A child's room is his sanctuary and can be decorated to suit his taste and personality. Paint is a fast and affordable way to make a room special. Compared with the rest of the house, a child's room may have brighter colors, a mural and a theme. The room can be decorated to suit the child's current age, or it can be a room in which he will be comfortable both now and as he grows older.
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Use paint tape to protect molding from paint splatters.
When you are painting a tall wall, choose a ladder that suits the task. Most interior walls can be painted using a step ladder, while taller exterior walls will most likely need an extension ladder. If you take the proper precautions, painting a wall while you're standing on a ladder is a straightforward and safe task. Painting while on a ladder allows you to reach every corner to get complete paint coverage on a wall.
Instructions
1. Put down a drop cloth to protect the floor.
2. Set the ladder next to the wall so that when you climb the ladder, you are facing the wall. Working sideways is uncomfortable and can throw you off-balance.
3. Make sure the ladder is positioned squarely. There should be no shake or rattle to the ladder, and it should sit firmly on all its legs.
4. Climb the ladder and apply paint tape around the edges of the room, protecting the molding.
5. Pour paint into a paint tray and set it on the tray attached to the ladder or on the top of the ladder. If you are on an extension ladder, climb the ladder and use twine to attach the paint can to a rung you can easily reach.
6. Climb up the ladder with a small brush and paint the areas near the tape. Create a border of paint stretching out about 6 inches to make sure the paint roller does not hit the molding or the ceiling. Move the ladder as often as you need to. Do not stretch out to paint farther away from your center of balance, as this can result in a paint spill or a fall.
7. Paint the rest of the area with a paint roller. Choose a paint roller with a long pole to avoid using the ladder further.
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A tall ladder is a useful tool for climbing up the side of a wall to reach a roof. Secure the top of the ladder to the roof so that there is no chance of the ladder lurching sideways or falling away from the floor. A few hardware supplies and some common household tools will be needed.
Instructions
1. Attach a roof hook to the top of the ladder. Angle the ladder against the wall so that the top end butts up against the edge of the roof. Run the end of a rope through the hole in the roof hook and knot it. Run the rope across the roof to an object -- for example, a vent or air conditioner. Wrap the rope around the object and knot it.
2. Place the ladder against the wall so that the end goes higher than the edge of the roof. Climb up the ladder onto the roof. Mount a clamp bracket to the edge of the roof with wood screws using an electric screwdriver. Place one of the sides of the ladder against the open end of the clamp bracket. Close the clamps around the side of the ladder. Tighten the screws on the clamp bracket to secure the clamp using the electric screwdriver. Place another clamp bracket on the edge of the roof, even with the other side of the ladder, and repeat the procedure just completed.
3. Hold the ladder stabilizer horizontally. Place the ladder stabilizer against the two sides of the ladder, about a foot from the top. Secure the ladder stabilizer to the two sides of the ladder with the included clamps, using metal screws and a Phillips screwdriver. Place the ladder against the wall so that the ladder stabilizer is just beneath the roof's edge.
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PVC is a useful building material, but its lack of color can put a big strain on your creativity. White is widely available, but colored PVC can eat into your wallet. If you want to add color to your PVC boards but want to save money, paint with acrylic latex paint. With a free day and primer made for plastics, it's a simple process.
Instructions
1. Wipe down the surface of the PVC with a clean rag soaked in mix of hot water and mild dish detergent to remove all dirt and oil that could damage the paint's final finish. Dry the PVC boards with a new clean, dry rag.
2. Sand the boards with 220-grit sandpaper or a sanding block to create a textured surface for the paint and primer.
3. Wipe the PVC with a tack cloth to get rid of particles or dirt created from sanding.
4. Apply a thin coat of AquaLoc (the primer/sealer made for plastics) to the PVC with a stiff natural bristle brush. Let the boards dry for about an hour, and then apply a second coat with a foam brush in long, even strokes. Let the second coat dry fully, which takes one or two hours.
5. Apply a coat of acrylic latex paint in your desired color/finish with a foam brush, roller or electric paint sprayer. You may need to apply multiple coats.
6. If the PVC boards are for a piece of furniture or placed in an area that will see a lot of wear and tear, apply a thin coat of a wipe-on polyurethane varnish to the boards with a clean rag. Follow the directions specified on your particular brand of varnish.
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A good paint job adds personality to a dull gray concrete wall.
Many houses and apartments have concrete walls. Instead of staring at lifeless gray stone, try customizing your concrete walls with painted-on designs. Painted concrete is affordable, requires little maintenance and easily blends with any decorating style. It is important to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when using any product on concrete. It is also imperative to properly cleanse, prime and seal the surface. Avoid touching painted concrete for at least 48 hours---or until the paint has fully dried.
Instructions
1. Sweep the wall. Then use a damp cloth and scrub brush to remove stuck-on dirt.
2. Spray a degreaser onto the surface and allow it to sit on the dampened surface for as long as the manufacturer suggests. A foaming cleanser will stay on the wall better than a liquid type.
3. Rinse the wall thoroughly with water and dry it with a clean, cotton cloth. Allow any remaining moisture to air-dry before painting.
4. Apply one or two coats of concrete primer. Allow the primer to dry completely.
5. Apply the base coat of wall paint and allow it to dry. Draw or stencil your desired designs over the base coat. Allow the paint to dry.
6. Seal the wall with polyurethane. Allow the surface to cure before touching it. Lightly sand the wall with fine-grit sandpaper between each coat of polyurethane. Do not sand the final coat.
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There are so many colors to choose from when designing a color scheme that the project can seem overwhelming.
The task of designing a color scheme for a room can seem overwhelming. Picking two or three colors you like at random could have disastrous results. The colors must match, and be appropriate for the walls of the room you're painting. How do you know what will look right? Luckily, there are general rules you can follow that will help you narrow down your choices.
