Posts Tagged ‘wall’

Easy Do-it-yourself Paint Repairs

Paint is considered to be the clothes of your house. Although paint problems may look ugly and major, you can actually be saved from the obligation of calling a professional painter and spending huge amounts of money on them. You yourself can be your very own Picasso in doing paint retouches of your house.

Break Down

All kinds of paint, whatever brand it may be, can only last for a specified number of years on your wall, before the break down process starts showing. When you are experiencing paint break down, it basically means that the first or primary layer on the surface is weakening.

This problem is commonly experienced in old houses that have several paint layers. When the break down process starts, paint will start cracking and peeling from your wall or your wood surface. Because of this, your wood or drywall will be exposed.

To fix this, try scraping or pressure washing your surface. After that, fill any holes using putty if it is wood or spackle if it is a wall surface. After filling in, get a sand paper and fine sand the surface.

When you”re done, wipe of the dust and let it completely dry. Basically, when you pressure wash or when it is raining, 24 hours should be allotted for the surface to dry. Once you”re sure that it is dry, and then you can start painting.

Moisture Build-Up

Another cause of paint cracking is moisture build-up, leak or excessive condensation.

Most probably, you can find mildew and mold along with this problem. This kind of problem is often experienced in the bathroom. However, it can also occur in other parts of the house because of leaky roofs and close outdoor shrubs. Your paint can sag down due to the moisture. But in this case, you won’t see any chipping debris.

If moisture build-up is the cause of your pain cracking, then you would have to do another remedy. Since you will be targeting on the mildew, and if it is an interior surface that you are fixing then you can make use of a solution that consists of three parts water and one part bleach. If it is an exterior surface, you can wash it off using an exterior solution intended for pressure washers.

Both of these can be bought at your local shop. You can also try renting a pressure washer from some stores that provide services like these during the weekend.

Fading Color

The last most experienced paint problem would be fading color. This is usually experienced with surfaces on the exteriors of the house. However, it can also occur indoors when specific colors were used for the walls. Basically, paint color fades when it exposed too much to the sun.

To avoid this kind of problem, most people would try no to use bright and bold colors such as deep red. If you have an affinity for deep colors, but don’t like the fading ones, then try to look for hues which have a ruddy or golden tone with them.

You can try consulting a paint associate about this. Try to find out how much red oxide or yellow oxide colorant was mixed for the specific color that you want. Basically, if the paint associate says that each colorant has about 1 ounce or so in the tint base to create the color, then you have spotted a color that can resist fading for a very good period of time.

How To Choose Bathroom Accessories And Towel Racks

Choosing towel racks as bathroom accessories is a bit more complicated these days, since technology has made a wide array of products. Towel racks include the Guest INOXS, Hotel Racks, including the single and double. You will also find a wide array of Key collections, ONDA, Studio, etc, as well as the swinging racks. ++How do I find the swinging racks?+Online you will find a selection of swinging racks. The racks include the pure brass racks. The racks are idea for storing items. In addition, you have convenience, since you can fold the racks flat, which enables you to fit the racks in tight areas on your wall. + How is the brass made? The racks are made of brass and protected by a coated finish. Few types are made of Brass Polish, or Chrome. +How much do the racks cost?+It depends on where you shop. At some stores online you can find the racks for around $63, yet if you continue looking you may find better deals. Keep in mind you are buying pure brass, rather than forged materials. +What about the Studio racks? What makes them special? The Studio racks include the chrome polish, texture accent and chrome, and the brush chrome. The racks are made for contemporary baths, yet you can install it in most bathrooms, since it has a European class. The racks are brushed and polished with transparent coats of epoxy finishes. The finish makes the racks shine. ++How do I choose width, height and depth? It depends on what you want, however you may like the depth of 7 and three-quarter inches deep, with the width of 11 and 7/8 inches and height of 7 three-quarter inches.

How do I choose other bathroom accessories to match the rack? When choosing other bathroom accessories you might want to consider soap dishes, glass shelf vanities, bath tissue holders, robe hooks, towel rings/bars, etc. You can also choose glass holders, since brass usually looks good with glass. Chrome also looks good with glass. +How do the Key series look? You have a choice of stainless steel, which is polished, or you can choose the stainless steel made of Satin texture. The Key series are contemporary, which is great for installing in master baths, guest baths, modern baths, and so on. Victorian baths and Country baths, you may want to consider other series. Still, you can probably make it work.

How do I choose wall mounts to match the contemporary? You have the choice of red, wood, and blue rosette wall mounts. You may want to compare the color of your shower walls, or bathroom wall before making a choice.

The colors seem to do well with purplish backgrounds, yet other styles may not allow you to combine the colors. +How are the towel racks mounted? To mount you rack, you want to consider what you mount it to. You want to look for the sturdiest studs in the wall to screw into the area to mount. If not that, you can choose drywall. You drill a hole in the wall, using an anchor to stick an anchor lock in and then put in your screw, which spreads out the anchor lock, securing it to the wall. You can also use a T-Bolt. It depends on how large the rack is. To use a T-Bolt, you drill a hole depending on the size of the T-Bolt. Once you drill the hole, you push the T-Bolt in, which ears will pop out. You cannot pull the T-Bolt back out at this point.

