usual. Yet the subject is important none the less. Not only is the color scheme to be considered, but also the material itself- its adaptability — durability, “washability" and general all 'round utility. Then there is the consideration of the “psychol- ogy of tone effects" — just what color arrangement to follow for this room or that — and why. Hut again, we say, see your architect or deco- rator. They know! Bear in mind that what to you is a deep problem is part of their everyday work. Remember that their vast experience is worth something to you. Consult them! They will know ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS HOSPITAL. COLUMBUS, OHIO. FINISHED WITH LIQUID VELVET. § HANKS THROUGHOUT T1IK COUNTRY HAVE ADOPTED f.IQUID VEI.VET FOR ITS ECONOMY. about “The Specified Brand.” They can tell you just why it is the one wall enamel for you, how it provides any needed tone or complete color effect, how it enhances the beauty of interiors where it is used — and how it saves money because of its great durability every way. Primarily the purpose of this book is to give some comprehensive idea of the unusual excellence of for use everywhere, and there is so much to be said in its favor that to say it briefly means that many arguments which would make splendid material for a booklet of a lesser product can be taken for granted here. Twenty- Four Shades is made in the white and twenty-four shades shown in the middle of this book. Countless other shades can be made. I' or an order of sufficient size various different colors can be furnished to match or carry out any desired color effect. Almost invariably, earth colors are used in to insure permanency of tone and freedom m l* aye Ten '«' : y '"''’wm'ff'vm m /m '0 /a- W// from fading or staining. In order to get intense and particularly brilliant colors it is occasionally necessary to use chemically made coloring matter but only those that are positively alkali proof. Thus lime and other corroding elements have no effect on even the most delicate shades, a most important consideration where permanent artistic effects are sought -and another of the factors by which has iron the distinction among architects , builders and decorators as “ The Specified Brand." Waterproof — Washable Being ground exceedingly fine and requiring no soap solution of any kind to keep it from settling, sheds water easily and is not affected in any way by any quantity of liquid coming in contact with it, as is so often the case with enamels in which a soap must be used. has a smooth, lustrous surface; but independently of this sheds water readily, since it contains naught of a saponaceous nature to be af- fected by the water. Consequently, when soiled by smoke, dust, dirty hands, etc. jfoSPfitefc can be washed clean and made new p*i;| -jj ;.|i III III HOTELS FINISHED WITH LIQUID VELVET ARE EASILY KEPT CLEAN AND INVITING. m. ; mi' -'m ■ ■!■■ ■■■ ,m* , ,Wb, ' ,#■ Page I.'lecen "W//. t ..L mem FOR THE HOME, LIQUID VELVET IS THE IDEAL FINISH. looking with ordinary soap and water, which revivifies the colors and adds to the life of the enamel. And that is a point well worth considering. It speaks of money saved— of an interior undisturbed by frequent recoating — of an EFFICIENCY unknown to walls and woodicork covered with a less perfect product. It Has a Great “Spread” till! |l| And here is another prime advantage which architects, decorators and builders generally have been quick to see — the great and easy spread. is made for use on large surfaces, and meets every requirement for a fast, smooth, econom- ical spread. It is very slow in setting — and very free in working. When brushed out as a wall coating it lays smoothly and evenly and does not show laps or brush marks. A heavy brushful can be easily spread and placed wherever it is wanted, since the oil content prevents it from setting quickly, making it possible to work with it for many minutes after the initial application. For this reason is regarded as a most Page Twelve SSSCi'i is S3 C.W.'S Ct SJSS S3 n"\"5 Si C"'C$ S3 s unusual wall enamel, since the greater part of all wall work involves large surfaces, and unless the enamel is of this type it will not only show the brush marks, but the laps as well. Still another feature which appeals to architects and builders is that one coat only will usually suffice, while there is rarely an occasion for more than two. The enamel comes in a very heavy body, so that when two coats are desired, the first coat can be thinned with some linseed oil, and then with either tur- pentine or naphtha. This gives it an added penetrating quality when used on woodwork, anti also materially reduces the cost, since it is unnecessary ever to apply the first coat full strength. In fact it is frequently practicable to reduce the second coat also, for it must be remembered that is unusually heavy, and has an exceptional spreading capacity. One gallon will cover from 450 to 800 square feet, according to the character of the surface. And, even when reduced with a reasonable quantity of oil as directed , the washability is not impaired. girls’ industrial school, geneva, neb. finished with liquid velvet. Pntjv Thirteen Pa fie Fourteen .N j a Kssxx n -mi. . m. /mi. n >m. ,.jm/ ( >rien;s W/A il 7 M 7 m. . : ,W/s . Pane Fifteen w. For a Moment — Consider the Question of Health Here again is a factor which compels serious consideration in the finishing