Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
There’s a lot to be said for starting a project with a clean slate. If you’re determined to remove paint from your wood subflooring before installing new laminate flooring, you may have to try progressively more aggressive tactics to successfully remove all traces of the paint. But never fear: The paint you seek to remove is probably latex, which means it is water-based – not oil-based – and should lift off with some elbow grease and perseverance.
Getting glitter to stick to acrylic paintings requires you to keep a few important things in mind. Get glitter to stick to acrylic paintings with help from an experienced craft instructor in this free video clip.
The gradient effect of an acrylic painting involves blending from a lighter color to a darker one, or vice versa. Learn about the gradient effect of an acrylic painting with help from an experienced visual artist in this free video clip.
Bubbling or blistering occurs when paint starts to separate from the underlying surface, such as wood siding. Bubbling has two primary causes: excessive exposure to heat and excessive exposure to moisture. Heat-related bubbles tend to occur when the temperature rises after you apply the paint. Moisture-related bubbling occurs when water gets into the siding. Solving the problem of bubbling may involve nothing more than repainting the area. In some cases, however, you may need to stop a long-term moisture problem.
Coloring with oil pastels is a great way to get children interested in art techniques. Find out about teaching children to color with oil pastels with help from a professional artist of over 25 years in this free video clip.
Oil pastels can be used in a variety of different ways depending on your preferences. Learn about the different ways to use oil pastels with help from a professional artist of over 25 years in this free video clip.
When creating a palette for acrylic paint mixing you should always keep a few particular things in mind. Find out what makes a good palette for acrylic paint mixing with help from a writer, illustrator and animator in this free video clip.
Acrylic paint can be mixed in a very specific way in order to achieve the color gray. Find out how to mix acrylic paint to get gray with help from a writer, illustrator and animator in this free video clip.
Latex paint doesn't typically require an additional sealer. However, applying a clear topcoat over a latex-painted surface helps to seal and protect the surface area. Painted furniture that's subject to spills and wear-and-tear, such as tabletops and desks may benefit from a protective sealant. Clear sealants also provide additional protection for faux-painted walls. Topcoat sealants typically help in resisting damage from chipping, abrasion, scuffing, alcohol, water and a myriad of other household chemicals.
One of the most important components behind any auto refinishing project is ensuring a perfect color match. Many vehicle owners mistakenly believe the color of their car is a standard formulation used in factories and any pre-purchased paint material provides an exact match. Unfortunately, many standards colors have formula variations that make the shade slightly different, and color samples should be used to make sure the best possible match is achieved.
The perfect auto paint job is often compromised by inferior masking techniques and -- as the paint is applied -- overspray that seeps behind the loose edges of masking paper and lands on adjacent panels. Most paint overspray is easily removed with a light application of cutting compound, but epoxy paints have stronger bonding qualities that make removal more difficult. Great care must be taken when removing epoxy paints to eliminate the risk of burning through the color and ruining the paintwork completely
Hydraulic cement is cement that provides moisture barrier, making it a good product for sealing areas that would otherwise leak groundwater, as with basement walls. There are many commercial products that are variations of hydraulic cement, and many can be painted over with latex paint. Mixing latex paint and hydraulic cement before the cement has been applied and cured, however, is not advisable as it will prevent the cement from curing properly.
A black car looks sleek and glossy at night when light reflects off the dark surface, but in the daylight, your black car is plagued by noticeable gray swirl marks. Swirl marks come from using an orbital buffer, or from waxing or washing your car with dirt on the surface of the car or on the sponge. Black cars show swirl marks because of their dark surfaces. Don’t give in to a new paint job; swirl marks can be removed.
Proper prep work is essential to a good painting job. So is selecting the right tools. When selecting a proper paintbrush for your semigloss paint, which one depends on the type of paint you are using as well as the surface on which you are painting.
Birch trees are known for having a unique and versatile bark that people have used in the making of many arts and crafts for years. However, a more environmentally friendly way to achieve the naturally pretty appearance of birch bark without harming any trees exists. With a few painting techniques, you can use a faux birch bark finish to transform the look of such items as picture frames, purse handles or fishing rods.
Acrylic and ceramic paints are two formulas of exterior house paint designed to last up to 20 years before needing another application. They both share similar water-based formulas that dry into a water-resistant coating. They each contain different types of composite particles suspended in the base to make them durable and long-lasting.
Whether you like coastal, country or shabby chic decor, weathered wood can add a charming look to just about any room. While you can use painted wood items that have weathered naturally, you can create a weathered finish by removing the paint and primer from your dresser, table, chair or other piece of furniture. Several techniques can give you a weathered finish, so choose the option that works best for your style of decor.
Most trucks with dull paint don’t need a new paint job, they just need the oxidation removed from the surface of the paint. Once the oxidation is removed, the existing paint will shine like an almost-new finish. Skip the paint booth and refresh the paint yourself at home. A little bit of your time will save a lot of your money.
