The floor of your garage is exposed to a lot of differrent corrosive materials such as road salt, oils and other liquids, so sealing is always a good option. Not only can it help protect the concrete, it also reduces dust and makes cleaning and sweeping easier. A clear acrylic sealer protects the concrete from damage and stains and can be used as a primer under acrylic or polyurethane floor paints.
In order to do the sealing yourself you will need several materials and tools: protective clothing, neoprene rubber gloves, goggles, a stiff brush and a bucket, a paintbrush, a cartridge-style respirator with organic-vapor and small-particle filters, paint roller with extension handle and tray, medium nap roller cover, a concrete degreaser and of course some concrete sealer.
Before sealing the concrete you have to make sure the floor is free of dirt, grease and oil. To do this you should use a stiff scrub brush to apply the cleaner and concrete degreaser according to the instructions. Allow the solution to lay on the floor for 15 to 20 minutes more for stubborn stains after scrubbing. After his you should rinse thoroughly with clear water. You may need several applications. Many concrete sealers contain hazardous chemicals that may be harmful to skin and eyes and the vapors are not safe to breathe but the vast majority are acrylic. The best way to avoid damages to your skin, eyes and lungs is to wear the protective equipment made of neoprene rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator with both organic-vapor and solid-particle filter cartridges. During the process of sealing the floor you should continuously ventilate the garage by opening all doors and windows and also using a fan would be a great idea.
After cleaning and drying the concrete, the sealer has to be applied. The sealer should be tested in an inconspicuous area before applying. Be aware that different density in the concrete may result in light/dark appearance if you find this objectionable, you will want to paint the floor after the sealer has cured. By using the medium-nap paint roller with extension handle is the easiest way to apply the sealer. Start in a rear corner continuing to work your way out of the garage. Before doing anything else you should allow the sealer to dry as indicated on the sealer bottle, usually for a few hours. You should act with caution so as not to get over spray on other material since there is a high risk of staining.
Sealing your garage floor is a relatively simple procedure that will ensure your garage floor stays free of stains, and becomes much easier to keep clean.
My Shed Plans
Monday, September 14, 2009
A Great DIY Project Is To Seal Your Garage Floor
The floor of your garage is exposed to a lot of differrent corrosive materials such as road salt, oils and other liquids, so sealing is always a good option. Not only can it help protect the concrete, it also reduces dust and makes cleaning and sweeping easier. A clear acrylic sealer protects the concrete from damage and stains and can be used as a primer under acrylic or polyurethane floor paints.
In order to do the sealing yourself you will need several materials and tools: protective clothing, neoprene rubber gloves, goggles, a stiff brush and a bucket, a paintbrush, a cartridge-style respirator with organic-vapor and small-particle filters, paint roller with extension handle and tray, medium nap roller cover, a concrete degreaser and of course some concrete sealer.
Before sealing the concrete you have to make sure the floor is free of dirt, grease and oil. To do this you should use a stiff scrub brush to apply the cleaner and concrete degreaser according to the instructions. Allow the solution to lay on the floor for 15 to 20 minutes more for stubborn stains after scrubbing. After his you should rinse thoroughly with clear water. You may need several applications. Many concrete sealers contain hazardous chemicals that may be harmful to skin and eyes and the vapors are not safe to breathe but the vast majority are acrylic. The best way to avoid damages to your skin, eyes and lungs is to wear the protective equipment made of neoprene rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator with both organic-vapor and solid-particle filter cartridges. During the process of sealing the floor you should continuously ventilate the garage by opening all doors and windows and also using a fan would be a great idea.
After cleaning and drying the concrete, the sealer has to be applied. The sealer should be tested in an inconspicuous area before applying. Be aware that different density in the concrete may result in light/dark appearance if you find this objectionable, you will want to paint the floor after the sealer has cured. By using the medium-nap paint roller with extension handle is the easiest way to apply the sealer. Start in a rear corner continuing to work your way out of the garage. Before doing anything else you should allow the sealer to dry as indicated on the sealer bottle, usually for a few hours. You should act with caution so as not to get over spray on other material since there is a high risk of staining.
Sealing your garage floor is a relatively simple procedure that will ensure your garage floor stays free of stains, and becomes much easier to keep clean.
In order to do the sealing yourself you will need several materials and tools: protective clothing, neoprene rubber gloves, goggles, a stiff brush and a bucket, a paintbrush, a cartridge-style respirator with organic-vapor and small-particle filters, paint roller with extension handle and tray, medium nap roller cover, a concrete degreaser and of course some concrete sealer.
Before sealing the concrete you have to make sure the floor is free of dirt, grease and oil. To do this you should use a stiff scrub brush to apply the cleaner and concrete degreaser according to the instructions. Allow the solution to lay on the floor for 15 to 20 minutes more for stubborn stains after scrubbing. After his you should rinse thoroughly with clear water. You may need several applications. Many concrete sealers contain hazardous chemicals that may be harmful to skin and eyes and the vapors are not safe to breathe but the vast majority are acrylic. The best way to avoid damages to your skin, eyes and lungs is to wear the protective equipment made of neoprene rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator with both organic-vapor and solid-particle filter cartridges. During the process of sealing the floor you should continuously ventilate the garage by opening all doors and windows and also using a fan would be a great idea.
After cleaning and drying the concrete, the sealer has to be applied. The sealer should be tested in an inconspicuous area before applying. Be aware that different density in the concrete may result in light/dark appearance if you find this objectionable, you will want to paint the floor after the sealer has cured. By using the medium-nap paint roller with extension handle is the easiest way to apply the sealer. Start in a rear corner continuing to work your way out of the garage. Before doing anything else you should allow the sealer to dry as indicated on the sealer bottle, usually for a few hours. You should act with caution so as not to get over spray on other material since there is a high risk of staining.
Sealing your garage floor is a relatively simple procedure that will ensure your garage floor stays free of stains, and becomes much easier to keep clean.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Do It Yourself Plumbing Tips - Soldering Copper Pipe
When you are going to do your own plumbing repairs, there are a few things that can make your life a lot easier. Although soldering can be a very fast thing to learn there are things that can cause you a tremendous amount of time and frustration. It is always a good idea to practice on scrap pieces of copper if this is your first attempt, but ultimately the only way to know if you have done the job correct is to do the job and then look for leaks.
To help you alleviate some of the possible problems, use the following tips.
1. Make sure the pipe is clean and free of burrs before you start. Even with new copper pipe, you will want to run a wire brush on the inside of the pipe and a deburring tool then emery cloth on the outside. It is very frustrating if a small burr, or contaminates are stopping you from getting a clean soldered joint.
2. Always apply lead free flux to the pipes. Cover approximately one inch of pipe with the paste and prefit it to make sure the flux gets on both pieces to be soldered. A slight twist will further ensure the flux is spread evenly.
3. Fit the pipe into both fittings that are to be soldered. If you have on end free it will be contaminated by soot, and you will have to clean it again, and re-apply flux. This is annoying when you are working with hot parts, as you will not know if your fresh flux has properly spread on the pipe. It is far easier to have your copper pipes all prefit before you use the torch.
4. A thing called capillary action will occur when you have achieved the proper heat level and solder contact on the joint. Basically, when the pipe and fitting are at optimum heat the solder will be 'sucked' into the joint. You can easily see this action. Once this has happened you can be comfortable that you have a good seal on your joint. A properly soldered joint will have a thin bead of solder around the fitting.
