Glorifying the Knot

There is an old saying about "snatching victory from the jaws of defeat." That might well apply to the recent development of attractive and desirable interior paneling and trim made from the comm'onest of common lumberthe walls of a home with knots the knot-filled boards.

Southern California have rooms done in knotty California White Pine.

It's getting to be quite a rage, this covering of a den or a library, or various other rooms with wooden boards that are literally sprinkled of all sizes, shapes, and description.

'We are reminded of the time one of the lumber manufacturing associations decided to print its grading rules in Spanish, and distribute them in Spanish speaking countiies where its lumber was used. Immediately came a wail of protest from a wholesaler in South America. He said "Immediately after I get my trade educated- up to understanding thit a knot is an ornament and a thing- of beauty to be charged extra.for, along comes your -gr-ading rules io tell my cultomers that they are defects and should be reduced in price."

The penduluh this time swings the other way, and the knot bCcomes the ornament in our best homes, and most beautiful rooms. Many of the rnost expensive homes in

The accompanying illustration shows a section of knotty pine paneling as recommended by the McCloud Lumber Company, who are specidlizing in that product, and pushing its sale and use. They make their panels of. 25/37' stock, running 6 to 12 inches wide, and preferably to the wider boards.

They suggest among others, the following ways of finishing knotty pine panels:

I (a) Sanding.

(b) Stain with glue size mixed with raw sienna and raw umber with a little burnt sienna added to warm up the color.

(c) After drying, apply one coat of beeswax and rub down.

(d) Same as (c).

2 (a) Sanding.

(b) Vinegar base to raise the grain.

(c) Iron oxide in proportion to shade desired.

(d) Rub with liquid wax.