Dominant Color and Accent Colors
Your color scheme should be primarily one color, coupled with accent colors that match. The dominant color will be what you see the most on the walls, while the accent colors will make up the trim. You will also possibly paint the accent color on an accent wall or in a recessed part of the wall, such as in the case where shelves have been built into the wall.
Color Relationships
Colors that are found across from each other on the color wheel are called complementary colors. Complementary color pairs are high-contrast and dramatic. Colors found side-by-side on the color wheel are low-contrast and calmer than complementary colors. Colors that have a relationship on the color wheel often look good together when used in interior design. In addition, colors that are found together in nature also are seen to have a relationship to each other. For a natural color scheme, choose your colors from an object found in nature, or a natural setting.
Colors to Set the Right Mood
Different colors have different effects on the emotional state of the people looking at them. Warm colors (red, yellow and orange) excite emotions and energize. These colors are associated with passion, heat, love and aggression. Cool colors (blue, purple and green) are generally calming and soothing. These colors are associated with peace, calm, cool temperatures and even depression. Neutral colors (grays and browns) are more conservative and formal, and associated with sophistication and utilitarianism. Choose colors that set the right mood for you and the room that you're decorating. For example, soothing colors are appropriate for a bedroom -- colors like light blue and soft green. These colors will create an environment where you'll feel safe falling asleep at night.
Colors and Room Size
Larger rooms with tall ceilings benefit more from darker color schemes that seem to reduce the size of the room and make it feel more cozy. Smaller rooms with low ceilings benefit more from cooler, lighter color schemes that seem to push back the walls and open up the space.
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Use a white base paint to create custom colors with paint pigments.
All paint colors were once custom made by professionals and homeowners. Standard, factory-made and designer colors were not available for purchase. Mixing pigments to create a custom wall color is not as difficult as it may appear, but it does take patience, time and a little trial and error. With pigments, you can create an unlimited number of custom colors to truly personalize your space.
Instructions
1. Prepare the pigments according to the manufacturer's directions. If the pigments are powder, add the necessary mount of water and mix thoroughly. If the pigments are liquid, simply stir well to prepare it to be added to the paint.
2. Stir the white base paint, and pour it into the mixing bucket.
3. Add the pigment to create the desired color. Begin with small drops of pigment, and always add less than you think you will need to create the desired color. Remember the color wheel when choosing pigments. The basics are red and blue create purple, red and yellow make orange, yellow and blue produce green. In general, add white or black to lighten or darken the shade, and add more of one primary color to adjust the hue.
4. Mix the white base paint and the added pigments thoroughly, for several minutes, until the color is smooth and even.
5. Test the color on the wall, if you like how it looks in the bucket.
6. Allow the color to dry, before you decide whether or not to use it on your wall. Paint colors can appear lighter or darker, once dry. Make adjustments to the pigment, if needed.
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Paint needs to be applied to aluminum poles with care if it is to last.
Painting aluminum can be a tricky because it's a material most commonly used outdoors. The paint job has to be good enough to stand up to the elements so you don't have to repaint as often. If you want to paint aluminum poles, it's important to follow all the steps properly to prevent deterioration of the paint later on.
Instructions
1. Clean the aluminum poles.
Clean the aluminum poles. Before paint or primer can be applied, aluminum poles must be dry and contaminant free. If the poles are new or show no signs of wear and tear, clean them with soap, water and a hard bristle brush (not so hard that it scratches the aluminum). If the poles show signs of rust or grease, anti-rust or grease agents should be applied so that contaminants are removed and don't affect the paint job. Dry the poles thoroughly with a towel or rag.
2. Apply an etch primer with a paintbrush.
Lay the poles out horizontally above the ground on two stands, one at either end of the pole. The stands can be anything that keep the poles steady but do not have too much surface contact with the poles. Try a low wall, bricks or metal stools. Apply an etch primer with a paintbrush. An etch primer, also known as a wash primer, usually has a polyvinyl resin base. This has the advantage of protecting against water corrosion but in the case of aluminum (which is water resistant) its main advantage is that it bonds strongly with the metal, providing a firm, even base for the top layer of paint. Follow the manufacturer's instructions as to the degree of thinning (this often depends on the tools being used) and apply evenly over the whole pole. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before applying the paint. If available, try to choose a primer of a similar tint to the paint you have chosen. Once the primer is dry over most of the pole, turn over and apply to the parts that were in contact with the stands.
3. Apply the paint.
Apply the paint to the poles. Acrylic paint is best for long-term outdoor use. Make sure the manufacturer specifies that it is suitable for use outdoors. Use your paintbrush or paint sprayer to apply a thick, even coat onto the poles and, once dry enough, turn the poles over and apply to the parts that were in contact with the stands. Allow the poles to air dry completely in a shady area so that the paint has the best chance of forming a solid bond with the primer -- this will prevent later peeling and flaking.
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Original paintings are a fun way to customize your child's room.
Painting your own decorations is inexpensive and will add a personal touch to a child's playroom. Painting by freehand involves drawing objects onto the wall without the use of stencils or templates. It doesn't cost anything extra, but you need basic drawing skills. If you don't have these skills, using an overhead projector is great for tracing images onto a wall. However, you will need to borrow, rent, or purchase a projector. Whichever method you choose, this project can be done in as little as a few hours for small paint projects or a weekend for more elaborate decorations.
Instructions
Painting Freehand Decorations
1. Choose your theme and paint colors. Popular themes include jungle, Hello Kitty, garden, princess, beach, and cars.
2. Gather images that coordinate with your theme. Coloring books have many images that can be easily drawn onto a wall. For example, if you want to draw butterflies, you can trace them from coloring book drawings. In fact, you may find an entire coloring page that coordinates with your theme. You can also look on the internet for clipart images.
3. Draw the image on the wall with a pencil. Keep your eraser handy if you make a mistake. Use the coloring book or clip art as your guide for freehand drawing the pictures. When drawing shapes, use household items such as cups, plates, or bowls to create perfect circles. Use books or picture frames for drawing squares and rectangles. Use a ruler or yardstick for drawing lines.