5. Clean off excess solder from the joint. Although it does not affect the seal, it can be a problem if there is a leak. If a joint is not cleaned of extra solder and a leak is present it can cause the water to spray in odd patterns and make it more difficult to pin-point where the leak is.
6. If there is a leak don't just add more solder, take the joint apart, and redo it from step one. Rarely can you get a bad joint to accept more solder and seal properly. You will actually save time by taking it apart, recleaning and soldering again. Also it is very difficult to solder when there is water in the pipes.
Soldering is not a difficult do it yourself plumbing project, but if you skip steps or try to rush, you can create a huge mess. Plan your project, pre-fit all your parts, and follow the six tips and you will have a successful plumbing project.
To help you alleviate some of the possible problems, use the following tips.
1. Make sure the pipe is clean and free of burrs before you start. Even with new copper pipe, you will want to run a wire brush on the inside of the pipe and a deburring tool then emery cloth on the outside. It is very frustrating if a small burr, or contaminates are stopping you from getting a clean soldered joint.
2. Always apply lead free flux to the pipes. Cover approximately one inch of pipe with the paste and prefit it to make sure the flux gets on both pieces to be soldered. A slight twist will further ensure the flux is spread evenly.
3. Fit the pipe into both fittings that are to be soldered. If you have on end free it will be contaminated by soot, and you will have to clean it again, and re-apply flux. This is annoying when you are working with hot parts, as you will not know if your fresh flux has properly spread on the pipe. It is far easier to have your copper pipes all prefit before you use the torch.
4. A thing called capillary action will occur when you have achieved the proper heat level and solder contact on the joint. Basically, when the pipe and fitting are at optimum heat the solder will be 'sucked' into the joint. You can easily see this action. Once this has happened you can be comfortable that you have a good seal on your joint. A properly soldered joint will have a thin bead of solder around the fitting.
5. Clean off excess solder from the joint. Although it does not affect the seal, it can be a problem if there is a leak. If a joint is not cleaned of extra solder and a leak is present it can cause the water to spray in odd patterns and make it more difficult to pin-point where the leak is.
6. If there is a leak don't just add more solder, take the joint apart, and redo it from step one. Rarely can you get a bad joint to accept more solder and seal properly. You will actually save time by taking it apart, recleaning and soldering again. Also it is very difficult to solder when there is water in the pipes.
Soldering is not a difficult do it yourself plumbing project, but if you skip steps or try to rush, you can create a huge mess. Plan your project, pre-fit all your parts, and follow the six tips and you will have a successful plumbing project.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Are You Better Off Buying Name Brand Power Tools Or Discount Tools
No matter what store you walk into you will be faced with some tool buying decisions. There are several well known name brand tools and also some that you will never have heard of which are significantly cheaper. So, the question becomes which is better for you, a name brand power tool or a discount one?
Tools are expensive, especially when you are looking at power and air operated tools, and you want to make sure you are purchasing tools that will get your do it yourself job done. But, does that mean you automatically ignore discount tools and go after only the name brand ones?
When you are looking at tools, you may notice something about some of the discount brands, they are exactly the same as the name brand tool, just with a different label and different name. The quality is exactly the same, just the price is different. Many manufacturers offer two levels of tools, one set for the professional who uses their tools every day, and a tool for the do it yourself person who uses it far less often.
Bosch is a perfect example of this. They sell their high end tools in a blue case, then sell a lower priced tool in a green case. Then on top of that they manufacture Skil brand tools. Knowing this about manufacturers now poses the question, which do you buy?
Before making any purchases, ask yourself how often are you going to be using the tool. If you are buying a power tool for one specific project, and don't feel it is likely to be used much after that, then go with your lowest priced power tool. If the idea is to use it on a few different jobs, then go with a mid-quality power tool, and if you will be using it a lot, then save yourself some aggravation and buy a brand name tool.
Also, how many tools do you need to buy? If you have no tools, then you are looking at several purchases. If you were to go name brand for all of them it could get very expensive very fast. So, you are better to purchase discount brand tools, that way you will be able to purchase all of the tools you need.
When I started working for myself I needed to purchase a lot of tools and didn't have the money to go high end. I shopped around and bought all discount brands. Some I had never heard of, but I needed them to do my work. The thinking was that as I made money, and tools broke, I would replace them with name brand tools. After eight years of working in construction, many of these discount tools are still being used. A discount tool will get the job done, and as I have discovered they can last a long time.
Ultimately, it does come down to personal choice whether you are buying name brand power tools or discount tools. many people feel the only way to go is to go with a recognized name, but if you shop around and do your research, you will find that many of the manufacturers also produce discount brand tools of good quality. You really are the only one who can make the final decision, but don't feel you have to spend thousands on a name brand tool when there are so many discount tools available.
Whenever you are about to purchase use the rule that name is not as important as getting your do it yourself project done. Weigh all your factors on name brand power tools and discount tools and buy the ones that meet your needs.
Tools are expensive, especially when you are looking at power and air operated tools, and you want to make sure you are purchasing tools that will get your do it yourself job done. But, does that mean you automatically ignore discount tools and go after only the name brand ones?
When you are looking at tools, you may notice something about some of the discount brands, they are exactly the same as the name brand tool, just with a different label and different name. The quality is exactly the same, just the price is different. Many manufacturers offer two levels of tools, one set for the professional who uses their tools every day, and a tool for the do it yourself person who uses it far less often.
Bosch is a perfect example of this. They sell their high end tools in a blue case, then sell a lower priced tool in a green case. Then on top of that they manufacture Skil brand tools. Knowing this about manufacturers now poses the question, which do you buy?
Before making any purchases, ask yourself how often are you going to be using the tool. If you are buying a power tool for one specific project, and don't feel it is likely to be used much after that, then go with your lowest priced power tool. If the idea is to use it on a few different jobs, then go with a mid-quality power tool, and if you will be using it a lot, then save yourself some aggravation and buy a brand name tool.
Also, how many tools do you need to buy? If you have no tools, then you are looking at several purchases. If you were to go name brand for all of them it could get very expensive very fast. So, you are better to purchase discount brand tools, that way you will be able to purchase all of the tools you need.
When I started working for myself I needed to purchase a lot of tools and didn't have the money to go high end. I shopped around and bought all discount brands. Some I had never heard of, but I needed them to do my work. The thinking was that as I made money, and tools broke, I would replace them with name brand tools. After eight years of working in construction, many of these discount tools are still being used. A discount tool will get the job done, and as I have discovered they can last a long time.
Ultimately, it does come down to personal choice whether you are buying name brand power tools or discount tools. many people feel the only way to go is to go with a recognized name, but if you shop around and do your research, you will find that many of the manufacturers also produce discount brand tools of good quality. You really are the only one who can make the final decision, but don't feel you have to spend thousands on a name brand tool when there are so many discount tools available.
Whenever you are about to purchase use the rule that name is not as important as getting your do it yourself project done. Weigh all your factors on name brand power tools and discount tools and buy the ones that meet your needs.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Choosing The Right Saw For Your Do It Yourself Project
Saws are used on most do it yourself projects, whether it is just a hand held saw or a power saw, most projects will invovle some form of cutting. Although you do not need to use a power saw, it will speed your time up considerably and ensure you get straight consistent cuts. Power saws come in a variety of types and sizes, so you want to ensure you use the right saw for the job that you are working on. When you are a do it yourself person, you will want a variety of saws, but when you are going to start purchasing saws, it is a good idea to have a priority list of the types of saws you will want to get.
