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Decorating Defects - their cause and cure

Flashing

Flashing may be defined as the development of spots or portions of gloss on a surface finished in flat paint. It may be due to a variety of causes, as, for example, to the fact that the paint is inadequately mixed and its ingredients are not properly incorporated, or again, to the use of a brush previously employed for applying a gloss paint and not thoroughly cleaned after use.
The most likely explanation, however, is that the operative has applied his brush too vigorously in one spot and has consequently brought the oil to the surface.
It is seldom possible to remedy flashing satisfactorily by touching up with a brush, the cure being usually worse than the disease.
The alternative is to refinish, either with a further coat of flat paint or with a coat of flat varnish.
There is, however, one remedy which is well worth a trial: cut a sheet of thick porous blotting-paper large enough completely to cover the affected area, and press it gently against the surface, fastening it into position by means of a drawing-pin at each corner.
Next saturate the surface of the blotting-paper with some of the flat paint, well thinned with turpentine, and allow this to soak through, by using a soft brush and a pouncing action.
Allow the blotting-paper to remain in position for about a quarter of an hour and then peel it carefully away