If your house is thirty years old or older, then there is very good chance that you have one or two rooms with wood paneling. At the time the house was built, wood paneling was very common in that time period but now you want to update to a more modern look. The best and most inexpensive way to modernize your paneling is to paint it. Painting paneling isn’t very difficult but there are a few important steps to take before you begin painting.

If your paneling has a rough finish, you will need to sand it down before you begin priming and painting. An electric palm sander is the best tool for this job because it can quickly and efficiently sand large areas. Make certain that you wear eye protection and a mask to prevent dust and debris from getting into your eyes and nose. Sand the paneling thoroughly until it is completely smooth to the touch.

After sanding, you will then need to clean the paneling thoroughly. To do this you will need to purchase a good cleaning product that is designed for this type of project. You can buy this type of cleaner at most paint or hardware stores. There are several cleaners that come in a spray form so that all you need to do is spray the cleaner on and allow it to sit on the surface of the paneling for a few minutes and then clean with a scouring pad. You should clean the paneling as well as possible because this is a very important step in order to insure that the paint adheres properly.

The next step is to apply an oil based stain blocking primer. Apply the primer using a brush and roller. Using the brush to cut in around the corners and trim and prime into the grooves of the paneling. After you finish cutting out the room with the primer you can then roll out the remaining areas. You can have the primer tinted when you purchase it so that it matches your topcoat. Doing this makes it much easier to cover over the primer when you begin painting. Permit the primer to dry completely before you begin painting. Most primers will dry in a couple of hours or less.

Before you begin painting, you will need to caulk any gaps in the paneling after you finish priming. Cracks that were unseen before are revealed once the primer is applied. Use wood putty to fill in any nail holes. I don’t recommend trying to caulk the grooves in the paneling.

You can now begin to apply your paint. Apply two coats of a good quality latex paint using the same method that you applied the primer, allowing it to completely dry in between coats. If you see any runs in your finish coat, you should lightly sand the runs out with fine sandpaper and then repaint over the sanded areas.

Painting your paneling is a great way to update any room. Just follow these steps and it can change the look of the dull, drab paneling, making it much warmer and more modern. Painting paneling isn’t very difficult but there are a few important steps to take before you begin painting.

The author is the owner of Evans Painting located in Birmingham Alabama and has over thirty years experience in the home improvement and painting business. For more information please visit http://www.evanspaint.com or http://www.hooverpainting.com

The secret of a good painted or varnished finish on wood is to spend time preparing the surface before you get down to the job itself. Wood must be sound and blemish-free, and any knots, common in softwoods such as pine, will need treating with a knotting solution (shellac) to prevent resin from seeping out and ruining the finish.

Pre-painted wood If the existing paintwork is sound, there is no need to strip it back to bare wood. Simply wash the area carefully with a sugar soap (all-purpose cleaner) and water solution, lightly sand with abrasive paper, then remove any traces of dust before painting. Where there are patches of bare wood, apply primer, then undercoat as normal. Finally, you should sand lightly before painting on the top coat.

However, if the paint or varnish is chipped or blistered, you will have to remove it. Use a scraper to get rid of loose fragments; a triangular scraper, known as a shavehook, is handy for getting into tight corners and mouldings. For stripping large areas of wood, the choice is between a chemical stripper and a hot-air gun. If you opt for the former, you will need to neutralize the surface, as recommended by the manufacturer, once the old paint has been removed. A hot-air gun will make light work of removing large areas of paint, but take care around windows, as the heat may damage the glass.

If you plan to paint over a faded woodstain, you will not be able to remove the old finish.

In this case, simply sand the area, remove the surface dust, then apply one or two coats of an aluminium-based primer before over-painting.

Bare wood There is a three-step sequence to painting bare wood:

• First, coat with a primer and lightly sand when dry. Wipe the surface with a lint-free cloth and white spirit (paint thinner).

• Apply an undercoat as specified by the manufacturer of the top coat you’ll be using, and sand again. Remove any traces of dust with a lint-free cloth moistened with white spirit.

• Paint on the top coat. Normally, this will be a gloss finish, as it is hardwearing and easy to maintain. When varnishing bare wood, sand away any rough edges, wipe off the dust, then apply the finish.