Choosing Bathroom Angel Accessories

When decorating your bathroom you might want to think about designing the room filled with angels. There are many ways to do your bathroom with these wonderful things called angels. I like the angle touch myself this way I feel like I have an angel watching over me at times.

How can I find angel decorations? You can go to any department store they should have all kinds of angles to choose from. If you do not want to go there you can go to family dollar or dollar general stores they also will have a variety to chose from. Christmas is near, so you should not have a problem finding a wide array of angel patterns.

How can I choose the angels that match my bathroom? That depends on what your likes and dislikes are when it comes to angles. They have shower curtains, rugs, shower hook rings, toothbrush holder and so on. You have many options available to you. If you like original or colorful angels you want to consider that the angels can be assorted which makes a nice variety.

How can I re-decorate my bathroom walls? You can get some wall border and maybe some pal brown paint to paint your walls. Your wall border should have some angels on it or have something to do with angels. You may want to get some hanging pictures of angles to hang on your walls. The market has a wide array of angel candles, which you can sit in your room to fancy your likings. You might want to add a few shelves to the walls so that you can put some little tinkles on them to show off the look of your room. Remember to add candles to your shelves also.

How can I cover my shower? You can purchase shower curtains with patterns of angels at any local shop, or online. They are very nicely made of thick material. The material is strong, which will protect your angels from mishaps. The market also sells shower rings that can match your shower curtains and other angelic designs.

How can I arrange my shelves to make the angels stand out? When it comes to your wall shelves, anything will look nice. You might want to add some flower pieces to the shelf. In addition, maybe a few little angles to sit it off and like always a candle will do good. Keep in mind that you do not want to clutter the shelves; otherwise, it will defeat the purpose. +How do I choose floor covering to match? When it comes to the floor, you might not be able to find angle throw rugs but light brown rug or maybe a tan rug will look just fine in your new bathroom.

How can I match my toilet seat with my new angelic environment? In this case they have angle toilet seats which are very nice, they are soft and very nice looking to ones eye. +How can I choose additional bathroom accessories to set off my angelic bathroom? You might want to add a gold mirror of some sort, such as the oval mirrors to attract attention to your new patterns. When you are finished with your bathroom, it will be a wonderful room to visit and enjoy your work of art. Therefore, you may want to take a long hot bath after all this hard work. In addition, sit in and enjoy maybe enjoy a bubble bath and read a book about angles. Do not forget to add a candle or two to enhance your mood.

Take A Bath And Relax With Bathroom Accessories

Bath time can be the most relaxing and enjoying time of the day. There are so many different things that you can use when relaxing in that big garden tub of yours. Lets talk about some of the things that can make your bathing more relaxing and enjoyable.

How to relax: Your bathtub can be a major part of your relaxation time. There are many different kinds of tubs out now to fit everyone’s needs. Most people have standard size tubs for one person, they can be very relaxing too, just add some things around it to make it what you like. Fill up the tub with your favorite smelly bubbles or relaxing oils. The hot water and all those bubbles around you make you feel special and important.

How to create a romantic atmosphere in your bathroom: Do you like getting romantic in the tub? Try the garden tub it is a good one for small areas and large enough for the second person to join you. Garden tubs are nice when they are sunken into your floor area. Box the tub in and install a music system into it. Music is always relaxing to everyone. Turn the music on a good easy listening music channel or insert a CD into it, maybe an mp3 player too. Garden tubs and music is just one type of tub to spice up your day.

When installing a tub for romance and relaxation be sure to think about where you”re going to install it and the sitting around it. Your decor means a lot when you”re trying to relax and enjoy the surrounding area. Choose a room away from the master bedroom where you can be away from everything and just be alone. Before installing your tub, decide on a theme and how you”re going to fill in the empty spaces. Take one end of the room and put up a wall to make a place for the stool and a shower separate from your tub. Putting the sink in the same room with the tub is ok, since you can color and coordinate the colors to both rooms to match the bedroom.

Put mirrors around your tub; box the tub in putting inserts at one end for that glass of wine you might want to have while relaxing. Add candles so when they are lit they can glow into the mirrors. Sounds romantic doesn’t it.

Install Garden tubs with jets in it. Jets are a good way to get that massage you’ve been wanting. Some of them even have heaters connected so your water doesn’t get cold. Be careful not to fall asleep and drown in there it can be done so don’t stay in there to long with the jets on they can make you to relaxed. Again, don’t forget to add the mirrors and candles.

Put a chair decorated to match your theme in one corner where you can sit to dry off and add that lotion you might have for your feet. After relaxing in that tub, you need to smell good afterwards. A little bit of body lotion goes a long way. Match your lotion smells to go with the oil you’ve used to take the smells with you when you”re done. Body lotions are affordable; as well, you can find coupons, deals, sales, clearances, etc online to help you save money. +How to find oils, bathtubs, candles, lotions, and more: Check out the department stores; maybe go on line to check out the candles, lotions, and your oils. Try different smells and enjoy.