Ripping down your bedraggled redwood deck and starting again from scratch is hard work and expensive. You can save yourself a small fortune by taking the time to renovate your old decking. After a few days and the application of a little elbow grease, you'll be left with a redwood deck that looks like it's been newly installed.
Latex paint is an easy paint to use for home improvement projects because it goes on smoothly and cleans up easily with water. However, its build-up can slow down the progress of a project by necessitating its dissolution. Removing the layers of paint should smooth the painting surface in preparation for a fresh coat of paint. It will also allow any painted over hardware to function properly again.
Painting with acrylics has its advantages. Acrylic paints dry quickly, and they can be layered to produce bold colors so that you end up with a vibrant masterpiece. They do not, however, dry with a lacquered-like shine the way other types of paint do. If you want to make your acrylic painting glossy, the procedure for doing so involves using varnish, which is a clear sealant that adds the shiny lacquered look.
With the high cost of quality antique furniture, homeowners and artisans can use a finishing technique called antiquing to achieve the look of timeworn furniture on new pieces, old furniture in need of a makeover, kitchen cabinets and doors. Using antiquing glaze is one way to create the appearance of aging. A glaze is made by thinning paint, stain or tinted varnish to create a transparent or translucent finish in a darker color than the base coat.
Pollen is as big of a threat to your car's paint as bird droppings. Pollen sticks to your car’s surface even if you keep it clean and slick. The pollen leaves your car with a green or yellow coat that will eventually harm the surface if you leave it on for a long period of time. Unlike bird droppings, pollen is pretty easy to get off of your car without using harsh methods that could harm your paint.
Enamel is a variety of paint that dries to create a hard, glossy finish. It is an ideal choice for outdoor surfaces or those that are subject to heavy use or wear and tear. Traditionally, enamel paints are made using oil-based products, but modern mixtures also include latex bases and spray paints. The most important aspect of enamel paint is the high-gloss finish and the material is ideal for use in covering kitchen cabinets.
Fiberglass columns are a durable material used to create the exterior columns seen on colonial homes. These columns can be easily painted, but if they aren't done properly, the paint will start to peel. Well-painted fiberglass has a primer, topcoat and protective finish to help it withstand the elements. Repainting the column is the easiest way to make it last for years.
Fiberglass pools are one of the primary pool construction options next to concrete and plaster. Fiberglass pools are created as large shells that are installed in one large project, making installation fast and relatively easy. Because fiberglass is all one running piece of matting and resin, including the steps, leaks do not form in the pool as easily. However, fiberglass will only hold specific types of paint.
A pole barn is a building that is sheathed with metal panels for the walls. These building typically come in a rectangular shape with poles or beams used for the framing and supports. If you are not happy with the color of the metal panels, they can be repainted. An old pole barn can be repainted to any color you prefer, such as gray or red. To do this you need to first prepare your pole barn for the paint.
Changing the look of an item through refinishing techniques such as painting brings a new look and feel to an object. If you're trying to achieve an antique and rusted look, use iron-based paint and top it with a rust activator to create a true rust exterior or use a creative combination of more affordable materials that will also result in a corroded appearance.
Create intricate marbling on paper with a suminagashi technique using arcylic paint and turpentine. Suminagashi dates back to 12th century Japan and translates to "ink floating." Craft your own style of suminagashi paper by using acrylic paint rather than ink. Add turpentine to water to disperse the paint and form patterns. Use thin paper for the project, such as rice or lightweight watercolor paper.
Latex paint that is exposed to the elements can peel, fade and weather. Although you can paint the wall again using more layers of latex paint, before long, the paint will weather again. Protect the paint from the elements by applying a few layers of waterproof sealant over the latex paint, which will not only keep moisture from touching the latex paint, but keep the paint looking bright and vibrant for a longer period of time.
No matter how well bathtubs are maintained, they are susceptible to losing their shine and over time can gather rust and mold. Replacing a bathtub is an expensive proposition, not to mention the hassles of plumbing and remodeling. Repainting bathtubs with enamel is a simpler and cost-effective alternative for renewing old bathtubs. Most bathtubs are made from cast iron and a coat or two of enamel can make them look near new.
Puffy paint is bright, colorful and adds textured designs to your clothing. After being squeezed out of the tube or bottle, puffy paint puffs up, giving your design a three-dimensional quality. If a squirt of puffy paint gets smeared or ends up somewhere on the fabric where you don't want it, you can remove the paint, if you act fast. With the combination of effective pigment removers and a quick response time, you can successfully remove the smeared puffy paint.
It happens to novices and professional decorators alike: the unwelcome outbreak of brush marks on a newly painted wall. Cheap paint or brushes or a poor application technique might have caused the problem, which you can remedy the next time around. At the moment, however, you must buff out the acrylic paint brush marks so you can start with a fresh, smooth slate. For this job, you will achieve better results with a hand sander, which will give you greater control over the sanding movements than either a power sander or simply holding a piece of sandpaper in your hand.