Interior designers seek wooden shutters because they can give any home a very classic look. If you have wooden shutters in your home and you’re ready to give them a facelift, you can paint them. Painting is not a very difficult task, but you must get the colour scheme correct if you want it to match other features of your home. The typical homeowner will need to paint them about every five to six years. If you seal them with a good sealant, you might get even more time out of the paint job.

The first thing you need to do is remove the shutter from your home. This might be easier said than done depending on your house. If you are trying to paint them on second floor of your home, you will need a ladder and a screwdriver. If they are being stubborn, use a drill with a screw bit. Have a friend or spouse hold the ladder as you go up. You want the ladder to be secure as you climb it. Never stand on the top step of the ladder, as this is a safety risk.

Use your drill bit or screwdriver to remove the screws holding them in place. Removing all of them at one time is the most time efficient way. Take all of them into a well ventilated area. If you are wary about getting paint on your driveway, use a drop cloth with a couple of rocks to keep it secure. If you do happen to get paint on your driveway, use a paint thinner and hot water to get it off.

Use soap, hot water and a metal paint scraper to remove the peeling paint. If the paint is being stubborn, use a light grained sandpaper. If the paint still won’t come off, upgrade your sandpaper to a thicker grain until you can get it off. Use an outdoor primer to coat the wood. This is a sealant that will keep the wood from weakening during the elements. Wait for the primer to dry and then paint the wood with a topcoat of the paint you chose. Wait for the top coat of the paint to dry and then finish off the wood with another coat if needed.

Painting your wooden shutters can breathe new life into your house. When you are choosing paint, use a colour wheel to get the right hue. If you aren’t too sure what colours will go well, ask a painting expert at your local home improvement store. Make sure that all of the paint is completely dry before you reinstall them to your home. Always take caution when you are use a ladder and secure them back to the home with enough force so they stay in place without stripping the pilot hole. After all of this done, you can stand back and take a good look at your finished product.

Find out more about shutters.

A good plan to paint your home involves serious preparation which is the key to get the best results you want to have when painting your house. Remember that this is a very easy house work you can do so it is a shame to see an unsatisfying outcome. Let this page provides you helpful tips you can follow to paint your house without difficulty and mistakes.

To start with, you need to have on hand some of the best quality tools to begin painting. It is not a good idea to just have the lease expensive materials when buying your painting supply. It would be best to purchase the highest quality for your paints, paintbrushes, rollers or other painting supplies. Look for the popular brands that are known to be of excellent quality.

The new Lucite wall coating paint is a good choice you can buy. This is one of the best paint brands you can use in painting because it comes in a liquid. What it means is you will be able to paint right away as soon as you open the can because you don’t have to do some thinning or stirring on it. An added bonus is that it will provide you with the best painting result.

The step-by-step techniques of painting a house always starts at the ceiling. It is important the you utilize a roller to begin painting the ceiling before starting on the other areas. Afterwards, you utilize a paintbrush in order for you to paint the edges, base, boards and corners of your walls and windows. The reason is because these areas cannot be painted with rollers. Therefore it is important to paint the areas with the correct painting tool.

In the process of painting, you have to remind yourself to brush both exterior and interior with ease and comfort. The trick in painting is to let the brush do its work in painting the structures from one area to another. Lead the brush or roller in side-by-side strokes then go back with the same direction for the second coating if needed.

There you have some of the steps you can do to be able to successfully paint your home. Bear in mind that you take the time to accomplish each step in the best way to have the best results. The extra effort you provide will prove to be a determining factor when you have finished painting.

So if you do need a professional painter be sure to see us at painter San Diego. We do residential or even commercial work with our commercial painter San Diego company.

Painting interior walls is one of the easiest ways to add new life to a bland space and can be accomplished by even the most inexperienced person with advice in this article, written by  a skilled professional. Once you implement this information and in effect build up a new confidence, you will be able to tackle more advanced painting projects around the house. Now let’s get you on your way to creating more enjoyable spaces and possibly adding a little equity to your home in the process.

Step 1: Preparation, the key to a successful paint job is to take the correct steps when preparing the job. Preparation for this article, has two parts, the first part is wall prep. The walls you are going to paint may have nail holes or imperfections that need to be filled before you paint. The proper way to fill them, if they are smaller is with water putty, by simply forcing a little bit of the putty in the hole and breaking it off flush with the surface. For larger depressions, use a drywall compound or spackle, which may require a second application to fully fill the indentation and make the repair/”patch”  flush with the wall.