4. Prepare the room for painting. Mask moldings, door knobs, and switch plates with painters tape. Cover the floor with a dropcloth.
5. Fill in the pictures with paint and allow to dry (about two hours). You may need to paint another coat of the same color if the colors look faint or transparent.
6. Paint accents or other details to your drawings such as eyes, spots, or other colors and allow to dry (about two hours).
Painting Decorations Using an Overhead Projector
7. Place the transparency film over the picture and trace using a black transparency marker. Using this method, you can trace coloring pages and decorate an entire wall.
8. Put the transparency film on the overhead projector and turn it on. Move the projector closer or further to the wall, depending on how big or how small you want the image to project.
9. Trace the picture onto the wall using a pencil. It is important to trace the whole picture at once. If you stop, it may be difficult to pick up where you left off.
10. Prepare the room for painting. Mask moldings, door knobs, and switch plates with painters tape. Cover the floor with a dropcloth.
11. Fill in the pictures with paint and allow to dry (about two hours). You may need to paint another coat of the same color if the colors look faint or transparent.
12. Paint accents or other details to your drawings such as eyes, spots, or other colors and allow to dry (about two hours).
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The bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the house, yet presents challenges because there are so many nooks and crannies to paint. The wall behind the toilet tank is impossible to paint with a regular brush and roller. Read on to find out how the pros do it.
Instructions
1. Purchase a slim jim paint roller. Also called johnny rollers or toilet rollers, they are small, long handled rollers that can easily fit behind most toilet tanks. They are available at any paint or home supply store.
2. Remove the toilet tank lid. To see if the slim jim roller will indeed fit behind the tank, do a "dry run" first by rolling down the wall before loading it up with paint. Unless the tank is extremely close to the wall, it should fit fine.
3. Paint the area behind the toilet tank first. The slim jim roller will leave a slightly different texture on the wall than the regular paint roller. By using it first, then rolling the rest of the wall, you minimize the appearance of different roller marks. Once that area is done, check for any drips or paint smudges on the tank and wipe them off before they dry.
4. Decide if it absolutely must be painted, if the tank is too close to the wall to get behind. Chances are, if the tank is that close to the wall, nobody will be able to see the unpainted area behind it. Take the toilet tank lid off and brush as far back behind the tank as possible before rolling the rest of the wall.
5. Remove the tank completely to paint behind it if there is no other option. Turn the water supply off where it connects at the wall. Flush the toilet to empty the tank. You may need to sop up the water at the very bottom with a sponge to remove it all. Disconnect the water line from the wall with pliers or a wrench. The tank is attached to the bowl by two bolts underneath. You will probably need to lie down on the floor to get to them. Using a wrench, remove the nuts and washers. Lift the tank straight up off the bolts and set it on an old towel or piece of carpet, paint the wall and replace the tank.
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To keep the paint even, do not overreach on the ladder.
Bungalow homes represent the best of the arts and crafts period, with large bay windows and exterior architectural details rarely seen in modern homes. Painting a bungalow home white will give it a homey cottage feel and help it stand out against your landscaping and trees. With a few supplies, you can paint your bungalow yourself in a weekend.
Instructions
1. Cover the surrounding shrubs and plants in drop cloths to protect them from falling paint. Lay a drop cloth on the ground to hold the paint cans. This will protect the grass from paint drippings.
2. Use a paint scraper to remove the existing paint from the exterior of the house if needed. Take extra caution around bay windows and other nooks. Bungalow homes have exterior details that can make paint scraping difficult. Repair any damage to the siding or window and door frames.
3. Open the primer can with a wood paint stirrer. Stir the primer according to the manufacturer's directions. Apply one coat of primer on the entire exterior of the house with a paint brush, starting at the top. Use a smaller paint brush to paint along the edges of bay windows and door frames. Allow the primer to dry completely. If needed, apply a second coat of primer.
4. Open the can of white paint with a clean stirrer. Stir the paint until the colors blend together and appear solid white. Dip a smaller paint brush in the paint. Wipe the paint brush against the edge of the can to remove any excess and prevent dripping while you paint.
5. Paint the exterior areas that stick out first, such as wood trim, window panes and bay windows. Swipe the brush along the wood in a horizontal line. Repeat until the smaller areas have one coat of white paint. Allow the paint to dry. Repeat for a second coat, allowing the second coat to dry.
6. Paint the remaining surface of the house with the large paint brush, starting at the top. Paint in horizontal lines covering sections you can easily reach on the ladder. Move the ladder as soon as you reach arm's length. Allow the first coat to dry. Add a second coat covering the first coat. Allow to dry.
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If you are a real estate professional who consistently presents open house events to showcase the homes you are selling, creating an open house flier template can be a useful tool. Microsoft Word offers a wealth of graphic design options that can be used to successfully create a custom, attractive flier for your event. By creating a template, you will be able to reuse the flier and simply plug in the information on each new house. In just a few steps, here is how you can create your own open house flier template with Word.
Instructions
1. Open Microsoft Word. Go to "File" in the main navigational menu. Click "New Blank Document."
2. Create the title heading for your flier template. Use a large, readable block font in bold and type "Open House" at the top of your document. Experiment with different colors, font styles and sizes to effectively create an eye-catching title. Be sure to keep your title aligned to the center of the flier.
3. Go to "Insert" in the top navigation menu and select "Pictures," then "AutoShapes." Draw a large rectangle below your flier title. When you use this template in the future, this large rectangle will be where you insert the picture of the house. Fill the rectangle with a dark neutral color that can provide a nice background border to your photo.
4. Below the rectangle that will hold your photo, enter the selling price of the house. Use the same bold font style and color that you used for the flier title, but make the font here a few sizes smaller. Align your selling price in the center of your document.
