Discover How To Paint Your Home's Interior With Sponges

by Kim Malone

How to paint walls and materials needed: baseboard masking; bleach; water; crack filler; blue masking tape, 220 grit sandpaper, blocking primer.



Tools: screwdriver; sanding block; rubber gloves; putty knife; paint tray; 9 inch roller; 2 inch nylon brush; stepladder;drop cloth and sponge.



Move the furniture away from the walls. Lay the drop cloth on the floor.



Repair any cracks, holes or dents with the filler. After the filler has dried, sand the area until it is smooth.



If you find mildew, use bleach water and rubber gloves to wash that area.



Rinse the wall with clean water making sure to remove dirt and dust. Let it dry over night.



Where repairs were made, use the primer to cover that area. When the primer is dry, tape the trim and use the primer on the rest of the wall and ceiling, if painting the ceiling. After the ceiling dries, tape it off and paint the walls.



Use the roller and go over the areas where a brush was used to get rid of brush strokes. Get as close to the tape as possible.



Roll up on the first pass but also start at the top and work your way to the bottom.



When the primer is dry, using a putty knife or 120 grit sandpaper, run it over the walls to get rid of any high spots or bumps. Then wipe the wall down with a damp rag to get rid of the dust.



When the ceiling and walls have been painted, prime and paint the trim.



Sponging on or off: sea sponge; latex gloves; latex paint; paper plate; coffee filters; stepladder; roller and pan for base coat and glaze.



A sea sponge provides for a more tranquil effect because of the arbitrariness of the textures and holes.



The paint department is where to look for glaze. No pigment is in it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the glaze and paint. Slowing the drying time and making the paint somewhat transparent is what the glaze is for.



To experiment, mix the paint and glaze in several different ratios. Paint a piece of drywall. Also practice the technique before painting on the wall.



Start with the beginning steps if the base color is being changed.



Now that the base color is dry, mix the second color and glaze. Using a small amount of the mix, pour it onto the plate. Dampen the sponge with water. Squeeze as much water out as possible. Now dip the sponge in the glaze mixture.



Dab the sponge on the wall turning your wrist in different directions between each application. Use different areas of the sponge.



Clogged holes in the sponge will not give the preferred look. To clean it, dab the sponge on the coffee filter throughout the process.



Every once in awhile step back and look at the work. If there is too much paint in some areas, press the clean damp sponge on the area to lift off the extra paint.



Sponging off is basically the same procedure except that once the base coat is dry, apply the glaze to a small area.



So the glaze does not smear, place the sponge on it and lift straight off. This will remove the glaze. Clean the sponge when it needs it. Repeat the step for the entire wall area.

About the Author:

At Total KM you'll find out about various paint techniques along with how to prepare your room for painting.

How To Start Painting The Walls?

by Truman Crawford

Maintaining a home or building can be a frightening task particularly if you don't know what to do and where to start. At some point, you can commence with the restoration or renovation areas, for example putting up a new paint for the wall.

One of the most annoying things a painter runs into is painting bright accent colors. Attempting to paint an off-white wall to bright red or neon green can be murder. After putting on 3 or four coats and still seeing the lines and shadows can make you absolutely mad. Unfortunately, painting bright accent colours is a particularly inexpensive way for home owners or developers to quickly change the appearance of their building and, so observers or visitors see lots of it. So, to make everybody's job a little easier, here are two proposals on methods to get colours to cover better.


1. Picking accent colors


When picking accent colours, it's best to get the painter to choose stock or factory tinted colours. Dallas Painters can provide you with a color chart of these. And if they need custom tinted colours, there is still hope.

<
For custom coloured accent colours, the paint base have to begin with is extremely clear and hint is added. This is what gives it the color. However, even then it usually remains rather transparent. It is highly recommended to use quick-dry, monochromatic grey primer as a base coat. This will allow the painter to top coat it with the accent base quickly, and the grey will help the paint appear more even and opaque.