Once the drywall compound/spackle has had sufficient time to dry, you will need to lightly sand the surface of the repair to smooth out any ridges that may have been caused while “coating” the patch. Once you have the surface sanded smooth,  take a wet sponge or cloth and, by lightly washing/rubbing,  blend the outside edge of the drywall compound/spackle back into the wall.  For a smaller repair,  you can wash away the excess drywall compound, leaving only the compound/spackle only in the area where the indent was filled. For a larger hole, after filling, sanding and using a wet sponge to blend the outside edge of the compound back into the wall, it may be necessary to texture the area in order to give the smooth patch the appearance of the existing wall.

There are many different kinds of textures, a smooth wall -which is really a “non-texture,” will only need to be sanded and the outside edges sponged before painting over it. Hand texture which is easily reproduced by applying drywall compound with a drywall knife and troweling the compound on the patched area to simulate the existing wall texture. A rolled on texture is applied by rolling on some thinned down drywall compound or dry mix that water is added to  -the thickness of the compound or dry mix will determine the heaviness of the texture. Some variations of roll on textures have a rough sand granule appearance and both dry mix types can be purchased at most local hardware stores, large hardware depots or at local paint stores, where you will also be able to find spray cans of orange peel or knock down texture.  Always make sure to shake the can for a couple of minutes, then test out the spray pattern on a piece of cardboard or scrap sheet of drywall before trying to simulate it on the wall. Orange peel is just sprayed on and left to dry, you will need to experiment so you can adjust the spray nozzle to simulate the texture as close as possible to the size/pattern of the existing wall.

Knock down texture is basically a orange peel that is sprayed on and allowed to “set-up” for a minute or two then gently “knocked down” by running a 6″ drywall knife over it, “knocking down” the surface of the texture. Although knock down is a flattened version of orange peel, I suggest you do not use a spray can of orange peel, the knock down comes in its own spray can and the results are much better, again experiment before spraying it on the wall.  However, If ever you apply any of the textures to the wall and are not satisfied with the results, wash the texture off immediately before it dries, then allow the wall to dry and try it again. Once you have the texture applied to your liking and you have allowed it to dry, you may want to paint the patches a couple of time before painting the entire wall, especially for walls where the paint to be applied will have some sheen.  Multiple coats on these areas will make them blend in, unnoticeable, with the rest of the wall. You will know if the patches need more coats of paint, because the patch/texture will have absorbed the paint causing the spot to look duller than the rest of the existing wall.

The second part of preparation is surface prep, it addresses covering the surfaces you do not want to get any paint on. A little plastic sheeting will go along way to keeping paint off of floors, window coverings, handrails, cabinets, counter tops, etc… And, if you are not confident with your ability to paint a straight line next to door casing, baseboards, cabinets or hardware protect these surfaces using masking tape. There are two basic types of masking tape white/yellow and blue. The white tape sticks to surfaces better but, can pull off finishes on cabinets or stained woodwork. Blue tape usually will not pull off finishes but, does not stick as well, this will probably be the tape to use for most applications. Always wipe down or dust the surface you will be masking to assure the best tape adhesion possible. If you use blue tape you may need to re-rub down the tape before painting next to it, only mask off areas with blue tape that you will be painting for a given day. With either tapes, do not assume the are a force field that paint will not penetrate, use them as a reference and dry brush the paint next to the edge of the tape and avoid soaking the edge of the tape with a lot of paint, this will cause the paint to “bleed” through giving you an undesired look.  If you will need to apply multiple coats of paint, on the first coat, paint as close to the tape as you can, not really getting paint on the tape. With the second coat or a one coat application, you can use the tape more of like a paint barrier and get a little more paint on the tape if you immediately remove each section of tape after painting the section, this will keep the paint from sitting on the tape and “bleeding” behind it. Also, if you get a lot of paint on the tape it is not good to let the paint dry on the tape because some paints (especially the glossier paints) will peel if allowed to dried, with the tape when it is pulled off. White tape should not be left on for longer than a couple of days and I suggest not leaving it on more than a day in areas that receive long periods of direct sunlight. Blue tape can be left on for days, if it will stay on, there again it does not stick as well and may need rubbed down again immediately before painting up next to it.