5. Go to "Insert," scroll down to "Pictures" and select "Autoshapes" again. Insert two equally sized rectangle boxes into your document. The rectangles should fit next to each other on the bottom half of the document like two equal columns. Do not fill these rectangle columns with color. Leave the shapes with a thin border to define them.
6. In the left column, enter all of the amenities and features of the house. Use bullets and list each amenity on a separate line so that it is easy to read. In the right column, list all of the information for the open house. Be sure to include the house's address, the day and time of the open house as well as any relevant contact information.
7. Once you have customized and designed your flier to your satisfaction, go to "File" and click "Save as." Enter the name you want to use to save the file. In the "Format" drop-down menu, select "Word Template." Then click "Save."
8. To use your template, go to "File" and click "Project Gallery." Select "My Templates" and choose your Open House template. A new document will open based upon your template.
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Add personality to your home with a custom paint job using painting effects.
There are many ways to use exterior paint to add interesting effects to the outside of a home, by applying the paint to both the exterior siding and decorative items outside the home. With exterior paint, you can create different effects by using simple items found around the home, adding texture and design to the object.
Combing
An easy way to add wood grain texture to objects requires nothing more than a hair comb. Apply the paint and allow it to become slightly tacky. Then, holding the comb tightly, drag the comb in a wavy motion along the natural grain of the wood to create a deep wood grain effect. Alternatively, to create other dramatic effects, use the comb to create fans, feathering or rainbow effects on the painted items.
Tree Bark
Wrap a paint roller with rubber bands and use it to apply paint to exterior surfaces. This combination creates a rough, finely textured paint surface that resembles tree bark. This type of application adds an interesting touch to wood planters, cabin doors, window frames and outdoor storage sheds.
Stippling
Stippling creates the illusion of a concrete surface. Commonly applied over exterior wood to create the look of stucco, create this look by running a synthetic paint roller lightly over freshly applied exterior paint. Different textures of paint rollers create different stippling effects on the paint, so experiment with several different types of rollers until reaching the desired effect.
Buttering
Use a flexible putty knife, painting knife or even an old credit card to apply exterior paint to surfaces, much the same way a baker would apply icing to a cake. This type of application can create both shallow and deep texturing effects. Due to the thickness of the paint during application, drying times for this application method spans between several hours to days, so plan to do this type of application when the weather forecast calls for low precipitation and humidity.
Tips
For best results when applying exterior paints to create different types of effects, always choose a day when the forecast calls for mild temperature and low humidity. Avoid windy days, as blowing dust and debris can spoil freshly painted surfaces. While the spring is traditionally the time to paint and spruce up, most professional painters recommend painting exterior surfaces in the fall, to better prepare the surfaces for protection during the winter months. Always experiment on scrap pieces of wood, metal or concrete before attempting to apply textured paints.
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Marine plywood needs special paint. Normal household paint will not withstand constant exposure to water.
Marine plywood is a higher grade of plywood than that used around the home. It needs special care and attention when painting because of its immersion in water due to the effects of water erosion. Knowing paint marine plywood makes the difference between preparing a boat that will last years and painting one that will last only months.
Instructions
1. Clean the boat thoroughly using a sponge and a bucket of warm water. It is essential when starting that the boat be free of dirt and other surface impurities that might otherwise be worked into the wood, as these can ruin your finish. Once the boat is clean, allow it to dry, then sand down the surface to remove any existing paint or paint fragments.
2. Paint the wood with a coat of epoxy resin. This will dry quickly in warm weather, so it is best to do this fairly quickly in order to ensure a reasonably even coat. Allow the resin to dry and soak into the marine plywood, forming a protective barrier. Sand down the surface to remove any "fuzzing" caused by the epoxy and apply a base coat of latex primer. Leave the primer to dry.
3. Check the plywood for holes, gouges and other surface imperfections. Fill these with the surfacing putty filler and allow it to set. Sand the filler so it is smooth with the rest of the marine plywood surface. Apply another coat of latex primer and allow it to dry. Finish off by painting at least two coats of part urethane paint.
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Help your classroom go green with eco-friendly products.
The universal effort to go green and eco-friendly in our everyday lives is no doubt helpful, but it doesn't have to stop at home. You can bring your eco-friendly attitude to work by allowing it to influence what kind of supplies you buy. From eco-friendly grading and presentations to beverage supplies, your desk can go environmentally friendly.
Recycled Notebooks
Though slightly costly in comparison to regular notepads, eco-friendly recycled notepads or "mixed journals" are commonly found on the Internet and are a way to conserve paper. These notebooks feature mixed media such as scrapbook, lined, blank, card, and construction papers. Some of these books are even encased in an old children's storybook, having replaced the old pages with the mixed media. You'll be helping the environment one notebook at a time.
Grades and Scores
Posting grades online as opposed to in report cards on such websites as My Grade Book is a way to conserve paper and will help keep you organized.
Green Presentations
Another way to save on paper is through such programs as PowerPoint. PowerPoint can be used for presentations, photos, study or lecture notes all without putting pen to paper.
Writing Supplies
Now available at Chapters, department stores, dollar stores, and websites, recycled eco-pencils will help you run a green classroom. While it may seem strange, these pencils are made out of recycled paper and are made to decompose quicker after they have been discarded. Their shavings can even be recycled. Pencils are available in regular graphite and colored. The eco-friendly AusPen whiteboard markers are available on websites such as Ecosmart World and are non-toxic, have low odor, and are made from recycled materials. The going green section on Shoplet.com features ozone safe correction pens for erasing mistakes. Shoplet.com also houses a large selection of going green items such as recycled calendars, envelopes, waste bins, filing supplies, bookcases, binders and more.
Beverage Options
Instead of using paper cups for coffee and water-bottles during lunch time or in the classroom, bring your own mug for coffee and a dishwasher-safe reusable sports water-bottle. This will cut down on waste.
Eco Art
If you are an art teacher, keep a basket or bin full or clean recyclables and other waste such as old paper towel tubes, jars and scraps of lace and create a recycled art project or activity. This will help you to teach your students the importance of recycling in a creative way.