2. Painting back to standard


So the store promotion is finished and it's time to paint back to...what? What color was that wall intended to be again? This isn't uncommon at all . In fact, most people know what color walls should be. The issue is that during work or in the field, things are not always what they need to be. There's no perfect answer for this. Here are some things that can be of major help.


On the 1st trip out to paint the accent color, take a sample of the paint that should be on the wall and test it. If it matches, jot down a note of it and all is well. If the test does not match, you have one of 2 selections. You may use a pro color fan deck to match it and return with the matching but wrong color ; or, you may use the correct color and paint the walls all of the way to the nearest clean break so that the difference isn't obvious. The second only works if the right color and the colours are close.


One of the best techniques we have found to assure that the walls are painted with the right paint is to have a record or spreadsheet or some simple internet-based tracking system, continually updated, using data from the painters in the work area, as the entire painting project is completed. This is also beneficial for partial or high-traffic painting projects. It is noted that by tracking these tiny things, it not only serves your purpose better and it makes the painter's job as well as your task far easier.

About the Author:

If you liked this write up about Dallas Painting, then go over and see this other web site centered around painters in dallas tx.

June Cultivating Tips for the Northern Garden

by Keith Markensen

Roses, Lilies, delphiniums and many other perennials are at the peak of the blossoming performance in the North, and the weather is wonderful. It is easy to be lazy and leisurely enjoy the garden and the out of doors. A provident planter has plenty of time for this; there are few things that demand immediate attention, time and effort. Only the weeds that prosper along with other plants are a problem, and a minor one too, because shallow cultivation will cut them down before they get big and deep rooted.



Cultivating is in order even though weeds may not be a problem because the soil becomes compacted by the frequent, often heavy rains that occur at this time of year. When the soil surface becomes compacted it is undesirable in many ways. Water cannot percolate freely through it and much of it is lost by run-off.



Soil air is excluded or greatly reduced especially when wet; harmful soil micro-organisms (algae, etc.) thrive; the helpful soil bacteria perish. All of these unfavorable conditions and factors can be corrected quickly by shallow cultivation. A small two or three tined hand cultivator is just the right tool for this kind of job. It should not be used when the soil is on the wet side, but rather when it is beginning to show signs of becoming dry at the surface. If the soil is too moist the cultivator will cause it to gum and ball.



The Best Rule:



Dont cultivate the day after a good rain, but a day or two later. Care should be used when working a cultivator close to plants. It is so easy to cut into roots and nick or cut off a stem or shoot.



Watch for Aphids



The weather during June in the north is also favorable to the enemies of plants, the bugs and the blights. Aphids (plant lice) multiply in astronomical numbers in an amazingly short time, so keep a close watch for indications of their presence. Control measures should be started early before they increase to an epidemic stage and cause permanent damage. Usually they start on the undersides of leaves. They also seem to congregate on the growing points of plants, the tips of shoots and buds. Here they do damage in a very short time, causing growth to become twisted, curled and permanently distorted.



One of the newest and most effective insecticides to kill aphids on houseplants is Malathion. In the liquid emulsion concentrate form it seems to be more effective and much less offensive so far as odor is concerned.



In the North, June is not too late for planting that did not get done earlier. June weather is usually favorable for the planting of potted or flat grown annuals. Along with them, geraniums and potted roses can be planted in sunny locations, tuberous begonias and fuchsias in shady places. In many sections of the North, window boxes and outdoor planters are not started until early June.



Many nurseries anticipate the needs of those who are late doing their planting and keep some plants started in containers (pots, flats, peat pots) so that they can make a good showing when planted late.

About the Author:

We've created an outstanding resource for you on the topic of killing aphids on houseplants. Visit us at http://www.plant-care.com/houseplant-pests-aphids.html.

Block Walls? Why Would You Want One?

by Roberto Emanuel Sanchez

Block walls offer a lot of benefits for landscapers, home owners, or anyone who is attempting to create a strong and aesthetically pleasing enclosure. Block walls are most often used as an attractive retaining wall that can be quickly and easily installed, but what are the benefits to a block wall over, for example, a small concrete fence or a timber wall? Are there any other benefits besides the appearance?