Step 2: Materials and their application, every paint manufacturers paint will vary. If you are freshening up old walls and painting back to the existing color, the product doesn’t have to be high end or have good coverage.  If you need to paint  a dark color over light color or light color over dark, you may want to consider purchasing a top quality paint to avoid multiple coats. I suggest Valspar, Pittsburgh or Benjamin Moore top of the line wall paint. These brands work well for straight out of the bucket use and are application friendly.  Sherwin Williams is not my first choice because the coverage is poor and you will have to apply multiple coats but, it does apply, fluently. If you find a  product does not apply well, maybe it is to heavy and/or sagging on the wall, you may need to thin the paint with a little water, this will reduce the coverage but make the paint flow better and lay down nicer on the surface. I do recommend latex paints for all applications, these days a good high end latex is as good as oil paint and your tools clean up much easier, it will also be less harsh on the respiratory system. The only situation I recommend oil paint, is as a primer/stain blocker over stains that  “bleed” through the paint. You can get a stain blocking oil primer in a convenient spray can and spot prime any trouble areas before painting and in the case you need to prime all of the wall due to smoke or water damage, I recommend getting it in gallons and rolling it on where the stains are present. Don’t forget proper ventilation and/or a respirator when using the oil based primers!

Proper brush technique: When “cutting in” with a paint brush you should dip the brush in paint and tap the sides of the bucket on each side of the brush, leaving a good amount on the brush so you are able to minimize the times you will need to dip/load the brush. Next, take the brush and make a one foot to two foot line down the wall about an inch or two away from the trim or surface you are going to paint up next to, this is much like taking a knife full of butter and spreading it across an entire slice of bread. After, spreading the paint over the section, go back and even the paint out evenly across the section and cut up next to the trim with the brush. You want to paint up next to the trim or surfaced to be cut-in with the paint brush after you have released most of the paint on the wall,  it is easier to cut in with the tips of the brush exposed and not loaded with a lot of paint.

Proper rolling technique: When rolling paint on the wall, get the roller skin evenly loaded with paint and make a V,N or M pattern on the wall, this is to spread the paint across the entire section you will be rolling, then roll back across the section and even out the paint. To properly “lay off” each section,  make a final pass of the section applying light pressure to the roller frame arm end of the roller skin and bringing the nap mark (mark created on the pressure applied side of roller skin) across from the beginning of the section to the end of the section, and just repeat all the way down the wall.The V,N or M pattern, will be determine by how far the paint will spread, a V is for less spreading paint and M is for farther spreading paints. Do not  “dry roll”, which means trying to roll to much of a section at once with very little paint on the roller. Just as important, do not apply to much, if you find you are applying to much, increase the size of the section you are painting i.e. from a V pattern to an N or a N pattern to a M.

* TIP* -It can be easier to roll first and then you will know exactly what you have to go back and cut-in with the brush. If you will need to put a ladder on the wall, then cut-in first and roll after you use the ladder to prevent marking the finish painted wall with the ladder. If you are using darker paints colors with a lot of tint/colorant, It will look better if you cut-in first and roll up as close as possible to cover up as much of the brushed/cut-in mark.This will keep the shadowing affect that shows between the cut-in and roller, down to a minimal and thus less noticeable.

Step 3: Tools, there is a wide variety of brushes and rollers to choose from, it is critical to select quality tools and maintain them. We will discuss brushes first, I use and recommend only Purdy brand brushes, they will give you the best results in terms of coverage and make the project go much easier and quicker. A Purdy brush is a little more expensive but if kept clean promptly after each use and stored properly, it will last for years and many projects. Most any other brushes out there, especially the cheap ones, are made of far inferior hair and I liken them to using a hand (or whisk) broom to paint with. Using lower quality tools will only frustrate you and lead you to assume that you are incapable of painting. You are capable! and the proper tools, materials, and advise are all you need. If your painting project will be on going for a couple of days, you can wet the brush with paint, wrap the brush up in a plastic sandwich bag and tape the plastic bag to the handle above the metal ferrule. Sealing it up will keep it from drying out, storing it flat will maintain the shape and permit you to use it for a couple of days without cleaning it. Because, after a couple of days or if it has had extended use on a hot day, it will loose its shape and start to collect a lot of dried paint on the hair, you should clean it with warm water and a wire brush. Once you have ran some water through the brush hair, the wire brush will then be used to remove the dried paint from the hair. Always run the wire brush down the entire length of the hair and never across it, to prevent crimping and damaging the hair. After you get the brush clean, spin it between your two hands, shedding as much water as possible from it. Then, using the wire brush again, comb the hair, shape/style the hair with your hands and lay it flat to dry. Once dry, if you will not be using the paint brush again soon, protect it by storing it in the paper shuck/cover that it came in and it will be like new the next time you use it.