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Pool contractors are facing revenue losses, but high profits still draw people into the field.
According to "Pool and Spa News," pool contractors faced a tough market in 2009. The top 50 contractors accounted for $2.2 billion in revenue in 2006; that figured dropped to $882.6 million in 2009. Pool professionals offered additional services to clients, such as maintenance and repair plans, to offset the loses in revenue. Pool contractors should analyze growth areas in the pool industry and establish themselves early in new, wealthy residential areas. Each state has different regulations covering pool contractors.
Instructions
1. Get bonded. Local insurance and bonding companies can provide surety bond coverage to pool contractors. You must secure bonding before doing any type of contract work. Because of the high costs of pool installation, bonds come at a high price in this industry. Get your bonding approved by your local contractor's licensing board.
2. Secure workers' compensation insurance for all your pool company employees. This should satisfy your local licensing board requirements. Even if you have no staff, you need to carry this type of insurance. Contact a local insurance broker to discuss coverage.
3. List and follow the requirements of the local contractor's licensing board. Your licensing board will oversee accreditation and licensing. May times this type of "swimming pool contractor" accreditation also covers work on related items such as spas, hot tubs and solar heating equipment.
4. Register your representatives. Some state laws require all representatives who solicit, sell, negotiate or execute swimming pool contracts to register with the state. In California, for example, the Contractor's State License Board registers every agent as a "Home Improvement Salesperson." If the agent works for more that one pool contractor, he must file separate registrations with the license board.
5. Abide by county laws regarding installation and repair of swimming pools. Los Angeles County, for example, requires discharge lines connected to a fire hydrant if the pool has a capacity of 5,000 gallons or more.
6. Market your services. Join your city's chamber of commerce to network with other pool contractors. Join industry groups like the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, and any local pool associations in your region. Create a business logo to display at client's homes while you're working. Distribute fliers and brochures to new homeowners and home construction companies. Create a referral system to encourage clients to spread the word about your services.
7. Purchase pool design software to help your customers visualize what the pool will look like in their homes. Software prices are about $400, as of September 2010. The website Structurestudios provides a free trial of its program, with the option to upgrade to the full version.
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Exterior wood finishes help seal the exterior of a home.
Exterior wood finishes come in several varieties including paint, solid color stains and semi-transparent stains. You can also choose from water-repellent preservatives used as a natural finish. When finished properly with primer and two coats of stain or paint, exterior wood paint can last up to 10 years. Otherwise, plan to redo the paint job after just 4 or 5 years if you apply only one topcoat to your exterior wood.
Instructions
1. Apply a coat of water-repellent sealant to the wood using a brush. The sealant helps protect the wood from excessive moisture that leads to mildew and mold. Sealer also keeps the wood from shrinking and swelling when wet.
2. Allow the wood to dry over a period of several sunny days.
3. Brush on a coat of primer to prepare the wood for the paint or stain. Redwood and cedar require oil-based or alkyd-based primers. Apply enough primer to obscure the wood grain. If you spread the primer uniformly and at the proper thickness, you can prevent problems with the paint or stain you use.
4. Paint a coat of acrylic latex house paint or stain on the primed wood. Let the paint dry over a period of a few days.
5. Brush on a second coat of acrylic latex house paint or stain over the top of the first coat. If your time or budget is tight, you can apply just one coat as long as you add a second coat in strategic areas such as those exposed to sunshine and rain on the south and west sides of the structure.
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Some of the smartest-looking homes are adorned with sleek wrought iron furniture and fixtures. But these are known to rust if exposed to moisture. Whether you want to repaint old wrought iron fixtures or paint new ones for the first time, the process remains more or less the same.
Removing Existing Coating
Before you paint any wrought iron item, you should carefully remove any scraps of old paint or flaky rust. There are a variety of ways in which you can do this. Sandblasting, during which abrasive sand is blasted onto the wrought iron surface through a nozzle by highly pressurized compressed air, is the easiest to do. It is also the least time-consuming. Using a hand brush or a wire wheel brush with a drill can help remove the rust and paint too. If these processes are not enough, you should do the needful removal by hand, with sandpaper. Instead of a mechanical device, eradicate rust by using water-based, nonflammable, rust-converting chemical solvents. These solvents, which create a rust-preventive layer for the iron, dissolve the existing rust. No matter which method you employ, reach all the corners and crevices, and remove every possible piece of rust or paint matter.
Cleaning the Surface
Once the rust is removed, the next step in painting preparation is cleaning the surface. As paint will never bind well with dirty surfaces, remove every scrap or remnant of grease or dirt. Thorough washing with a powerful soap, and in some cases, rubbing hard with a cloth moistened with paint thinner will do. After the cleaning process, allow sufficient time for the wrought iron fixture to dry.
Applying Primer
To add primer on to the surface of the wrought iron item, choose any metal primer, available as liquid, which you can paint on the fixture with a brush. You could opt to spray this primer in case your wrought iron item has subtle nooks and details. Choose a color of primer closest to the shade you want for your finished item. The primer will generally contain a formula that will offer protection against rust. Once the primer is dry, it will be easy for the paint to bind with the surface and stay that way, without peeling off, for a long time.
Painting
Earlier, your primary choice would have been solvent-based paints, but these days, good quality water-based paints are also easy to come by. These do not smell much, come with rust-preventing chemicals in their makeup and can be cleaned up easily in case of a mess. These are also beneficial in the way that they blend in with any unseen, unnoticed, ensnared moisture, make it rise to the surface of the iron, replace it with rust-preventive substance and seal it off, averting further rusting. Use a spray or brush to apply such paint, once or twice, depending on how deep you want the color to be. Leave the painted wrought iron fixture to dry before using it.
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An airless paint sprayer is a useful invention that allows the user to spray complex surfaces such as wrought iron fences or shutters, or even to paint an entire house in one day. However, airless sprayers can also be balky machines to use -- clogging up, leaking and spitting paint. Following some tricks to using one can prevent most on-the-job problems.