That Bare Wall Benefiting from Bathroom Accessories +How to fill in the blanks with rubber stamps: Is there a bare wall in your bathroom? Is the wall bare so that you cannot find a theme to match? Have you considered wallpaper, yet nothing seems to fit? Why not put your creativeness and ideas to work and make your own wallpaper design. I bet no one else will have one like it.

Before you get started, decide what you really want to put on a bare wall you are trying to cover. Make sure you are creative and try to use the same theme you are working with, such as birds. This can be done in any room of you house where you have a wall and want to do something different.

You”ll need to shop around and find some rubber stamps or stencils; you can even draw the design if you want. The rubber stamps, stencils, all of these things can be found in the craft department of most department stores. Be sure to grab the brushes you”ll need; the variety pack of brushes is nice since you have different sizes and styles all in one.

Usually in the same department you”ll be able to purchase the paints you”ll need, use ceramic paint, it comes in many colors and shades to accommodate your needs. Clean up is a breeze just using warm and soapy water to clean up the paint to change from one color to another is all you need to do.

Whenever doing a project like this, you should do it twice to be sure you have the right design and colors that you”ll want to use. If you need more stamps or stencils just go to another department store, wherever craft supplies are sold, they all sell different ones. Cover the area that you are going to stamp on with freezer paper. The paper you can buy wherever groceries are sold, usually in the meat department. When putting up the paper just stick a thumbtack on the corner and a few places in the center to hold it in place.

Now you are ready to make the first copy of your wall project. Go for it and start stamping away.

It is hard to place everything so they are exactly spaced but don’t worry you can fill in those empty spots later. When going from one color to another, if the colors are going to touch make sure that the first color completely dries? When finished, let dry and look at it for a couple of days to make sure this is what you want. Then go on to the permanent design. +How to remove the paper? Now you”re ready to do your wall, taking down the paper carefully so you don’t forget your color combinations. Keep it for a pattern to work from. Remember no two projects are the same. That’s the fun of the whole project; no one will have one like it.

Paint your wall in the color of your choice making it a light color to match the colors you are going to stamp on it. Using your pattern, you have set aside; start stamping again on the original wall. Again, make sure each color is completely dry before stamping another color so they do not touch each other. If do not like the pattern you’ve done just fill in the spaces with something else or add a new color somewhere. No matter how many times you use this technique you”ll never be able to do two projects the same. This is the tactic known as creativity. Now that you have your paints, consider the flowery bathroom accessories.

Evaluating Your Wall For Repairs

If you are seeing some cracks on your walls, there is no need to panic. This can have no significance at all. However, there are some that can signify that you are experiencing a big structural defect. If this is the case, then you would have to do the appropriate action for the case. This is why proper evaluation should be done.

Noticing The Problem

Most often, cracked foundation walls are given attention when a property is being sold in the market. Even though the owner would insist that the cracked wall has been like that “forever”, the buyer has a tendency to become concerned about the situation.

Whether you are a buyer, seller, or some one who is simply concerned about their wall, here are some important points on evaluating your wall if it needs repair or not.

Causes And Factors Of Wall Cracking

Foundation walls that are built using concrete blocks are much predisposed to having cracks than solid concrete walls. This is especially true if an 8-inch block was used for the block wall.

Of course, foundation walls should support a building’s the vertical weight. Plus, if its around a full basement, it should be able to resist lateral or inward pressure from the soil outside that are against the wall. If water saturates the backfill or soil, then the inward pressure could easily overload your block wall, which can result into cracks.

Additionally, roots of large and moderate sized trees that are near your foundation wall can also cause you major wall problems. Most of the time, roots grow toward your walls due to the water accumulation along it.

Seeing The Signs

Horizontal cracks on mortar joints are usually caused by too much inward pressure against its block foundation. If you see a horizontal crack that is about high as half of the wall, then this can be one sign of too much lateral pressure from the soil. Sometimes, you may also find some step cracks or short and small horizontal and vertical cracks near the end of a wall. This too is a variation of soil pressure cracks.

When To Be Alarmed

Usually, block foundation walls can remain cracked for about a number of years without any noticeable cracking additions or inward bulging. But, the moment you get a horizontal crack, your wall’s structural integrity is very much reduced. Additionally, if the soil backfill is saturated, especially during rainy days, the number of cracks could increase or, worse comes to worst; your wall foundation can collapse.

Solution Choices

Problems like these are possible to be permanently repaired. In fact, there are methods in which you do not need to have a complete replacement, provided that the inward movement doesn’t exceed one inch in relation to the bottom of the wall. You can usually find the maximum inward deflection where the horizontal crack is and near its mid-height.

One method you can do is bracing your wall with reinforced block piers or steel post-braces. However, if you are concerned with the cost, you may want to go for steel post-braces since they are less expensive than the other. However, if it is the overall look you are after, then you may want to use piers since they can give a better finished appearance.