The correct roller to use depends on the texture of the wall. On smooth walls you will need a 1/2″ nap and on textured surfaces it will be more like a 3/4″ – 1″ nap depending on how rough the texture is. I always recommend a lamb skin, it will lay the paint off the best and provide maximum coverage. A roller pole is also great for saving your back, shoulder and arms from repetitious bending over and extension. If you will be using the roller for a couple of days, the same rule applies as with the brush, seal it in plastic completely to preserve it for the next day. Do not leave the roller submersed in paint or water over night, this will cause premature failure, by releasing the skin from the hardboard backing it is attached to. If you will be rolling a rough texture, like a stucco, make sure to purchase a roller frame (arm) that is sturdy and will hold up to constant applied pressure.

*Final tip* -Always have the right height ladder for the job, stretching to reach a wall is dangerous and will fatigue the back, arms and shoulders. Select a ladder rated for the amount of weight you will be using on it. If you don’t feel confident on a ladder it’s probably not safe to be on it.

Now, armed with useful tips and practical information, you are ready to get your paint on and make those grand home improvement ideas, reality. Go put on some old clothes from the closet that you have been meaning to give to Goodwill, the looser the better to allow for maximum movement and reach. Make sure and have a couple of rags handy, these could be some old cut up t-shirts. Plan out the process, have all your tools and equipment gathered together, keep steady at the project (and on the ladder) and don’t leave any open buckets in the way to be accidentally knocked over. Please visit  dennardbloss.com and join our blog or offer feedback to this article or any other subject.

Shelby Dennard is a third generation Drywall/Paint Contractor operating in the Pikes Peak Region and all along the Front Range of Colorado doing business as Dennard Bloss, Inc. for 16+ years. He has completed projects ranging from tract home developments, remodel, million dollar homes, custom multi-million dollar homes that have been featured in magazines and commercial construction. He is currently pursuing government contracts and writing informative how-to articles drawing from his professional experience as a drywall/painting professional. Please visit the home page of his website and read the information about ‘The 9 most important things to consider when hiring a Contractor’ at dennardbloss.com

Ok, so you’ve spent a reasonable amount of money and had your rooms plastered, or you may have even had a go yourself (Well done) but I find that many people haven’t the right information concerning how to paint the finished work, your plaster’r should tell you how to correctly paint the finished wall or ceiling once it is dry, but here’s a little reminder anyway.

1: Make sure that the freshly plastered wall or ceiling has completely dried out, you should be able to tell when this is because the whole of the plastered surface will become one colour, with no dark areas, sometimes, you may find that the external wall of your room will take a little longer to dry out than the rest of the room.

2: Once completely dried, get yourself some basic MATT Emulsion paint, it doesn’t matter if it is of a ‘thin’ consistency (in fact, all the better.) Now, if you find that your emulsion is very thick, it needs to be watered down first (so that this first coat, once applied, sinks into the plaster.) Pour half of the emulsion into a roller bucket (A large square bucket) & mix in with this, about fifty percent water, mix it well together, now the consistency of the mixed MATT emulsion should resemble ‘thick water.’

3: Use a sheep skin (or synthetic) paint roller, &, roll the head of this over the surface of the mixed emulsion (taking care not to completely saturate the whole of the roller head,) then roll out the emulsion covered roller head over the inside of the roller bucket (to even out the paint)

4: Now, starting from the top of the wall (Or one corner of the ceiling) apply the roller head to the surface & gently roll the paint on (up & down, back & forth) until the emulsion is spent onto the surface. You will notice that there will be roller edge marks (resembling lines of emulsion) you must use your roller and gently roll over these so that the lines dissipative. Continue until you completely cover the whole ceiling or wall.