Conditioning the Paint
Prevent tiny particles of dried paint or dirt from clogging the spray tip or filters by straining it before use. New paint from a freshly-opened can may still contain dried paint particles and tiny pieces of grit; unnoticeable if you're rolling or brushing but capable of clogging the spray tip and prematurely wearing down inner components. Most paint stores sell mesh paint strainers; an old pair of nylons works well, too. Strain the paint from the original container into a clean bucket.
Read the paint label instructions. Some paint should be thinned with water or solvent for spraying; usually with about one pint per gallon of paint. However, other paints should not be thinned and are formulated to be applied undiluted with an airless sprayer.
Keep It Clean
Many sprayer problems can be prevented by straining the paint and cleaning the machine meticulously after every use. When you're done painting, remove the spray tip and run clean water through the sprayer until it comes out perfectly clear. Follow this with some mineral spirits -- storing a sprayer with mineral spirits in the machine keeps it lubricated and rust-free.
When painting outside or in a dusty environment, drape a sheet of clean plastic over the paint sprayer and bucket to keep contaminants from dropping in the paint.
Use the Correct Tip
Spray tips are designed to very tight tolerances, and you'll need different apertures for thin stain or thicker paint. Using an incorrect or worn tip will produce runs, drips and an uneven spray pattern. Additionally, the spray width varies -- choose a tip with a 4- to 8-inch spray fan for intricate surfaces such as shutters or cabinets, and use a wider spray width for ceilings, your home's exterior and other large areas.
Spraying Technique
Successful spraying depends on good "gun control" and having the right pressure setting. Experiment with the pressure -- usually adjusted by a knob on top of the sprayer -- until you have an even spray fan and can comfortably spray with the gun between 12 and 18 inches from the surface.
Keep your wrist stiff and the gun perpendicular to the surface as you work. Apply the paint in smooth, even strokes, with each stroke overlapping the previous one by about one third. If you've never used an airless paint sprayer before, practice on some scrap lumber or drywall to get a feel for it.
Safety
The paint comes out of the spray tip with a lot of force, capable of injecting paint deep into skin and tissues. If this happens, it's a medical emergency. Never point the spray gun at any part of your body, or at anyone else. Spray guns have thumb-operated trigger locks. Treat the spray gun as if were a real gun and engage the lock whenever you're not actually painting.
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Get nice straight paint lines by taping a nice straight line prior to applying paint.
Painting a straight line by hand is harder than it looks. Invariably, the line will either become jagged or run at an angle. The solution is to tape the line, using a level to make sure it is straight. The tape will provide a nice straight line, even if the paint overlaps the tape. Using painter's tape helps make removing the tape easier, but also ensures that there aren't any ragged edges created by paint running or dripping underneath the tape.
Instructions
1. Hold a level against the wall in the place where you want to paint the line.
2. Adjust the level until the encapsulated bubbles are all in the center.
3. Mark a line on the wall with the pencil along the edge of the level, taking care not to move the level.
4. Move the level over until about one-third of the level remains lined up with the pencil mark.
5. Adjust the level as necessary so that all bubbles are centered.
6. Continue the pencil line along the edge of the level.
7. Repeat Steps 4 through 6 until the line is the desired length or runs the length or height of the wall.
8. Pull off a piece of tape approximately 3 feet long.
9. Place the tape against the edge of the pencil line, making sure the width of the tape is outside of the area you hope to paint. For example, if you are painting the top half of the wall, place the top edge of the tape against the pencil line and the bottom of the tape against the bottom half of the wall.
10. Press the part of the tape touching the pencil line firmly against the wall with your finger, removing any bubbles, lumps or wrinkles as you go, but leaving the other half of the tape loose from the wall.
11. Place the next 3-foot piece of tape by overlapping the ends and begin and lining up the edge with the pencil line.
12. Continue placing the tape until the area you need taped off is complete.
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You can repel spiders with regular household items.
Despite the fact that spiders are usually harmless and discourage other annoying bugs doesn't mean everyone wants them in their house. Spiderwebs are fire hazards and some spiders leave inflamed, pesky welts when they bite, even if they aren't of the poisonous variety. Toxic bug spray isn't the only answer. There are many natural options to repel spiders that are readily available in your home.
Chesnuts
Chestnuts can repel spiders, but nobody is sure how or why.
Doubts abound about how effective chestnuts or "conkers" are at repelling spiders. Apparently a spider will not build a nest in a chestnut tree, nor a building frame made of chestnut wood. Spiders taste with their feet, and the theory is that there is some sort of chemical in fresh chestnuts that repels spiders. There is also a lot of speculation regarding the types of chestnuts used. For example, sweet chestnuts are said to be more effective than horse chestnuts.
Tobacco
Use tobacco to repel spiders.
Another more pungent item that can be used to repel spiders is tobacco. Like chestnuts, nobody is quite sure why this works. Pipe or chewing tobacco is preferable for this process. You can put small bits of tobacco where spiders are troublesome, or soak the tobacco in water and spray or wipe the desired area. This remedy is even more effective when mixed with citrus juices.
Lemons
Citrus scents are unpalatable to most insects, and lemon is among the most pungent and acidic. A few bits of fresh lemon peel, placed strategically in dark corners or on windowsills, will repel spiders as well as other more troublesome insects like mosquitoes. You can also repel spiders by regularly using a lemon-scented cleaner on your furniture and windows.
Cats
Cats are natural predators and will hunt spiders.
When all else fails, bring in your household predator. If you don't have a cat but really don't like spiders and other pests, a cat would definitely a good investment. Not only will your cat stalk and destroy any existing spiders, but the mere presence of the cat will keep them from coming back. Make sure that the spiders you are trying to repel are not poisonous, however, as you cat can get a serious injury from a bite.