Circular saws are used for a variety of home improvement projects. They are very versatile, so it is a great choice if you don’t want to purchase several saws that you only use occasionally. Circular saws are powerful enough to cut through very thick wood, yet can be adjusted to cut the finest of materials. They also have a wide variety of blade types that will enable you to have rough/fast cuts and perfect finish cuts, or you can also purchase blades to cut different types of metal and masonry. With the variety of circular saws and the different blades available, it is the best saw to start with.
A saber saw, or as it is commonly known, a jigsaw, works well when cutting paneling and other thin, flexible materials. It is also a very helpful saw to have if you are making free-hand circular cuts, or if you need a perfect corner.
A mitre saw is a type of circular saw that works well for crosscutting. It is used to cut at exact angles, dimensions, and lengths.
A table saw is used for bigger jobs or long pieces of material. It consists of a table with the saw blade located in the center and a fence to make sure you stay straight while cutting. It is especially helpful when you need to cut long pieces in half, or get several pieces at the exact same width.
Reciprocating saws are a great saw to use in those tight fitting areas. It is especially helpful during demolition, as you can purchase blades that cut wood, metal, or both.
Chainsaws work well if you need to trim trees or cut them down. One draw back of chainsaws is that the cut is often ragged so there is a great deal of splintering.
There are several small saws that are very helpful. The crosscut saw is used when it is necessary to cut across the grain of the wood. A rip saw operates similar to a circular saw but it is smaller. A keyhole saw is used to make curved cuts or to put round holes in paneling and dry wall.
Most saws will be long lasting and durable as long as you take care of them. It is very important that you store them where the blade won’t be a safety hazard. Since they can last a long time, it is important to protect the blade. They can become rusty if you don’t clean them after use, and you should never operate a saw with a rusty or bent blade. It is extremely dangerous.
When operating power saws you should always were safety glasses and keep the guards in place.You should fully understand how to operate the particular saw you are using before you start cutting. Take some time to prioritize your saw purchases based on the types of do it yourself projects you like to do. In most cases, you will want to purchase a circular saw first as it is very versatile. After that, start purchasing the saws that you find you will need the most for your do it yourself projects.
Circular saws are used for a variety of home improvement projects. They are very versatile, so it is a great choice if you don’t want to purchase several saws that you only use occasionally. Circular saws are powerful enough to cut through very thick wood, yet can be adjusted to cut the finest of materials. They also have a wide variety of blade types that will enable you to have rough/fast cuts and perfect finish cuts, or you can also purchase blades to cut different types of metal and masonry. With the variety of circular saws and the different blades available, it is the best saw to start with.
A saber saw, or as it is commonly known, a jigsaw, works well when cutting paneling and other thin, flexible materials. It is also a very helpful saw to have if you are making free-hand circular cuts, or if you need a perfect corner.
A mitre saw is a type of circular saw that works well for crosscutting. It is used to cut at exact angles, dimensions, and lengths.
A table saw is used for bigger jobs or long pieces of material. It consists of a table with the saw blade located in the center and a fence to make sure you stay straight while cutting. It is especially helpful when you need to cut long pieces in half, or get several pieces at the exact same width.
Reciprocating saws are a great saw to use in those tight fitting areas. It is especially helpful during demolition, as you can purchase blades that cut wood, metal, or both.
Chainsaws work well if you need to trim trees or cut them down. One draw back of chainsaws is that the cut is often ragged so there is a great deal of splintering.
There are several small saws that are very helpful. The crosscut saw is used when it is necessary to cut across the grain of the wood. A rip saw operates similar to a circular saw but it is smaller. A keyhole saw is used to make curved cuts or to put round holes in paneling and dry wall.
Most saws will be long lasting and durable as long as you take care of them. It is very important that you store them where the blade won’t be a safety hazard. Since they can last a long time, it is important to protect the blade. They can become rusty if you don’t clean them after use, and you should never operate a saw with a rusty or bent blade. It is extremely dangerous.
When operating power saws you should always were safety glasses and keep the guards in place.You should fully understand how to operate the particular saw you are using before you start cutting. Take some time to prioritize your saw purchases based on the types of do it yourself projects you like to do. In most cases, you will want to purchase a circular saw first as it is very versatile. After that, start purchasing the saws that you find you will need the most for your do it yourself projects.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Power Tools Every Do-It-Yourself Person Should Own
Having your own power tools is much easier than renting them. It is also much cheaper than hiring a contractor to do the work if you are able to do it yourself. Since good quality power tools aren’t cheap, you want to spread out buying them, but once owned you can recoup the expense by accomplishing most projects in your home.
A power screwdriver may not seem essential, but for those of us who have fought to get a screw in our out of somewhere in the home, we know all too well what a luxury they can be. In just a few seconds you can get that screw out of the wall or put in anchor screws to hang up pictures. Keep your power screwdriver fully charged and ready to go, as you will use it the most. Since they come with a tip that can be changed from Phillips to a flat head, there is no need to have any other screwdriver around.
A power drill, either with a cord or without, is very versatile. The biggest investment here is going to be on the various drill bits that you will need. The size and the type of drill bits you need depend on the project. You can purchase them individually, but you will get a better price if you purchase an assortment package.
Saws are commonly used on the job. You should purchase four different types of saws, then you will be set to take on most projects. A basic miter saw is fairly inexpensive. It works well for cutting angles on the edges of wood and other materials. This is great for getting the perfect fit on the corners on the first try. You can go more expensive and purchase a compound mitre saw. It will allow you to cut almost all wood sizes from 2 by 4 to 6 by 6. It comes in especially handy when you want perfect straight and angle cuts.
A jigsaw is essential for circular cuts and perfect square cut outs. One of the most common uses for a jigsaw is to cut out the power outlet when installing paneling. Most jigsaws are adaptable for a variety of saw blades and are easy to handle.
A circular saw is your most versatile saw for a variety of projects. Always use a circular saw with a safety guard attached to it as accidents are very common. Circular saws will cut through any kind of materials if you use the right saw blade. They can also cut through thick materials. You will also get a very smooth cut with a circular saw.
A table saw can be an expensive power tool to invest in, but it will be very handy and last for years. It will only take a couple of times using it to be glad you invested in one. There are many things you can do with a table saw. It is very helpful when you are cutting long pieces of material or heavy materials because you have a table to balance the weight on. It is also great when you need to join pieces and getting a very straight cut.
These next two items are nice to have, although not necessary. It really depends on your preference and the types of projects you will be doing. A sander that works with or against the grain is especially helpful if you are doing any type of sanding. This can be on a vehicle, furniture, or a number of other projects. Having a power sander saves you hours of sanding by hand. You will also get a nicer finish. Make sure you use the right grade of sandpaper. Start of with a very coarse grade and finish up with a finer grade for a very smooth finish.
A router is an essential tool if you are doing any kind of detailed finish work. It is especially nice when you are doing custom work where you want to create your own designs. There are so many accessories for routers that you can be very creative with your designing.
While the power tools you purchase is completely up to you, they will save you a lot of time and labor on your do-it-yourself project. With these tools on hand, you will be able to tackle a wide variety of projects around your home. Although it can get expensive, if you spread your power tool purchases out and shop around, you can get some excellent tools over time. The best places to look for good deals are the pawn shop, ebay, and I have found Amazon.com to be an excellent place to buy power tools for a good price. As a do-it-yourself person, you will want power tools to save time, and in the end save a lot of money.