Block walls are a series of interlocking concrete units that tie-back into the earth efficiently resist the weight of various loads. These units are usually precast concrete and come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, and since they are incredibly modular by nature, these walls can be installed just about anywhere. It doesnt matter if your want the wall to circle around a small area in the middle of the garden or follow and gradually raising hillside, these concrete units can be easily adapted to almost any situation.



Installing a block wall can be left up to a contractor, but it can also just as easily be done by a do-it-yourselfer. Block walls dont require any heavy equipment to install, nor do you need any specialized tools. In fact, you dont even need any mortar. Block walls are gravity structures. This means they rely on their own weight to hold them in place and act as a retaining barrier. All it takes is the right blocks and a good foundation (and, admittedly, some active labor) and anyone can build their own block retaining wall.



Once the block wall is in place there is very little maintenance that has to be performed. Since there is no mortar, you wont ever have to deal with touch ups, and, because of their modular nature, they are also highly resistant to cracking under stress. And if, from time to time, one of the blocks is damaged by the weather or an accident, that block can easily be replaced. Other walls would require serious work or a complete replacement to fix a damaged section.



A block wall is a great choice for anyone who wants to install a retaining wall but still create an appealing enclosure. Retaining walls must be functional, and you can get that with any number of materials, but to create a truly attractive landscape, block walls may just be the perfect choice.

About the Author:

Aftec specializes in building concrete fence forming systems. If you need machines or tools to help you build a block wall, highway sound wall, stone fence, or block fence, visit our site today!

Gardening 101

by Mara Hernandez-Capili

Every year in Lake Charles Louisiana, gardeners and plant lovers or enthusiasts, young, and old gather together to commemorate Garden Festival. Garden Festival is a part of the horticulture program, here they enhance and educate people of southwest Louisiana about horticulture. Horticulture is the science of plant cultivation, while Horticulturists are the persons who work and conduct research regarding plant and crop propagation and cultivation.



It is a fun filled day where there are exhibits and contests to see how far gardening has gone, and how broad gardening has become. It is a one time annual experience where professionals and non commercial welfare of people are unified.



During the festival, there are exhibitors who provide basic knowledge about gardening and the art of Horticulture among spectators. Amongst the demonstration and lessons given are the prevention of mishaps in garden and lawns. Also, facilitators educate the public regarding tool familiarization, clubs and societies located in the area, stores where to obtain gardening products and accessories and of course the places where they could sell their home grown plants. It is simply a day of knowledge.



Some of us believe that gardening is way too easy- that you just have to plant a seed and wait for it to grow. This is not certainly the case and the Garden festival might just prove us wrong on this belief. Gardening is a serious job that without proper tools and knowledge gardening itself would be as hard as constructing a new building with our bare hands. Gardening takes a lot of information, proper deliberation, and passion.



Gardening is indeed a satisfying hobby. Aside from its money-making aspects, it is also a very simple way of helping Mother Earth. As flower beautifies every home, its roots and shades also reduce the heat absorption of place. It's really a "green thumbs" up to those who loves gardening. Check out the website below for a complete list of events and festivals at Louisiana.

About the Author:

Mara Hernandez-Capili is a writer and a researcher on events in Travel and Leisure. Visiting events such as the Louisiana craft fairs will open one's spirit on the beauty of the world beyond home's borders. If youre staying in Louisiana, the author suggests checking out the Louisiana craft shows for entertainments to make your stay memorable.

------------------------------------------

Gardening Supplies For Growing 100 Pounds of Garden Potatoes

by Scott Moore

Potato gardening is simple. You don't need many gardening accessories. The potatoes we eat are starchy tubers that grow underground very naturally, swelling and getting larger as the top half of the plant matures. Many claim to grow 100 pounds of potatoes in a small 4 square foot gardening area as they cover their emerging crop in layers of soil as it matures.



First off you need garden seed potatoes. These are potatoes you've seen in your kitchen that have sprouted shoots. Individual potatoes that are sold at grocery stores sometimes have growth inhibitors sprayed on them, but bagged potatoes that you see sprout are good seed potato candidates.