and decorating of inte- riors. It is one that is receiving as much attention on the part of architects and builders as t he proper plac- ing of doors and windows throughout the building. Wallpapers, burlap, water colors and absorbent coverings generally are lodging and breeding places for vermin. Paint and lime coverings easily crack and crum- ble and contaminate the atmosphere. Coverings mixed with white lead, arsenic, etc., are poisonous. Shiny, glaring coatings reflect the light and are injurious to the eyes. has none of these objections. It is easy to apply to practically any wall or wood surface — does not absorb injurious elements — affords no lodging place for dust or vermin. It will not crack, crumble or disintegrate in any way to contaminate the atmosphere. ■///m:. w/// Paye Sixteen It contains nothing of a poisonous nature. On the wall it presents a “velvet" surface that rests the eyes. From this quality it has won its name. And these are only a few of the “health" reasons for which is so universally preferred, and by which it has won such a world-wide distinction as “The Specified Brand." Adaptability possesses a unique adaptability since it can be employed so extensively throughout the in- teriors of buildings generally. In fact, this type of enamel is rapidly replacing other interior paints such as lead and oil, water paint, and calcimine. Paints made in the old-fashioned way with lead and linseed oil must be made so heavy in order to produce an enamel anywhere near the con- sistency of that only most skillful experts can apply them. Anyone can apply and with great speed and economy, because it spreads and covers much better than anv combination of lead and oil of what- ever body. While a lead and oil paint shows a lustre — V/. ft a / v 1 Pa ye Seventeen v. / - ' • * '/■ j)' ‘ v.i £,'.7.7/ 'ey ey/sy/. ey. »,v.v.'! «.v.v.7j ey v.yyy/. zyy.y/y? / -» /• '//M / "/////,- , «M. ( if\ r ■**; , . 'em . * "m -m: ■■"m k^Uiiyi' aw» v V ./'lif v ///'■;'/ ///// /' ////.v /'/ ////// s'/ y'/ s>/ ;y , \ ,y- v S'/ s'/ /'/ /'.s* ;v s'/ s« S'/ S'/ . •/.•*. v . */.■•/. •/ , v. v.7/f' !w LIQUID VELVET USED ON THE RE I BOLD BUILDING, DAYTON, OHIO. it is not uniform If a lustre should be required in a finish, it can be readily produced by adding a proper varnish to the mixture. Varnish will not affect the washability Besides this gives you a much less expensive mix- ture than lead and oil, price for price, and one that goes much fa rt her. And, right there is another reason why is " The Specified Brand." It costs less — while giving bigger and better results, and afford- ing a far wider range of usefulness than any other one product . Where To Use It For Interiors in General j s primarily a strong, durable, beautiful, washable covering for interior walls and woodwork. The almost endless soft shades produced by the various colors and mixtures can be arranged to give exquisitely artistic effects in any building. With the use of the darker shades on the side walls, and the more delicate tints on the ceiling, with an appropri- ate stencil effect uniting the two, the most perfect harmony can easily be secured by anyone, in addition to the super-qualities and greater durability for which is particularly noted wherever used. ADDISON APARTMENTS, DETROIT, MICH. LIQUID VELVET USED. ;;; Y/.::::*/.nxz:z%z '//AS as/, v. mw , : « : cm, v/m, v////a, y////s ; /'j /"»"v yy /•/ /yy.y.y', '//. . p. M 4 : Cv S'- f: (-:• ;» U'-'K.U Page Eighteen For I lot els and Restaurants Dark rooms and other places in which is used are made very attractive, and are easily kept clean. Rooms, cor- ridors, closets, etc., finished with are far more sanitary than when papered. Heavy at- mosphere in extremely dark out FRISCO BUILD I XG, ST. LOUIS, MO. . liquid velvet used. of the way ])laces becomes fresh and sweet after is applied to the walls and woodwork. In Bathrooms Give the entire bathroom one coat of If the floor is of wood and is to be covered with oil cloth, or linoleum, give it a coat too. This will make it waterproof. In old bathrooms even the tub can be coated inside and out. In such rooms, old wood which has started to decay can be given a coat and the decay immediately arrested, while a brand new- ness is imparted to the finish. Over Wall Paper No need to remove the paper. No sizing required. The oil in goes quite through the paper and grips the wall so that the entire covering is one firm, durable coating, absolutely pro- tected against the attacks of germs, dust and insects. It sheds water like a marble wall. KITEL HOSPITAL. MINNEAPOLIS. MINN. I i N i S 1 1 i D WITH LIQUID VI l VI i . i Pdfje Xineleen f W'wtyvvz VM. t • v , V/ V J \ ./i J t .-f'L ■ V : ; ' HEAT FROM FI REPLACES AND RADIATORS HAS NO EFFECT ON LIQUID VELVET. There will never he any need to remove the paper. New coats of can be added as needed. This is a particularly valuable article for use in kitchens, wash rooms, etc., which ordinarily are so easily af- fected bv moisture. In I lospitals For sanitary reasons wall paper is not used in hospitals. Calcimine and similar compositions are also considered unhealthy. Oil paints are objection- able because they shine and glare — a real detriment where the comfort of sick people is concerned. can be washed at will, without affecting its delicate tints, and without absorbing moisture. It presents a soft “velvet’* finish which does not tax the most weary eye. It is a finish which can be used with equal economy and satisfaction throughout the entire establishment — wards, rooms, operating theatre, bath- rooms, kitchen, dining room, corridors, waiting rooms, etc. “carries through" from cellar to attic. That is another reason why it is “The Specified Brand." .'