5: Using a quality paintbrush, cut in around all of the edges, trying to blend it into the existing emulsion. You will be left with a patchy painted surface, this is normal, because the first coat that you have just applied acts as a sealer, ready to take the next coats of emulsion. This sealer (or mist coat) keys into the plastered surface, and is vital for your trouble free painting project. Let this completely dry out before continuing with any other coats of Vinyl Silk, Vinyl Matt, or just plain Matt Emulsion Paint:

6: But, before you continue painting any further, get out your scraper, & check over the dried, & painted wall, what you’re looking for is any splashes of plaster that may have stuck onto the finished surface (once you have given the surface the first coat of paint you should be able to see any discrepancies, sort these out first before continuing.)

Here are just a few pointers: Don’t be tempted to use a ‘thick consistency emulsion’ for the first coat, you may just be successful (without it peeling off once dried) but wet it down first to be on the safe side: Never apply Vinyl Silk emulsion straight onto a new plastered wall or ceiling (A surety that this will definitely peel off once dried because this coat of paint sits on top of the surface, instead of sinking into the surface) Always make sure that your paint roller, your roller head, your paint brush, & your emulsion is clean (Nothing looks worse than little bits stuck to your finished, painted surface.

Thank you for reading this article, I hope that it will help you in your quest to correctly paint your freshly plastered surface: & don’t forget, for more ideas on interior surface preparation, please take a look at ‘Texture Revival.’

Dale Ovenstone: Creator of ‘TEXTURE REVIVAL’ unique & amazing, downloadable books & guides for the home ‘DIY’ enthusiast; so that you can ‘have a go yourself’

http://www.lookreadlearn.com

If you are planning a new kitchen, then you will probably want to put some thought into the different color scheme options that you can choose from. This is because there are many out there, and you will find that the color of your kitchen will say a lot when people come into your home. You will also find that talking with a interior designer will give you some insight on the most popular color schemes that are used in kitchens.

One option that you may choose is the single color option. This creates a uniform look that is clean and pleasing. If you are looking to keep your kitchen low key, then this is the type of color scheme you may wish to go with. If you choose from colors like beige, cream pr pastel yellow, your kitchen will have a nice neutral look. This type of color scheme will make your kitchen look great without being too loud.

You may decide that you want to go with a few different colors. If you are doing this, then you may want to keep it neutral. Colors such as gray, brown, tan or black can give you that contemporary look without clashing with the rest of the colors throughout your home. Many people find that this is a great color scheme for a new kitchen. You can use a few bright accents throughout to really give it an added touch.

Bright colors are also something to consider. Many people like the look of bold and vivid colors that go well together. Black and red are really common when used in a kitchen. There are even great appliances that you can use that will go with these colors as well. There are also other bright colors that will look great. Choose a color scheme that will complement your kitchen, without looking like you have put too many different bright colors together.

When it is time to decide on a new color scheme for your kitchen, be sure to keep these tips in mind. You can have a lot of fun when you set out to redecorate your kitchen if you relax and try not to worry about the outcome. Taking some time to talk with a decorator about the colors you are using will help you stay on track. You might even decide to change the flooring or lighting to complement your new scheme.

Learn More : Kitchens Dudley

There’s no rule cast in stone that defines an exterior paint. You could paint the outside of your house with paint designated ‘Interior Paint’. But most outdoor formulas will have a number of attributes that make selecting exterior paint preferable. All house paints, for example, can be put into one of two categories: solvent-based or water-based. The first encompasses all oil or alkyd types, the latter is generally labeled ‘latex’. It’s certainly possible to use latex paint for exterior jobs. Decks or fences, for example, will sometimes get a coat of latex rather than more expensive oil-based paint.

Latex is easier to apply and much easier to clean up after, along with usually being less expensive. But in any area that gets substantial sunshine or hot weather, it won’t last anywhere near as long. Also, it doesn’t have a property inherent in many alkyds: chalking.Chalking is a process in which the paint slowly oxidizes. Over time, the paint turns to a chalky dust. As rain and wind bathe the outside of the house, the chalk is gradually removed without homeowner effort. That removes dirt and old, very thin layers of paint, keeping the house looking good for a long time. Latex, by contrast, typically peels as it ages, especially from wood surfaces where it hasn’t soaked in well.

Chalking may not always be desirable, either. Depending on the amount of rainfall and how the exterior surface is oriented, the chalk can remain on the surface. That requires that it be cleaned off manually. If left on the wall, the surface looks dull and old.

