PAINTING AIDS TACK CLOTHS A clean, well-prepared surface is essential for good paint results. The best way to clean a surface before painting or repainting is to use a tack cloth – a varnish-impregnated, open-mesh cloth that picks up and holds loose dirt, sand and other foreign particles adhering to wood, metal, plastered and other […]
READ MOREMonth: March 2018
BRUSH AND ROLLER CLEANERS Commercially prepared brush and roller cleaners substantially reduce cleaning difficulty. Before these preparations are used, excess paint should be brushed or rolled from the tools. If directions are followed properly, cleaning is not a chore, and costly tools last for years. Commercially prepared, solvent-based brush cleaners should not be used to […]
READ MOREAPPLICATION TOOLS: BRUSHES Brushes are highly efficient for painting all areas – small, medium and large – and for all types of paint. A poor brush, however, will result in a poor finish. Filaments used in paint brushes are hog bristle and other animal bristles, as well as manmade filaments (both tapered and level), including […]
READ MOREOTHER APPLICATION TOOLS ROLLERS The major advantages of paint rollers include speed of application and versatility. Since most wall paints are formulated for roller application, you will do a quicker, smoother job with a roller. Standard wall rollers, used in large open areas, are 7″ to 12″ wide. Specialized rollers can be any length from […]
READ MORELATEX PAINTS Latex paints can be thinned with water and are easily applied. Compared to oil-based paints, the advantages of latex paints are: Less odor Water cleanup Nonflammable Rapid drying Easy touchup Easy application, even on damp surfaces Better gloss and color retention (less fading) on exterior surfaces No yellowing on interior surfaces Remains more […]
READ MOREThe three basic types of ladders are straight (extension), step and step/extension. Stepladders include step-stools and platform ladders, generally for home or light commercial use. Quality classifications of step/extension ladders include consumer (household), commercial (mechanic) and industrial grades. Metal ladders, usually made of aluminum, require little if any maintenance. Wood ladders should be treated with […]
READ MOREEvery aerosol consists of two elements – the propellant and the product itself, whether a liquid, foam or semisolid. Three kinds of propellants are used: hydrocarbons (liquid propellants), carbon dioxide (a compressed gas) and dimethyl ether. Hydrocarbons are effective as propellants because as the product is used up they turn to vapor and fill the […]
READ MOREWALLCOVERINGS Applying wallcovering is very much the province of do-it-yourselfers. Technical advancements make “paper-hanging” a relatively easy redecorating job. Self-adhesive or pre-pasted coverings simplify the job; paper- or fabric-backed vinyl wallcoverings handle more easily than paper coverings. Self-adhesive coverings, similar to, but heavier than shelf linings, have an adhesive applied to the back side, protected […]
READ MOREGLAZING MATERIALS: GLASS Architectural glass – glazing for windows, doors, shower enclosures and other household – installations is governed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials. The standard, whose purpose is to reduce or eliminate risk of injury associated with walking, running or falling through or against glazing materials, specifies […]
READ MOREPower Systems Electric/Cordless trimmers are lighter and quieter than traditional gas trimmers. They also require no fuel mixing and eliminate the need to pull start. However, electric/cordless trimmers are less powerful. Electric trimmers are recommended for those with smaller yards (usually under 100 yards from an outlet) because of the constraint of using an extension […]
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