///////■ /m 'hi- y : W///i' % if: S-iy Pa ye Twenty In Mills and F actories applies with equal ease to concrete, steel, wood or any surface ordinarily found in manufactur- ing plants. Unlike whitewash, calcimine, and cold water paints, constant vibration does not affect it. Every surface covered with it can be washed as often as required. The soft “velvet” finish and absolutely smooth surface insure a proper distribution of light, and can easily be cleaned with a broom or brush. In these places, one coat of usually suffices. In Breweries and Malt Houses prevents the fungus growths detrimental to the brewing process. It affords no hold for any fungus whatever. It can be washed every day without the least hazard to the finish. Constant soaking in water will not develop soft places for new growths to start. Page Ticenty-One fl < Consequently there is a decided advantage over ordinary coatings. The absence of any harmful ingredient in the pigment used in makes any contamination utterly impossible — an important point worth considering as against lead paints so often used for this class of work. In Cellars and Basements Here C&wc is particularly valuable as an aid to a sweet atmosphere and proper lighting. It gives every light ray its full value, prevents woodwork from decaying and metalwork from rusting. It is especially commended for use in old cellars, laundries, furnace rooms, etc., where the newness is all gone, and where the air would otherwise become very heavy. Being impervious to moisture it keeps the cellar or basement as sweet and dry as rooms above the ground. Three Further Suggestions Where a particularly heavy gloss enamel is to be used, can be applied as an undercoat. It smooths uj) the rough places and gives a splendid foundation with little or no sandpapering. For outside brick work also where a specially heavy enamel such as Flexico is to be applied makes a splendid “surfacer" when thinned with linseed oil. One quart of oil to a gallon is suffi- cient to make it adhere to the brick, and to spread much better than lead and oil resulting in a great saving. Still another advantage is that does not run — it stays just where it is “put”. Thus it is easier to work. It offers this same advantage on outside steel work, store fronts, etc. It also makes a I n Page Twenty-Two fine ‘ground for oil and lead paint, as well as for any kind of white paint. In short t his is why Liquid Velvet Is ‘The Specified Brand” It is an oil enamel. It is made by a varnish house of forty years’ experience. It comes m any desired tone — from rich colors to most delicate tints. It is washable. It Is waterproof and sunproof. It d oes not shine and glare. It is unusually h e a v y — w e i g li s nearly eighteen pounds to the gal- lon; heavier than paints intended for similar purposes. It goes much farther than heav- iest lead and oil paints. JlltfilS \ T Ifi&mt fit pi i aUfiUliiint t J J l £ 11 3 1 3 % l 1 ii iL LL a IL 'iL l 4 J: : J « U U liwv. Efi IE a 2 2 SuZ: ■ • LIQUID VKLVKT I'SKI) <>N NKW YORK TITLK INSURAXCK C’n. BfILDINc;. Ni;\Y YORK CITY. Pttyc Twenty-Three It can be used from cellar to garret. It lias a great “spread” — and is easy to work. It shows no lap marks or brush marks. It contains no poisonous substances. It dries flat. It has no nauseating odor. It requires the least number of coats. Its twenty-four colors are lime and alkali-proof. It can be used anywhere — from modest home to grand palace or skyscraper. It can be applied over wall paper. It harmonizes with any surrounding. It affords no lodging place for dust and germs. It can be used as: A Wall Coating An Undercoat for White Enamel A Waterproof Concrete Coating A White Paint for Factory Interiors A background for Certain Sign Work A Protection to Steel and other Metal Surfaces. It adapts itself to practically every inside and out- side decorative purpose. It has been tried, tested, and proven by thousands of leading architects, decorators, and builders, as well as by a host of dealers interested in knowing just ivhat they recommend — and why. It is the one all-' round, full-value, covering which can be used without a single doubt, and which wears with- out a single regret. . — . 1 / ,1 I) E O X I. }' 11 } THE O’BRIEN VARNISH COMPANY SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, U. S. A. SOLD E VE RY WHERE " Paye Ticenty-Four Directions for Using Liquid Velvet On new walls — whether sand finish or smooth finish plastering — the work being free from all blemishes, should, when nec- essary be given a coat of O'Brien's Alkali Proof Wall Size tinted to the color of finish desired. —After the size coat has become thor- oughly dry and hard the work should then receive two coats of The first coat should be thinned one-fourth with turpentine or naphtha. On brick, concrete or metal work no size is necessary. -In using on walls which have been papered, it is not necessary to re- move the old paper. —On all work which has been previously painted, add from one pint to one quart per gallon of raw linseed oil to the first coat o f Page Ticenty-Five HOME OP O'BRIEN'S LIQUID VELVET. AVm LIBRARY COlUMWA UNIVERSITY