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Cement floors are found in many homes. Whether in the garage or a basement, the cold, gray appearance of cement only adds to the gloomy atmosphere of these often forgotten rooms in your home. Adding a coat of paint to your cement floor can brighten up your basement or make your garage feel brand new.
Instructions
1. Remove any grease from your cement floor by laying down a coating of cat litter and baking soda. These will work to absorb any grease or oil than may have dripped from your car or tools in the garage.
2. Sweep away the cat litter and baking soda mixture and check for any greasy areas that remain. These should then be treated more aggressively with a commercially available grease remover before you can begin painting.
3. Mop the cement floor to remove any dust or dirt that remains after sweeping. You will need to let the cement dry for at least 3 days before proceeding with your project.
4. Repair any cracks in the cement with a cement filler once the floor is clean and dry. The manufacturer's instructions will give you information about drying and curing times for the product.
5. Use a roller to apply a cement primer. This is a primer paint specially designed for cement floors and is necessary to help the top coat adhere to the cement.
6. Choose a high-quality flat latex paint for your cement floor. Since this is an area that sees a lot of traffic, you should use the best paint that you can afford to ensure that it lasts a long time.
7. Paint around the edges of the floor with a medium-sized brush. Then apply paint to the rest of the floor with a paint roller, starting from one corner of the room and working towards the exit. If you are working in a garage, the best strategy may be to work with the garage doors open, painting from the back of the garage to the front.
8. Create a decorative look by taping off a pattern to paint on the cement floor. You can do a variety of faux treatments imitating marble, tile or even the look of an area rug on your cement floor.
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Add some personality to your porch with a painted canvas floorcloth.
Hand-painted canvas floorcloths are mini works of art used to keep you and your family from tracking dirt into the house. You can adjust the size and style of the floorcloth to fit into any space. Once you've prepared the canvas you are ready to paint a design in your own distinctive decorating style. Paint the canvas in your choice of colors using water-based paints and seal it with multiple layers of clear polyurethane to keep the mat looking new for longer. The polyurethane will protect the paint from footsteps and from the weather if your porch happens to be an open design rather than a closed one.
Instructions
1. Measure the area where you want your floorcloth with a tape measure or yardstick.
2. Wash, dry and iron the canvas flat.
3. Measure and cut the canvas to the size you require, adding 2 inches to the total width and length for hemming. For example, if your finished floorcloth is going to be 24 inches by 36 inches cut the fabric so it is 26 by 38 inches.
4. Hem the edges with a sewing machine or hemming tape.
5. Paint the background color of your design over the entire canvas, using a paintbrush or roller. Let the paint dry completely.
6. Plan and draw your design on a piece of paper and transfer it to your canvas with a pencil. If you prefer to work in a freehand style, you do not need to preplan your design.
7. Paint your design with a brush, sponge or even your hands in the colors you have chosen. If you decide to fingerpaint on the floorcloth, use nontoxic paints. Let the paint dry.
8. Run a lint remover over the floor mat. This will remove any bits of dust or pet hair from the surface.
9. Seal the top of the finished floorcloth with four coats of water-based polyurethane. The first coat will be the most difficult to spread evenly because of the rough texture of the canvas. Once you have applied the polyurethane, work quickly to spread it. The polyurethane will appear cloudy when first applied, but it will become clear when it dries. Allow the polyurethane to dry between coats.
10. Flip the mat over and repeat the sealant application from step 7. By completing the four coats of polyurethane on one side before flipping the mat over, you don't have to clean your surface between each coat.
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Learning to paint can be an incredible learning experience, as well as a lot of fun. It can awaken a child's creativity and give him a sense of pride as he learns that he can create artwork on his own. Encourage his creative spirit by showing him different ways of painting. These activities are meant to provide inspiration along the way. Painting games can also be done with others, but are not meant to be competitive or timed as so many games are. Use them to encourage individual expression and build your child's ability to think creatively!
Creating a Storybook Together
If you're working with a group of children, having them create a storybook together can be a very rewarding experience. Create several characters that the story will revolve around. Describe the land where they live. Then have each of the children paint a picture of whatever they envision the characters doing. You could provide pictures of flowers, castles, mountains, bridges, rivers or animals cut from magazines, for inspiration. When everyone is finished, and the pictures have dried, tell the kids you're going to create a story together from their paintings. Put them where everyone can see them, such as on a blackboard, saving room to create your storyboard. Have the children take turns going up to the storyboard, taping a new picture onto it, and describing what is happening at that point in the story. Write down what they say, and the order of the pictures. Sew the pictures and text together with ribbon or string, and read the book to the kids the next day.
Painting Dollhouses
You could have kids paint dollhouses from cardboard boxes, such as shoe boxes. Use tempera paints, which dry quickly, and give kids pictures clipped from magazines for inspiration. Make sure there's an opening in back of each box and cut out windows, so they can play dollhouse later if desired. Kids can paint details such as flowers, a fence or stone wall, columns, animals, people and trees. Give them pictures of different textures such as brick, linoleum and stone for inspiration. Let them be as creative as they want. If you're working with a group of kids, they'll have a whole neighborhood of dollhouses to play with.
Painting with Herbs and Spices
Instead of paint, challenge kids to use other material such as spices and herbs, in combination with glue. Give them big pieces of newspaper for a pallet, and a variety of herbs and spices with different textures. These materials work great for natural scenes. As Sue Stocks says in her book Painting, you can mix glue with loose materials like those mentioned to create a thick "paint" (21). Experiment on your own beforehand to familiarize yourself with the process, and then give kids a demo. Now it is their turn to try it themselves.
You could also take kids on a nature walk and let them collect natural materials such as flowers, leaves, grass, feathers and sand. Have them work these into their paintings. Alternatively, you could help them to create a seasonal mural with these materials on a large piece of paper or sheet. Not only is it fun and collaborative, but it can also serve as a science lesson, helping kids to tune in with what's happening in the natural world.