A power screwdriver may not seem essential, but for those of us who have fought to get a screw in our out of somewhere in the home, we know all too well what a luxury they can be. In just a few seconds you can get that screw out of the wall or put in anchor screws to hang up pictures. Keep your power screwdriver fully charged and ready to go, as you will use it the most. Since they come with a tip that can be changed from Phillips to a flat head, there is no need to have any other screwdriver around.
A power drill, either with a cord or without, is very versatile. The biggest investment here is going to be on the various drill bits that you will need. The size and the type of drill bits you need depend on the project. You can purchase them individually, but you will get a better price if you purchase an assortment package.
Saws are commonly used on the job. You should purchase four different types of saws, then you will be set to take on most projects. A basic miter saw is fairly inexpensive. It works well for cutting angles on the edges of wood and other materials. This is great for getting the perfect fit on the corners on the first try. You can go more expensive and purchase a compound mitre saw. It will allow you to cut almost all wood sizes from 2 by 4 to 6 by 6. It comes in especially handy when you want perfect straight and angle cuts.
A jigsaw is essential for circular cuts and perfect square cut outs. One of the most common uses for a jigsaw is to cut out the power outlet when installing paneling. Most jigsaws are adaptable for a variety of saw blades and are easy to handle.
A circular saw is your most versatile saw for a variety of projects. Always use a circular saw with a safety guard attached to it as accidents are very common. Circular saws will cut through any kind of materials if you use the right saw blade. They can also cut through thick materials. You will also get a very smooth cut with a circular saw.
A table saw can be an expensive power tool to invest in, but it will be very handy and last for years. It will only take a couple of times using it to be glad you invested in one. There are many things you can do with a table saw. It is very helpful when you are cutting long pieces of material or heavy materials because you have a table to balance the weight on. It is also great when you need to join pieces and getting a very straight cut.
These next two items are nice to have, although not necessary. It really depends on your preference and the types of projects you will be doing. A sander that works with or against the grain is especially helpful if you are doing any type of sanding. This can be on a vehicle, furniture, or a number of other projects. Having a power sander saves you hours of sanding by hand. You will also get a nicer finish. Make sure you use the right grade of sandpaper. Start of with a very coarse grade and finish up with a finer grade for a very smooth finish.
A router is an essential tool if you are doing any kind of detailed finish work. It is especially nice when you are doing custom work where you want to create your own designs. There are so many accessories for routers that you can be very creative with your designing.
While the power tools you purchase is completely up to you, they will save you a lot of time and labor on your do-it-yourself project. With these tools on hand, you will be able to tackle a wide variety of projects around your home. Although it can get expensive, if you spread your power tool purchases out and shop around, you can get some excellent tools over time. The best places to look for good deals are the pawn shop, ebay, and I have found Amazon.com to be an excellent place to buy power tools for a good price. As a do-it-yourself person, you will want power tools to save time, and in the end save a lot of money.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Getting Electricity to Your Do It Yourself Shed
When you are building your own shed, one of the problems that you may run into is having electricity. If you want electricity in your Do it yourself shed, you will need to have building permits and hire an electrician to do the job for you. Or do you?
There are options for overcoming the need for a permit for your shed, but not many.
Option 1:
A very quick method of getting electricity to your shed is to run an extension cord from your house or garage. It is not permanent, so no permit is needed. Instead of having unsightly cords running across your yard, you can run the cord in plastic electrical conduit.
Using a spade you can lift the grass across to the shed. Ensure you just flip the grass over in position, lay your conduit in the trench (with the extension cord in place) and flip the grass back into place. Tamp it down and water the area.
You now have an electrical cord at your shed without seeing it.
Option 2:
Install a solar panel at your shed. By placing a solar panel on the sheds roof you have power and no need to call in an electrician. You have two methods to get solar power. You can either purchase a solar panel at your local hardware store, off of ebay(possibly) or you can build your own. Any of the previous methods work, and it allows you to have power at your shed without needing a permit.
There are methods for getting power to your shed that will not require you to change your electrical panel. It is always a good idea to research and confirm whether you will need permits, but usually if you do not need to add to your electrical panel, you do not need a permit. Adding a simple hidden electrical panel or solar power to your shed is a great do it yourself project with your shed.
There are options for overcoming the need for a permit for your shed, but not many.
Option 1:
A very quick method of getting electricity to your shed is to run an extension cord from your house or garage. It is not permanent, so no permit is needed. Instead of having unsightly cords running across your yard, you can run the cord in plastic electrical conduit.
Using a spade you can lift the grass across to the shed. Ensure you just flip the grass over in position, lay your conduit in the trench (with the extension cord in place) and flip the grass back into place. Tamp it down and water the area.
You now have an electrical cord at your shed without seeing it.
Option 2:
Install a solar panel at your shed. By placing a solar panel on the sheds roof you have power and no need to call in an electrician. You have two methods to get solar power. You can either purchase a solar panel at your local hardware store, off of ebay(possibly) or you can build your own. Any of the previous methods work, and it allows you to have power at your shed without needing a permit.
There are methods for getting power to your shed that will not require you to change your electrical panel. It is always a good idea to research and confirm whether you will need permits, but usually if you do not need to add to your electrical panel, you do not need a permit. Adding a simple hidden electrical panel or solar power to your shed is a great do it yourself project with your shed.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Do It Yourself Projects Involve Glues
It seems no matter what do it yourself project you are going to tackle, at some point you will need to use glues. Whether your adhesive is for repairing a broken ornament, or you want a squeak free floor, you need to use the right glue.
The following list is your most common glues and their application.
1. Regular yellow glue. Use indoors only when it is warmer than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not water resistant and cannot be left standing for more than five minutes. Your set time is at least 30 minutes if clamped. Yellow glue is very popular for quick fixes to wood and paper.
2. Type II yellow glue. Use for indoor and outdoor projects as it has excellent water resistance. Open time is the same as normal yellow glue, but it requires an hour for setting. This is an excellent choice for wood projects that are outdoors.
3. White glue. Similar to type 1 yellow glue, but it has a longer set time. Good choice for projects that need to be precisely fit and you require the extra time before it starts to set. Is not water resistant and requires an hour minimum clamp time. Nice for wood working where the glue may be visible, as it drys clear.
4. Epoxy. A great choice when you need to bond to different materials such as metal to plastic. It is a two part that needs to be mixed. Set time varies depending on the formula, when choosing check the package for exact set time as if it is really fast you can waste more than you use. Is very water resistant, so should can be used outdoors, a very versatile glue. When working with epoxy wear gloves, goggles and a respirator (or at least work in a well ventilated area).
5. Contact cement. Used primarily to bond plastic laminates and veneers. Best used in a very well ventilated area as fumes are extremely strong. Very flammable, so no open flames. Solvent-based dries a lot faster than water-based formula. It has a fair water resistance, so it can work well in high humidity areas, but not wear direct water contact can occur. Be very precise when working with contact cement, once the two surfaces touch it is very difficult to separate them and reposition. Final application pressure is best done with a roller, to ensure all air bubbles are removed.
6. PL400. Used primarily where squeaks or extremely strong bonds are needed. Is water resistant so can be used indoors or outdoors. Used by framers to ensure floor systems have an excellent bond to floor joists. Will bond dissimilar products. Has a quick set time, depending on temperature can start to dry within minutes. Final dry time can be up to an hour. Hard to remove once glue has set, so if there is any clean up do it immediately. Several different PL strengths are available for different projects.
There are hundreds of different glues and adhesives on the market, and you should read the manufacturers intended uses before choosing the glue for your project. Ensuring you have the correct glue will make your do it yourself project go faster and ensure you are not having to do the job again.