Oil-based or alkyd paints need a long time to dry.They’ll be more difficult to remove from surfaces to which they’re accidentally applied, such as trim that wasn’t perfectly masked. Latex paints allow easier movement of air, ensuring that any moisture trapped evaporates.

You could find that oil-based paints tend to be available in some occasions.They’re made with more, deeper pigments. And, they can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, of the sort usually encountered outside. Aluminum siding, for example, can be painted with a bright, oil-based paint that will last for years and continue to look great. Latex would usually peel off in a year or two.Though many homeowners will want to use stain rather than paint, there are wood surfaces that can look equally nice painted. Non-wood surfaces are also often found outdoors. Concrete block or clay brick, stucco and other surfaces generally look better longer with an oil-based rather than water-thinned paint or latex.Every homeowner’s situation is individual and making a final decision may require some experimentation. A few dollars spent for a small amount of each type is a good investment. Spend a few hours or less to paint some small and less visible surfaces. Let the results dry for a day or two or even a year ahead and take a look. The shorter period won’t reveal peeling or other problems, but it will give visual evidence to make selection easier.

If you are interested in gift basket as well as Maternity Clothing, you can turn to the author.

Why not make your garage neater by painting your garage floor? Usually, garage floors are only made of bare concrete. However, it is possible to add a bit of color to your drab floor by painting on it. Garage floor painting not only decorates your garage, but it is also very functional, especially in the garage. The usual paint that is used for garage floors is epoxy-based concrete garage floor paint. This is used because it has many advantages. It is not only waterproof; it is also highly resistant to oil stains and is very easy to clean.

If you are planning on painting the floor of your garage yourself, then here are a few tips on how to paint your own floor.

Things You Will Need:

• Floor Cleaner
• Plastic Sheeting and Tape
• Epoxy Paint Garage Floor Kit
• Paint Rollers with Extension Handles
• Paintbrush
• Paint Tray and Liners

Tip 1: Choose The Perfect Days To Do The Project

Depending on the size of your garage, it will require at least two full days to finish this floor paint project. This is because the drying time may take up to 24 hours, depending on the type of paint, so make sure to plan ahead and that you don’t have anything else planned for this weekend. Also, you have to check the weather. Firstly, the temperature has to be around 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise the floor paint might peel. The concrete shouldn’t be damp from rain and such, so you should check that as well.

Tip 2: Prep And Clean Up The Garage

After putting the dates into consideration, you have to prepare the garage for the day of floor painting. If you don’t clean the floor properly, the paint will not stick properly. Also, make sure your garage floor is flat, bare concrete without any cracks or imperfections, and isn’t sealed. If so, you will have to patch up the cracks and remove the seal first.

Make sure there aren’t any oil stains or dust and dirt on the floor. Wash the dirt off with a high-pressure hose, then work in more thoroughly with garage floor cleaner or the cleaning solution that’s usually included in any Epoxy Paint Garage Floor Kit. Apply this with a heavy-duty broom, such as a bristle broom. Scrub your floor well.

Don’t forget to cover the bases of your walls with plastic sheeting to make sure that the garage floor paint doesn’t reach your walls as well.

Tip 3: Apply The Epoxy Paint

Most standard Epoxy Paint Floor Kits come with the epoxy paint and hardener. Once you are ready and you have planned out how you will systematically apply paint on your garage floor, mix the two components of the concrete floor paint together. Mix them thoroughly and make sure that not one drop is wasted. Once they are well mixed, put the lid back on the can loosely and let it set away from the sun for about 30 minutes.

After the components have been set, you have to apply the mixture within 2 hours so that they will successfully adhere to the garage floor. Define the edges and borders with the smaller paintbrush, and then apply the paint on the general area with paint rollers.

Tip 4: Add Color Flakes While Painting

After painting a section of the garage floor, broadcast the color flakes with your hand, if you would like to use them. You need to do this step while the concrete floor paint is still wet, so that the flakes could properly stick to the paint.

After coating the whole garage with the floor paint, allow it all to dry in 12 to 24 hours.

Tip 5: Top It Off With A Clear Coat

Shortly, before the floor paint has completely dried, prepare the top coat by mixing it with hardener. Make sure it is all well blended. As with the paint, put the lid back on and allow it to settle for about 30 minutes, in a place away from direct sunlight.

