Painting
Old homes are not the only ones likely to be contaminated with lead paint. Any home built before 1980 should have it's interior and exterior paint tested for lead. The older the home the more likely a significant amount of lead was used in the paint.
In the mid-19th-century lead was used extensively by the more wealthy homeowners. So if your old home is of better construction and condition it could be more likely toxic. Children are much more susceptible to lead absorption and the consequence is irreversible brain damage.
Lead can be absorbed via fumes but also from paint chipping off and going into the soil or floors. This lead can be picked up in dirt and toys and ingested by children unknowingly.
Lead is most dangerous when sanding and scraping are going on. This ambient lead hazard is caused by lead particles hanging in the air and can be inhaled or settle on skin and clothes.
We typically leave the beauty tips to Dahlight but she shared one that the frugal DIY crowd may find interesting.
Loew-Cornell Paint Brushes are an excellent alternative to standard makeup brushes. We haven't tried it but maybe the ladies can chime in here. Is it worth it?
This sun room remodel that we found on CasaSugar is awesome. No major changes but an update to the paint, flooring and walls created a much more inviting space to spend lazy afternoons. Some different window treatments and the room would be finished.
Just as paint brush bristle type is dependent on type of paint used, the same applies to roller naps.
+ Nylon and wool blend naps are to be used with alkyd paints.
+ Nylon only naps are required for latex paint usage.
Nap length (thickness of fuzzy stuff)
+ Use a shorter nap for glossier and smoother surfaces.
+ Long roller naps are better for textured surfaces where you need better coverage like brick and stucco.
+ Plastic nap cores are of higher quality than cardboard and don't lose their shape and can be used repeatedly.
The bristles on a paint brush are either natural or synthetic and in some cases both. Bristle choice is determined by type of paint used.
+ If your paint can be cleaned with paint thinner then use the natural bristles.
+ If you are painting using latex paint then use synthetic bristles.
+ Natural bristles can absorb the water in latex paint and will become limp and difficult to use.
+ Brushes that contain both types of bristles can be used with any type of paint.
Painting a room is a quick and easy makeover that makes a huge impact. But because it does require effort and takes time to change or can clash with furnishings or artwork, most homeowners take their time when it comes to selecting the proper paint color and you've got to consider more than just what your paint selector iPhone app tells you.
Here are some tips to ponder when selecting a paint color.
1. Color evokes emotion and nobody wants to be enveloped in a room that has a "bad vibe" because of the color of the walls. Keep the mood you want to convey at the forefront when considering colors.
2. Think beyond traditional colors for rooms. e.g., Nurseries don't have to be sky blue or pink but any pastel shades could work.
3. If you think you might change your mind later don't go with an initial dark color or you'll limit your options down the road.
A strong indicator of a good paint job will be the quality of brush or roller used. You may have everything else in place (high quality paint, clean surface) but if your brushes are cheap the finished product will not have the desired result.
When shopping for brushes do these quick steps to make sure you are getting a good quality paint brush.
1. Paint brushes should be balanced and comfortable in your hand. Heavy brushes contribute to fatigue and your work will suffer.
2. Do the bristles spread out evenly when you press the brush against the palm of your hand? If you see obvious spaces then the same will happen on your wall.
We recently contributed to TimeOut New York's Home Design 2009 issue which hit newsstands today.
We're featured in the Steal This Idea section for creating a patina mirror just like you've seen on the walls of your favorite French bistro (We prefer Le Singe Vert over Schiller's any night).
Pick up a copy today!
Obviously vinyl siding doesn't require the maintenance and paint that traditional wood siding does but if you aren't satisfied with the color can you still paint it?
The answer is yes but you need to clean the siding with a general household cleaner (like Simple Green) beforehand to remove all dirt, mildew and moisture then rinse the cleaning agent off and let dry.
When painting vinyl siding you should keep your colors light as darker colors increase heat absorption and can warp the siding.
Tin ceiling tiles are a great way to add a classic look to a room or with the right color paint modernize it.
Armstrong has some instructional videos for painting ceiling tiles to give them the tin look that you desire.