The following list is your most common glues and their application.
1. Regular yellow glue. Use indoors only when it is warmer than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not water resistant and cannot be left standing for more than five minutes. Your set time is at least 30 minutes if clamped. Yellow glue is very popular for quick fixes to wood and paper.
2. Type II yellow glue. Use for indoor and outdoor projects as it has excellent water resistance. Open time is the same as normal yellow glue, but it requires an hour for setting. This is an excellent choice for wood projects that are outdoors.
3. White glue. Similar to type 1 yellow glue, but it has a longer set time. Good choice for projects that need to be precisely fit and you require the extra time before it starts to set. Is not water resistant and requires an hour minimum clamp time. Nice for wood working where the glue may be visible, as it drys clear.
4. Epoxy. A great choice when you need to bond to different materials such as metal to plastic. It is a two part that needs to be mixed. Set time varies depending on the formula, when choosing check the package for exact set time as if it is really fast you can waste more than you use. Is very water resistant, so should can be used outdoors, a very versatile glue. When working with epoxy wear gloves, goggles and a respirator (or at least work in a well ventilated area).
5. Contact cement. Used primarily to bond plastic laminates and veneers. Best used in a very well ventilated area as fumes are extremely strong. Very flammable, so no open flames. Solvent-based dries a lot faster than water-based formula. It has a fair water resistance, so it can work well in high humidity areas, but not wear direct water contact can occur. Be very precise when working with contact cement, once the two surfaces touch it is very difficult to separate them and reposition. Final application pressure is best done with a roller, to ensure all air bubbles are removed.
6. PL400. Used primarily where squeaks or extremely strong bonds are needed. Is water resistant so can be used indoors or outdoors. Used by framers to ensure floor systems have an excellent bond to floor joists. Will bond dissimilar products. Has a quick set time, depending on temperature can start to dry within minutes. Final dry time can be up to an hour. Hard to remove once glue has set, so if there is any clean up do it immediately. Several different PL strengths are available for different projects.
There are hundreds of different glues and adhesives on the market, and you should read the manufacturers intended uses before choosing the glue for your project. Ensuring you have the correct glue will make your do it yourself project go faster and ensure you are not having to do the job again.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Do It Yourself Plumbing - Grow Your Skills
If you are wanting to take on your own plumbing jobs around the house you want to grow your skills. From day one, learn how to do things correctly. There is nothing worse that a person who does a job and didn't do the proper research first. And with do it yourself plumbing the consequences can be very costly as water damage can occur.
Learning plumbing is a process, so understand how things work before you take on the job. Once you feel comfortable, gather all of your tools and materials, and have your reference guide handy in case you run into a problem.
Once you begin your job follow the work in a step by step process, missing or eliminating a step can cause frustration; require you to take everything apart and start over from the beginning; and cause damage that you will want to repair immediately as water damage equals mold if left un-repaired.
As you learn small repair jobs, larger jobs start to make more sense and not be as intimidating. Practice on pieces of scrap material for things like soldering and gluing pipe. You will not be able to confirm if your seal is 100% good unless you can pressurize the finished joint, but it does allow you to 'get a feel' for the process.
Do it yourself plumbing is relatively straight forward, but it is also a process. As your skills grow, you can take on larger repairs, but don't try to take short cuts, as you will cause damage, and may need to have the costly repair bill of bringing in a plumber to fix your short cut mistakes.
Learning plumbing is a process, so understand how things work before you take on the job. Once you feel comfortable, gather all of your tools and materials, and have your reference guide handy in case you run into a problem.
Once you begin your job follow the work in a step by step process, missing or eliminating a step can cause frustration; require you to take everything apart and start over from the beginning; and cause damage that you will want to repair immediately as water damage equals mold if left un-repaired.
As you learn small repair jobs, larger jobs start to make more sense and not be as intimidating. Practice on pieces of scrap material for things like soldering and gluing pipe. You will not be able to confirm if your seal is 100% good unless you can pressurize the finished joint, but it does allow you to 'get a feel' for the process.
Do it yourself plumbing is relatively straight forward, but it is also a process. As your skills grow, you can take on larger repairs, but don't try to take short cuts, as you will cause damage, and may need to have the costly repair bill of bringing in a plumber to fix your short cut mistakes.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Do It Yourself Sheds For Yard Or Storage
You run into the problem all the time, you get all of this stuff that you have no place to store. You go to the local building supply store to buy a shed for storage and all you find are these little things that they want outrageous amounts of money for. So, you make the decision to build a do it yourself shed.
Building a shed does not seem like a big project but if you do not have the proper plans, your simple project can turn into an absolute nightmare. When building a shed keep the following things in mind.
1. Have a solid foundation. The trick to a shed is to create a solid foundation, but unless you are going to get building permits, you do not want to use concrete pads. Most of the time you do not require a permit if your shed is movable. But you still want to have a good foundation.
You can achieve a solid foundation by either using three 6*6 inch pressure treated beams, or use eight 12*12*4 inch concrete deck pads.
2. Water-proofing is key to having a shed last for years. You will need both roofing material, and a protection for your side walls. For roofing protection you either use asphalt shingle or tin. Asphalt shingles will be a bit cheaper but tin will last forever and be a lot faster to install.
For your side walls, the easiest and least expensive method of protection is to paint, but you will have regular maintenance to keep your shed looking good.
Alternatives are vinyl or aluminum siding, or if you are feeling particularly handy you can stucco it.
3. Have a solid floor. The best choice is to use 3/4 inch tongue and groove plywood. Pressed wood chip board (OSB) will work, but it absorbs moisture so you must seal it if you use it. Another option is to use one inch thick boards, but this gets very expensive if you are buying new. If you opt for a thinner floor, it will warp and eventually break, so save yourself the work in the long run and use at least 3/4 inch material for your flooring.
To create a well organized yard do it yourself sheds are a fantastic option. And with proper planning you will have a great shed for years to come. Plan your project before you start, ensure you are not breaking any building codes by talking to your local permit office and you will have a perfect garden shed.
Building a shed does not seem like a big project but if you do not have the proper plans, your simple project can turn into an absolute nightmare. When building a shed keep the following things in mind.
1. Have a solid foundation. The trick to a shed is to create a solid foundation, but unless you are going to get building permits, you do not want to use concrete pads. Most of the time you do not require a permit if your shed is movable. But you still want to have a good foundation.
You can achieve a solid foundation by either using three 6*6 inch pressure treated beams, or use eight 12*12*4 inch concrete deck pads.
2. Water-proofing is key to having a shed last for years. You will need both roofing material, and a protection for your side walls. For roofing protection you either use asphalt shingle or tin. Asphalt shingles will be a bit cheaper but tin will last forever and be a lot faster to install.
For your side walls, the easiest and least expensive method of protection is to paint, but you will have regular maintenance to keep your shed looking good.
Alternatives are vinyl or aluminum siding, or if you are feeling particularly handy you can stucco it.
3. Have a solid floor. The best choice is to use 3/4 inch tongue and groove plywood. Pressed wood chip board (OSB) will work, but it absorbs moisture so you must seal it if you use it. Another option is to use one inch thick boards, but this gets very expensive if you are buying new. If you opt for a thinner floor, it will warp and eventually break, so save yourself the work in the long run and use at least 3/4 inch material for your flooring.