About a minute before you start applying the coat, mix it well. If you want to use the anti-skid particles to make the surface rougher and less slippery, feel free to add them at this stage.

You have to cover the whole floor within 2 hours as well. The top coat is white when white but becomes clear when it dries up.

Enjoy your new garage floor paint and marvel at how much neater and more stain-resistant your garage is now. You can do everything about garage floor painting by yourself, or you can also seek assistance from professional painting contractors.

For more home improvement advice or to find local painting contractors visit http://www.handycanadian.com

Color is one of the most important elements when decorating a home. A fresh coat of paint in the right color will transform a room in a magical way. The possibilities are endless. Here I will share with you five steps you can take to create the perfect color palette for your home, taking into account design principles that will guide you through the process. Following these decorating tips, will help you transform the decor of a room.

1- Look for images that reflect your style: Find inspiration browsing through your favorite interior design magazines and decorating books. We fall in love with the pictures in the magazines, some of them will touch us deeper than others, inspire and give us direction. Discover the style that attracts you the most. Each decorating style has a range of colors that will complement its look. A French style will require a soft color palette of creams, grayish-blues, warm light yellows, and pinks. In contrast, a country cottage will look warm and cozy with earth tones, combined with greens, blues and reds, which bring in the colors of nature. For a modern environment, crisp whites combined with bright and vivid colors will create a dynamic look. A colonial home will look magnificent with a jewel color palette, and so on.

2- Decorative elements in the room: Decorative elements in the room such as fabrics, rugs, a painting, an antique vase or a tapestry, can give us a clue on what colors to consider for the room. Choose the color that you like the most from one of these elements and make it your dominant color, the background that will pull everything else together.

3- Light: Nothing will affect a color more than light. The same color can change shades and even hue depending on the light or lack of it in a room. It is imperative that before you paint a room, you paint a sample of the color of approximate 25″x 20″in. in a wall; apply 2-3 coats of the paint color until there is no bleeding from the original paint underneath. Live with the sample on the wall for a couple of days, noticing how it changes from day light to the artificial light used at night to decide if it is what you like. Keep in mind that the color in a little swatch from the paint store can look very intense and vivid once it is applied to all the walls in a room.

4- Combining two or more colors: When choosing colors to create a palette, you can refer to the color wheel to make your own combination’s. Creating a palette will be easier if you first decide in a dominating color, the one that will be used the most throughout the room. Once you have decided on your dominating color, you have three options:

-Monochromatic palette: This means you will use one color with different intensity in its tint or shade. Example: From a dark blue to a light blue. This variation refers to the amount of white or black within the same color or hue.

-Palette of different colors with same value: This refers to two or more different colors combined, where all the colors have the same intensity, as in brightness or dullness.

-Palette of complementary colors: This option will use two colors that are opposite in the color wheel. For example: Red with its opposite green. Then you can decide on a third color that will look harmonious in relation to both. For example: ivory. Once you have decided on the two complementary colors to use, play around with a third color combination.

5- Mood: Lastly but never the least, pay attention to the feelings that different colors arise. It has been proven that colors deeply affect our mood and perception of the environment.

- Reds, purples and magenta are luxurious colors and will be very invigorating and provocative.

- Oranges and warm yellows will stimulate conversation.

- Blues and violets inspire relaxation for the mind and the spirit.

- Greens will bring a sense of ease and friendliness; note of caution: greens vary considerably depending on how much yellow, blue or black they have on the mix. A green with more black in it, will give an olive shade that can be very severe and dark.

- Browns, beige’s and taupe offer stability and security, a sense of equilibrium; this are usually considered neutral tones, but you need to be careful in the amount of red or yellow in the tint.

- Black is the sum of all colors, applied as a grounding color or as a bold statement it can be elegant, playful, vibrant or mysterious. Some of the most beautiful blacks have more blue and red in their tint, becoming a very dark eggplant tone or a very deep night black.

-Gray or grey, a combination of black and white, is also considered a neutral color; with a bit of blue or green in its tint it will produce a relaxing effect. In its more neutral shade, it is a perfect background for bright or vivid colors.

Visit my blog at http://casamariadesigns.com/wordpress/ for more tips, articles and resources on how to create the home of your dreams.