Writing Secret Spy Messages
You could have kids write "secret spy messages" for each other in white crayon on white painting paper, as Stocks suggests (22). After they write their messages, have them trade papers and paint pictures on them. The secret message will then emerge, since the paint won't settle on the wax.
Creating a Wall Hanging
Projects that merge collaboration and creativity are great for kids (and adults) in many ways. Kids will enjoy creating a wall hanging, and it's something you can all enjoy for a long time to come. Use fabric paint and a sheet for this project. You could give each child a section to paint, like a quilt, or let them paint anywhere on the surface.
Playing "I Spy"
Try having kids play "I spy" with a paper towel holder, to encourage them to notice the small things. They can do this outside if the weather is nice. Have them look through the paper towel holder, searching for a scene they want to paint. This can encourage them to paint close-up, smaller scenes that they may not usually notice.
If your child enjoys art, these activities will probably inspire her to come up with other ideas. Encourage her efforts, and let the creativity flow.
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Work legally with a Florida county painters license.
As of 2010, painting contractors are not required to hold a state license in Florida. Licensing for
Florida painters is issued by individual counties. Counties have varying license requirements for a painter who wants to become a contractor. For instance, Hillsboro County administers tests on trade skills and Florida business laws, but there are no tests for a painters license in Miami-Dade County.
Instructions
1. Work under a licensed paint contractor for at least one year. Gain all the experience possible with residential and commercial interior and exterior painting.
2. Contact the county building department or licensing regulatory department for a list of requirements to apply for a painting license. Counties require an application that shows at least one year of painting experience. Fees are required when submitting applications for licenses and the tests administered by certain counties.
3. Obtain an application for a painting license at a county office, or print one from the county website. Fill out the application and include all elements requested, such as a current photo, proof of identity and citizenship along with signatures from former employers verifying your painting experience.
4. Submit your application with the required fee to one of the county office locations. The office will use the contact information you provide to inform you of approval or denial. Counties that do not administer tests for painters will issue a license to all approved applicants.
5. Apply for testing in counties that require such for paint licensing. Submit a testing application with the required fee along with your approved license application. Acquire and study all materials provided, or suggested for test preparation. The county will inform approved applicants of testing times and locations along with the required scores for passing the tests. Painting licenses are issued to all who score a passing grade.
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Cedar is an attractive siding used on homes, but it occasionally needs updating since the stain or paint will deteriorate over time. Staining cedar is often easier than painting because it doesn't need retouching as often as paint; however, paint is often a better choice because it also protects the wood. You can paint over previously stained wood, but take care that the stain doesn't bleed through and ruin your paint job. When done properly, the paint will last for several years and protect the cedar from the elements.
Instructions
1. Spot-clean any soiled areas on the house before starting to paint. According to the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, pressure-washing should be avoided because it damages the cedar and prevents paint from adhering. Instead, wash moldy spots with a diluted bleach solution, and allow it to dry thoroughly. Use a bucket and a vinyl scrub brush. Brush off any other debris.
2. Cover the windows with a plastic sheet or cardboard, and secure it in place using painter's tape.
3. Apply a stain-blocking alkyd primer to the cedar using a wide-bristled paintbrush. Paint from side to side, working the paint into the textured wood and around the edges of each board. This type of primer will keep the stain from bleeding through and affecting the paint. Allow it to dry according to the package instructions or at least 24 hours. Apply a second coat for best results.
4. Paint the house with 100-percent acrylic latex paint. According to the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association, this is the most durable paint for this type of job. Apply the paint in the same manner as you did the primer by using a wide-bristled paintbrush. Allow it to cure, and apply a second coat. The extra coats protect the cedar and ensure the paint lasts.
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Latex paint is a general term for all water-based paint. The binder in latex paints is what gives it strength and flexibility. Common binders are vinyl, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylic. Acrylic latex paints tend to be the most durable and flexible. Most often used for exterior painting, they are suitable for a number of different applications, including house painting, decorative and faux painting and even in the fine arts.
Types
Acrylic latex house paint comes in a number of different formulations. For home upkeep and construction, it's available in both interior and exterior products. Additionally, it can be purchased in almost all sheens, including matte, eggshell, low sheen, satin, semigloss and high gloss. Thus, it can be used for both interior and exterior walls and trim. It can be applied with a brush, roller or airless sprayer.
Misconceptions
Despite what the name implies, no latex paints actually contain latex (which is a derivative of rubber), but acrylic latex paint does actually contain acrylic. Therefore, it it quite safe for someone with a latex allergy to use latex paint.
Acrylic Latex for Exterior Use
Acrylic is the most expensive binder used in latex paints because it is particularly flexible and durable. This makes it especially suitable for painting exterior surfaces such as wood, vinyl and metal. Most paints are a blend of vinyl and acrylic. Because exteriors are subjected to more expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, flexibility is an important criterion. Look for paint labeled "100% acrylic" for exterior use.
Acrylic Latex for Interior Use
Sometimes called acrylic enamel, this paint is well suited for interior woodwork and trim, kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that need to withstand humidity and frequent cleaning. Enamel typically refers to satin, semigloss and high gloss finishes.
Decorative Painting
Because acrylic latex has a smooth, level finish and good color retention, it is preferred for decorative and faux painting. When blended with glaze, it dries to a rich, translucent appearance.
It is also used for sign painting and lettering, murals and airbrush painting.
Fine Art and Crafts
Acrylic latex paint is also available for fine arts and crafts. Its fast drying time and almost infinite range of available colors makes it a popular choice for tole painting as well as painting canvases, furniture and murals.
Where Not to Use Acrylic Latex
If you desire a very flat surface on ceilings or walls to minimize surface irregularities, avoid acrylic latex paint. Even the products labeled "flat" will have a very low side sheen.
Even the best acrylic latex paint will fail when immersed in water for any significant period of time. They are not suitable for boats, bathroom floors or pools. For these applications, choose an epoxy- or oil-based paint.
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