To create a well organized yard do it yourself sheds are a fantastic option. And with proper planning you will have a great shed for years to come. Plan your project before you start, ensure you are not breaking any building codes by talking to your local permit office and you will have a perfect garden shed.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Do It Yourself Home Decorating Tips
When planning a home decorating project, it is important to sit down and write out your ideas and goals. Without a plan the experience may become confusing and frustrating. There are many details to work out when planning to decorate your home such as theme, materials and intentions for the space being decorated. It is pointless to get up one morning thinking I’ll decorate my dining room today. It would be a nice thought but without previous planning, you are setting yourself up for a room you will not like.
After jotting down ideas and goals for your home decorating project, the next phase might be to consider your budget, how much can you afford to spend on redecorating. Materials and accessories can be costly depending on what your decorating plans are. If you are making changes to your entire home, you should have access to a sufficient amount of money. Helpful home decorating tips should always make your budget a priority. There are hidden costs when making huge improvements in your home. Once the home decorating begins, little expenses seem to jump out of the woodwork. Planning a home decorating project that fits your budget is necessary, as there is nothing worse than having a project half finished because of lack of money.
Once you have your budget, you will want to choose a style or theme for your home decorating project. There are many to choose from and the decision should be made based on your likes and interests. Country decorating provides a sense of warmth and coziness, while a modern theme might be loud and alive. Remember when planning to decorate, this theme may be around for awhile, so choose a theme or a style you can live with.
After making a final decision about your decorating theme, it is a good idea to sit down and sketch your plan on paper. Using a pencil and paper, sketch a diagram of the area you are about to decorate. Considering the size, spend some time arranging and rearranging the items to go in this space. Using a mental visualization and the sketch, you should be certain of your goal before the actual work begins.
Your imagination and your creativity are two great assets in home decorating. When your project begins, if an idea pops in your head or you discover you’d like to try orange instead of beige, go for it. Often times it’s those off the wall ideas that make a space look astonishing. It’s your home, your idea, use your judgement.
There are many helpful home decorating tips. They can be found in home decorating magazines, books, on programs or on the Internet. If having concerns and inhibitions about starting a decorating project in your home, you could certainly get some helpful home decorating tips from these sources. Decorating your home is meant to be an exciting and joyous occasion. The number one tip for home decorating is have fun.
After jotting down ideas and goals for your home decorating project, the next phase might be to consider your budget, how much can you afford to spend on redecorating. Materials and accessories can be costly depending on what your decorating plans are. If you are making changes to your entire home, you should have access to a sufficient amount of money. Helpful home decorating tips should always make your budget a priority. There are hidden costs when making huge improvements in your home. Once the home decorating begins, little expenses seem to jump out of the woodwork. Planning a home decorating project that fits your budget is necessary, as there is nothing worse than having a project half finished because of lack of money.
Once you have your budget, you will want to choose a style or theme for your home decorating project. There are many to choose from and the decision should be made based on your likes and interests. Country decorating provides a sense of warmth and coziness, while a modern theme might be loud and alive. Remember when planning to decorate, this theme may be around for awhile, so choose a theme or a style you can live with.
After making a final decision about your decorating theme, it is a good idea to sit down and sketch your plan on paper. Using a pencil and paper, sketch a diagram of the area you are about to decorate. Considering the size, spend some time arranging and rearranging the items to go in this space. Using a mental visualization and the sketch, you should be certain of your goal before the actual work begins.
Your imagination and your creativity are two great assets in home decorating. When your project begins, if an idea pops in your head or you discover you’d like to try orange instead of beige, go for it. Often times it’s those off the wall ideas that make a space look astonishing. It’s your home, your idea, use your judgement.
There are many helpful home decorating tips. They can be found in home decorating magazines, books, on programs or on the Internet. If having concerns and inhibitions about starting a decorating project in your home, you could certainly get some helpful home decorating tips from these sources. Decorating your home is meant to be an exciting and joyous occasion. The number one tip for home decorating is have fun.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Don't Wait Too Long Before You Call A Plumber
Taking on a new do it yourself project is always a great challenge. But there are times that you need to be very cautious.
The last thing you want is a flooded house because you made a simple mistake, or worse yet having to tear out your plumbing project because it wasn't installed properly.
Call a plumber if you have an emergency that you are unsure of how to repair, and before you start any project do your research to ensure it is within your realm of knowledge.
Asking for help isn't bad, wasting hours of work or thousands of dollars is.
The last thing you want is a flooded house because you made a simple mistake, or worse yet having to tear out your plumbing project because it wasn't installed properly.
Call a plumber if you have an emergency that you are unsure of how to repair, and before you start any project do your research to ensure it is within your realm of knowledge.
Asking for help isn't bad, wasting hours of work or thousands of dollars is.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Do It Yourself Plumbing Tips
There is one constant when it comes to plumbing, water is tricky stuff and has a mind of its own. When a leak occurs you want to repair it as fast as you possibly can before a lot of damage occurs. But, when you are looking to do plumbing yourself there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
No matter what, leaks will happen and there is no short cut to correct them. There are no magic pastes or powders that will stop a leak permanently (no matter what the TV says). If you have a leak and want to fix it, use the proper materials and the correct procedures. You need to use copper on copper and plastic with plastic.
When working with plastic always clean it, deburr it and use the appropriate cement to get a good seal. With copper you want to polish the surface with emory cloth, deburr the inside, and use a lot of flux prior to soldering the joint.
When you are working with compression fittings you won't need any solder or glues. There is a metal sleeve that squishes tightly against the fittings to prevent leaks. You can only use the sleeve once so make sure you have it sitting properly before you do your final tightening.
There is no logic when it comes to plumbing sizes. A sink faucet supply hose is a different diameter than a toilet supply hose. A kitchen sink supply line will not work for a bathroom supply line. Also, your toilet can have three different distances from the wall, and there are countless different toilet flappers and faucet washer sizes. Usually the best guarantee to getting the correct part is to take it with you when you purchase the new one.
Usually a good salesperson can tell you what parts you will need, but help them out by bringing in your parts. If you can't because they are too large, take a picture to show them what you need. There is nothing worse than having to run to the supply store several times, just to get a ten cent washer.
If you are taking on the challenge of your own plumbing repairs, make sure you have the right tools, supplies and parts before you start your job. Plumbing repairs are not really difficult, but remember that water is tricky, so if you try to take short cuts it will out smart you.
No matter what, leaks will happen and there is no short cut to correct them. There are no magic pastes or powders that will stop a leak permanently (no matter what the TV says). If you have a leak and want to fix it, use the proper materials and the correct procedures. You need to use copper on copper and plastic with plastic.
When working with plastic always clean it, deburr it and use the appropriate cement to get a good seal. With copper you want to polish the surface with emory cloth, deburr the inside, and use a lot of flux prior to soldering the joint.
When you are working with compression fittings you won't need any solder or glues. There is a metal sleeve that squishes tightly against the fittings to prevent leaks. You can only use the sleeve once so make sure you have it sitting properly before you do your final tightening.
There is no logic when it comes to plumbing sizes. A sink faucet supply hose is a different diameter than a toilet supply hose. A kitchen sink supply line will not work for a bathroom supply line. Also, your toilet can have three different distances from the wall, and there are countless different toilet flappers and faucet washer sizes. Usually the best guarantee to getting the correct part is to take it with you when you purchase the new one.
Usually a good salesperson can tell you what parts you will need, but help them out by bringing in your parts. If you can't because they are too large, take a picture to show them what you need. There is nothing worse than having to run to the supply store several times, just to get a ten cent washer.