Before you plant your 'seed" potatoes, you'll want activate their spouting. By simply keeping them in a warm place in bright sunlight, you'll activate this process. Some use egg cartons or baskets as temporary holders.



Prepare you potatoes the day before by cutting them into golf ball size portions with each cube having at least 2 eyes. You'll want to keep them exposed to the air overnight which hastens a callous covering the cut part. This callus prevent the seed potato from rotting in the garden.



Potatoes need full sun and loose, well-drained soil. If your soil is full of clay make sure to add compost and lots of peat moss so the vines can grow easily. Make sure they get about an inch of water a week.



One can use build a potato box or automobile tires as a garden accessory and plant place 6 seed potatoes inside filling the tire or container half way with soil. When the vines grow about 6 inches high place another tire on top or add boards to your container and cover the vines half way with soil. Keep adding soil and tires until you reach the desired height. Tires can be stacked 4 to 8 levels high.



Potato sprouts will appear in about 2 weeks. When they get about 2 or more inches high (this will take about 3 weeks) add soil to partially cover the growing vines. Do this again 2 weeks later. This process is called "hilling". Add an inch or two of soil every week so there is enough soil above the developing potato garden to prevent them from sticking out above the soil line because the potatoes will turn green



Harvest carefully, by hand or with a shovel. Generally, you can harvest from 2 to 4 months after planting. Turn the soil over and search through for potatoes at the bottom of the mound. The tubers can branch out and gentle digging at the bottom layer of your container will yield a potato or two. You can harvest the entire crop when the tops die off. All the sprays and fertilizers to grow healthy potatoes: Gardening Accessories

About the Author:

Gardening supplies from top gardening sites. Find consultation from compost to harvest. View latest garden tool innovations, fertilizers, plant food and hydroponic supplies, garden pest protection and disease control. Gardening Supplies

Why Every Gardener Needs a Garden Shed - Plans and Design

by William Boyle

Spring rolls around and its time to dip into the pocket book and start getting ready for the summer. There's planting to be done, and repairs to do. Perhaps there's a landscaping project on the horizon.



Once the plans are in place and the items are bought its time to get out the tools. Now this is where the real challenge begins. Where did you put them last fall? Probably find some in the basement and then there's that corner of the garage that has some of the bigger ones. Oh yes don't forget about the spare room probably tucked some away in there too.



This has all got to tell you something. As if you really need, a garden shed. It's going to save you time and money in the long run. It's going to save you time because all of your outdoor tools and equipment can be stored in one place. That means when you are in need of something you can just go and get it because you know where it is. When your garden and outdoor implements are scattered all over the place, it takes a lot of time just remembering where they are and then the search is on.



Money wise they save you a great deal. One of your agreements against the garden shed investment may be you just don't want to put out that kind of money after all you've managed so far.



The longer you live in a house the more you accumulate. You may have managed up until now but the time is coming sooner or later you just won't have enough storage space.



Yes, it's going to cost you money to buy your garden shed. Think of it this way though how much has you spent on soil weeding products and fertilizer. You use a portion of them then one of two things happen. You let them sit outside where they get destroyed by the elements, or secondly you end up throwing them out because there is no place to put them.



Most of the lawn and garden equipment that you have probably purchased has not been cheap either. When it's not stored properly, it can become damaged or even ruined. The other thing to consider is some of the equipment is not safe to be laying around especially where there are young children.



Finally, a garden shed really does add to the ambience of the landscaping. It makes it look neat and just shows that someone really cares about their outdoors. If you aren't sure, what style to get just look around your neighborhood and you will get a good idea. You need to base your choice according to your needs. If you don't own a lot of garden supplies and equipment then one of the smaller ones will work nicely. Don't forget though that those winter items can be conveniently stored here as well so plan your required space accordingly. Once you have got past the fact that you had to lay some money out for your shed you are going to be most glad that you did.

About the Author:

As seen on Woodcraft Magazine, MyShedPlans offers over 12,000 sheds plans and woodworking plans. Download your shed kits at the official site now. It is a free plan of a beautiful large storage shed.