If you are taking on the challenge of your own plumbing repairs, make sure you have the right tools, supplies and parts before you start your job. Plumbing repairs are not really difficult, but remember that water is tricky, so if you try to take short cuts it will out smart you.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Ways To Find Decorating Ideas For The Do It Yourself Project
Redecorating can be a very exciting and stressful time, there are so many
possibilities available that it can be hard to choose which look you would like to
have. Before making a final decision on your new project, there are several things
you can do to help you decide exactly what you want.
Decorating ideas are all around us. A really great place to start is with magazines. There are a lot of magazines that have home decorating ideas in them. Not just ones specifically about decorating, but in a lot of others. They will offer ideas, tips and techniques on various decorating topics. Whenever you see an idea that interests you, cut it out and save it in a file. When you have several examples you can compare them and make a final decision.
Going to your local furniture, department, or major hardware stores can give you ideas. Stores that are involved in decorating will usually have floor displays set up. This is a great way to see what is new and trendy in home decor.
A really great resource is to do research on the Internet. There are a lot of websites related to home decorating where you can get ideas, and in some cases
step-by-step instructions on how to achieve the decorating look.
A great way to find out what is new in home decorating is new home construction.
Spend a few weekends going to the builders show homes and you will see a lot of
different ideas and designs on home decorating. Builders spend a lot of money on
hiring the best interior designers in their area to help sell their homes. By you
visiting the show homes you get a free tour of what is new in home decorating. It
is a good idea to bring your camera and take pictures of the decorating ideas you
liked.
Decorating your home is a very exciting time, but you want to do your research and
plan your project. You will be living with your new look, so take your time in
making your final decisions. Once you have decided what you want and have completed
the final look, you will be able to sit back and enjoy it knowing you designed and
decorated your home. Remember, there are a lot of free methods to achieve a
beautiful home. Research and you will come up with the perfect look for your home.
possibilities available that it can be hard to choose which look you would like to
have. Before making a final decision on your new project, there are several things
you can do to help you decide exactly what you want.
Decorating ideas are all around us. A really great place to start is with magazines. There are a lot of magazines that have home decorating ideas in them. Not just ones specifically about decorating, but in a lot of others. They will offer ideas, tips and techniques on various decorating topics. Whenever you see an idea that interests you, cut it out and save it in a file. When you have several examples you can compare them and make a final decision.
Going to your local furniture, department, or major hardware stores can give you ideas. Stores that are involved in decorating will usually have floor displays set up. This is a great way to see what is new and trendy in home decor.
A really great resource is to do research on the Internet. There are a lot of websites related to home decorating where you can get ideas, and in some cases
step-by-step instructions on how to achieve the decorating look.
A great way to find out what is new in home decorating is new home construction.
Spend a few weekends going to the builders show homes and you will see a lot of
different ideas and designs on home decorating. Builders spend a lot of money on
hiring the best interior designers in their area to help sell their homes. By you
visiting the show homes you get a free tour of what is new in home decorating. It
is a good idea to bring your camera and take pictures of the decorating ideas you
liked.
Decorating your home is a very exciting time, but you want to do your research and
plan your project. You will be living with your new look, so take your time in
making your final decisions. Once you have decided what you want and have completed
the final look, you will be able to sit back and enjoy it knowing you designed and
decorated your home. Remember, there are a lot of free methods to achieve a
beautiful home. Research and you will come up with the perfect look for your home.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Home Decorating: The Do It Yourself Bathroom Project
When it comes to home renovations there are few rooms that have quite the impact of a bathroom or kitchen. There is something wonderful about taking a tired old bathroom and making it bright and shiny once again. However, most people cringe at the thought of a bathroom remodel because of the cost. The good news is that small changes can have a drastic impact on rooms as small as bathrooms. These changes do not have to have a large price tag in order to be highly effective.
With a bathroom assess where the worst blemishes and eyesores are. Painting the walls can be a good place to start but you should first decide whether you are planning to remove any cabinets. This is one room where it is best to save the painting for later in the project rather than the beginning. The vanity in many bathrooms takes up a good deal of space. Gone are the days when chunky cabinets were the popular choice for bathrooms. Now people want the bathrooms to have the appearance of a wide-open space. This means that cabinets and vanities are becoming smaller rather than larger.
Most homeowners find that the removal of bulky cabinets often leads to some degree of patching in the drywall and noticeable gaps in flooring. These will need to be addressed fairly quickly, which means that now is a good time to select color options for the walls and flooring. Smaller bathrooms do well with lighter colors on the walls in order to give them a larger appearance. Use towels and decorations to bring in darker accents but keep the walls light and bright. Also choose paint that can withstand the high humidity of bathrooms.
Flooring in a bathroom also needs to be able to withstand high heat and humidity. Because of humidity, hardwood is not the floor of choice for most bathrooms. Ceramic tile is an excellent choice and not terribly expensive. There are also some laminates that are designed to be in a high humidity environment. Choose flooring that will accent the walls and the overall sense of decor you are hoping to achieve, as this is not something you are going to want to change often.
The toilet in a bathroom is fairly simple to purchase and install. But I recommend leaving it be unless it absolutely needs to be changed. In this case "if it ain't broke don't fix it" is an excellent motto to live by. The same holds true with the bathtub. If, however, you simply cannot live with your bathtub or shower as is with some simple guidelines and procedures you can replace it. If you are not comfortable with tools you may want to hire professionals to come in and install your tub. Resurfacing is much less expensive than purchasing a brand-new tub and will have yours looking as good as new, but if you are going to resurface do your research. In the long run you are better to pay for a new replacement.
Tub surrounds have a drastic effect on your bathroom. The best choice is to use ceramic tile, it lasts longer and you have a better variety to choose from. But the work required for ceramic is a lot more than plastic tub surrounds. When replacing a tub surround keep a close eye out for mold and mildew. On most old surrounds there will be mold, so you need to replace the wallboard and clean any mold with bleach. Always replace the wallboard with mildew resistant board. Your best choice is cement board.
The most reasonably priced decorating you can do is accessories.You will be amazed at the difference that new knobs, fixtures, and hardware can make in a bathroom. Add a couple of lamps for subtle lighting and some decorative touches of your own and you have a brand new bathroom without spending a king's ransom in order to do so. The shower curtain and 'guest' towels should be your largest splurges in your bathroom, as they will tie the room all together. The shower curtains and towels will blend the colors and designs in order to create the overall atmosphere you were hoping to achieve in your bathroom. And all of this can be accomplished one step at a time no matter how sparse your budget may be.
With a bathroom assess where the worst blemishes and eyesores are. Painting the walls can be a good place to start but you should first decide whether you are planning to remove any cabinets. This is one room where it is best to save the painting for later in the project rather than the beginning. The vanity in many bathrooms takes up a good deal of space. Gone are the days when chunky cabinets were the popular choice for bathrooms. Now people want the bathrooms to have the appearance of a wide-open space. This means that cabinets and vanities are becoming smaller rather than larger.
Most homeowners find that the removal of bulky cabinets often leads to some degree of patching in the drywall and noticeable gaps in flooring. These will need to be addressed fairly quickly, which means that now is a good time to select color options for the walls and flooring. Smaller bathrooms do well with lighter colors on the walls in order to give them a larger appearance. Use towels and decorations to bring in darker accents but keep the walls light and bright. Also choose paint that can withstand the high humidity of bathrooms.
Flooring in a bathroom also needs to be able to withstand high heat and humidity. Because of humidity, hardwood is not the floor of choice for most bathrooms. Ceramic tile is an excellent choice and not terribly expensive. There are also some laminates that are designed to be in a high humidity environment. Choose flooring that will accent the walls and the overall sense of decor you are hoping to achieve, as this is not something you are going to want to change often.
The toilet in a bathroom is fairly simple to purchase and install. But I recommend leaving it be unless it absolutely needs to be changed. In this case "if it ain't broke don't fix it" is an excellent motto to live by. The same holds true with the bathtub. If, however, you simply cannot live with your bathtub or shower as is with some simple guidelines and procedures you can replace it. If you are not comfortable with tools you may want to hire professionals to come in and install your tub. Resurfacing is much less expensive than purchasing a brand-new tub and will have yours looking as good as new, but if you are going to resurface do your research. In the long run you are better to pay for a new replacement.
Tub surrounds have a drastic effect on your bathroom. The best choice is to use ceramic tile, it lasts longer and you have a better variety to choose from. But the work required for ceramic is a lot more than plastic tub surrounds. When replacing a tub surround keep a close eye out for mold and mildew. On most old surrounds there will be mold, so you need to replace the wallboard and clean any mold with bleach. Always replace the wallboard with mildew resistant board. Your best choice is cement board.
The most reasonably priced decorating you can do is accessories.You will be amazed at the difference that new knobs, fixtures, and hardware can make in a bathroom. Add a couple of lamps for subtle lighting and some decorative touches of your own and you have a brand new bathroom without spending a king's ransom in order to do so. The shower curtain and 'guest' towels should be your largest splurges in your bathroom, as they will tie the room all together. The shower curtains and towels will blend the colors and designs in order to create the overall atmosphere you were hoping to achieve in your bathroom. And all of this can be accomplished one step at a time no matter how sparse your budget may be.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Five Tips To Make Your Wallpapering Project Go Smoother
Wallpapering, even more than painting, is a great do-it-yourself project. With a few hours of work and some patience you can change the entire theme of your room.
Although wallpapering seems easy, there are a lot of things that the pros use to get the perfect finish. There is nothing worse than putting in the effort to redecorate your walls, to then see that you were making a simple mistake from the beginning which makes the job look unprofessional.
The following five tips can save you time and aggravation.
1) Use activator rather than water for your pre-pasted wallpaper. It allows for better adhesion, and stays wet longer so you can properly place your paper. It is better to take the time to apply the activator, than to be watching your wallpaper fall off the wall in a couple of weeks.
2) Wallpaper colors vary from batch to batch. It may not be noticeable in the roll, but once it is on the wall, you will see the difference. Make sure when you purchase the wallpaper rolls are from the same batch. There is a batch number on the label, also keep your labels until you know the job is done, just in case you need to purchase more.
3) When choosing patterns, match the seams properly. Some seams math easily, but others you need to slide the paper up or down to get the perfect match.
4) Use the right tool for getting clean straight cuts. You will want to use a sharp blade and change it regularly. Although it will seem sharp to you, the blade dulls quickly and you are risking tearing your paper. A lot of pros use razor blades in a specialty handle.
5) Always work from the top down. Not only does gravity then help you but you can also keep a better eye one your placement.
By implementing these five tips, you are giving yourself a better chance of having a professional looking wallpapering job. It requires patience, so take your time, and you will have a great looking room when you are finished.
Although wallpapering seems easy, there are a lot of things that the pros use to get the perfect finish. There is nothing worse than putting in the effort to redecorate your walls, to then see that you were making a simple mistake from the beginning which makes the job look unprofessional.
The following five tips can save you time and aggravation.
1) Use activator rather than water for your pre-pasted wallpaper. It allows for better adhesion, and stays wet longer so you can properly place your paper. It is better to take the time to apply the activator, than to be watching your wallpaper fall off the wall in a couple of weeks.
2) Wallpaper colors vary from batch to batch. It may not be noticeable in the roll, but once it is on the wall, you will see the difference. Make sure when you purchase the wallpaper rolls are from the same batch. There is a batch number on the label, also keep your labels until you know the job is done, just in case you need to purchase more.
3) When choosing patterns, match the seams properly. Some seams math easily, but others you need to slide the paper up or down to get the perfect match.
4) Use the right tool for getting clean straight cuts. You will want to use a sharp blade and change it regularly. Although it will seem sharp to you, the blade dulls quickly and you are risking tearing your paper. A lot of pros use razor blades in a specialty handle.
5) Always work from the top down. Not only does gravity then help you but you can also keep a better eye one your placement.
By implementing these five tips, you are giving yourself a better chance of having a professional looking wallpapering job. It requires patience, so take your time, and you will have a great looking room when you are finished.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Do It Yourself Painting - Stirred Not Shaken
When your paint project involves staining one of the biggest mistakes that can be made is with the actual stain.
There will often be a layer of gunk at the bottom of the stain can, this is a flattening agent - it controls the stains sheen.
You need to mix this into the stain before you start, but don't have it shaken. By shaking stain you will trap air bubbles in it, then when applied to your wood, you will see them. Once they are there, the only way to get them out is to sand off your new stain, wait up to three weeks for the air to work it's way out of your stain, then apply it.
Always, when you are working with stain, stir it gently to mix the flattening agent. You will save yourself a lot of agravation.
There will often be a layer of gunk at the bottom of the stain can, this is a flattening agent - it controls the stains sheen.
You need to mix this into the stain before you start, but don't have it shaken. By shaking stain you will trap air bubbles in it, then when applied to your wood, you will see them. Once they are there, the only way to get them out is to sand off your new stain, wait up to three weeks for the air to work it's way out of your stain, then apply it.
Always, when you are working with stain, stir it gently to mix the flattening agent. You will save yourself a lot of agravation.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Do It Yourself - Painting Doors
You spend the time to prep your door, carefully sanding and priming so you will have the perfect finish.
As you start to paint you realize there are horrible brush marks everywhere. All your prep work is for nothing if your paint brush leaves lines everywhere.
When you are painting with a brush, don't overwork the paint. Brush it on and let the paint flow to fill the brush marks. By pressing too hard or not using enough paint on your brush, you will not get rid of those brush marks.
If you do get brush marks, let it dry, sand with 220 grit sand paper to rough up the surface, and repaint allowing the paint to fill in the lines, not you.
As you start to paint you realize there are horrible brush marks everywhere. All your prep work is for nothing if your paint brush leaves lines everywhere.
When you are painting with a brush, don't overwork the paint. Brush it on and let the paint flow to fill the brush marks. By pressing too hard or not using enough paint on your brush, you will not get rid of those brush marks.
If you do get brush marks, let it dry, sand with 220 grit sand paper to rough up the surface, and repaint allowing the paint to fill in the lines, not you.
Priming Walls Saves Time and Money
A while ago a friend of mine phoned in complete frustration. After painting a wall four times, he could still see an old stain. He explained how after the first two coats it looked good, then a few days later the stain was visible. And after his fourth coat and a gallon of paint he didn't know what to do.
My response. "Did you prime the walls?". Of course his response was no. I went on to explain to him that especially with stains, you need to use a sealing primer to stop a stain from coming through your new paint.
Paint provides durability and color, but not bonding and stain blocking.
Save yourself time, frustration, and money. Prime before you paint.
My response. "Did you prime the walls?". Of course his response was no. I went on to explain to him that especially with stains, you need to use a sealing primer to stop a stain from coming through your new paint.
Paint provides durability and color, but not bonding and stain blocking.
Save yourself time, frustration, and money. Prime before you paint.
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