Latex paints are chosen because they are more durable in outdoor or high-traffic areas. The reason latex is more durable is the chemical structure actually moves during periods of heat, readjusting the molecules, thus preventing cracking and chipping in the paint surface. Crosslinking latex is the process of creating a chemically uniform layer adhered to the substrate. You can promote crosslinking in latex paint and increase the longevity of the paint.
Latex paint has forms a film or crust over the top after it sitting for a while. It isn't safe to assume there will be no film just because your paint is new and unopened. If the paint appears lumpy when stirred and the lumps do not disappear with more stirring or the addition of water, strain it through a paint strainer before use or your finish is flawed. Paint strainers or filters resemble cone-style coffee filters. If you don't want to hold it, purchase a filter stand that supports the filter over a catch container as you strain the…
A layer of white latex paint helps protect the trunks of trees from insect and environmental damage. The paint is usually applied in the fall to protect the tree through the fall and winter months when the damage is most likely to occur. A thick coating is recommended for areas of the trunk where damage has already occurred, but it’s best to use a half-and-and half mixture of paint and water for preventative purposes.
Rust-Oleum counter paint is oil- or alkyd-based paint and latex paint is water-based, so you cannot add white latex paint to Rust-Oleum counter paint. The home improvement store can mix the counter paint with white oil-based paint if you would like to make the color lighter, or you can add a white oil-based paint to Rust-Oleum counter paint yourself.
Latex paints are commonly used for interior painting projects because of their fast drying time, washable finish and ability to cover previous paint. Latex paints are water based and are most easily thinned by simply adding water. Lacquer thinner should not be used to thin latex paint.
Applying a finish to highly figured woods such as curly maple is both a joy and trial. With proper treatment, curly maple exhibits a quality finish that experts call chatoyance, a shimmering, reflective surface similar to that of some gemstones. The swirling grain and varying density that give this expensive wood its character are what make it such a challenge to finish. Do it well and you enhance the wood. Do it poorly and you can mask its beauty. Although woodworkers disagree vehemently on the best method, most agree that less is more.
You can have your own lottery tickets for a party or event by making scratchcards with paint. For instance, save-the-date cards for weddings can have scratch-off sections revealing your wedding date. You can also use the scratchcard technique on a wall map. Each time you visit a new town, country or state, you can scratch off the paint to show the places you’ve been. This simple technique can be done with acrylic paint and liquid dish soap. Once you have made your first scratchcard with paint, you’ll want to find more uses for this creative technique.
Painting with oil pastels is similar to drawing with colored pencils except your finished product is similar to an oil painting. Some of the same layering techniques used with pencils, such as cross hatching, are used for oil pastels. An oil pastel is a medium that can be used on canvas, paper or prepped hardboard. Oil pastels can't be mixed before applying to the canvas or paper, so you have to use them in layers to achieve color variations and shading.
Cigarette tar leaves a dull, yellowish tint on anything it is exposed to. It can change a painting into a ghost of its former self. You can bring back that lively brightness by gently removing the tar with emulsion. It's actually a two-part method that involves applying emulsion and then neutralizer in sequence to stop the cleaning from going any deeper.
If you want to paint on denim with acrylic, it's important to first familiarize yourself with some of the characteristics of acrylic paints. One thing to be particularly mindful of is that acrylic is a fast-drying paint and can easily dry out before your project is complete. An advantage to using acrylic on denim is that acrylic lets you build on layers, so you can apply the acrylic with a thin coat or make it heavier by painting more layers.
A stained or colored toilet will spoil the looks of any bathroom. If you're selling your home and the outside of your toilet is any color other than white, the toilet delivers a dated appearance. You can reglaze it yourself via a process that can also be used on the outside of the tub. The interior of the toilet should be cleaned thoroughly with a rust-removing chemical and can be further cleaned by draining the bowl and sanding it gently with steel wool.
Expanding an interior doorway involves removing drywall and cutting through wall studs. Before you begin the work, you need to examine the area where you plan to expand the door. If you can see water pipes, light switches or electrical outlets coming out of the area where you wish to expand the doorway, you need to move those obstacles or change your plans. If you are not comfortable moving electrical wiring or plumbing, contact a professional for assistance.
Aztec pyramids were built between the 12th and 16th centuries, and their ruins still stand today. The pyramids were designed to showcase the power of the Aztecs as well as their religious beliefs. If you are making a model of the pyramids, you will need several supplies to give your model a distinct and authentic look.
The Walkera 60 is a model helicopter with changeable parts. This means you can buy upgrade components for the tail. Installing the tail the first time is a complex and time-consuming process. Upgrading it, thankfully, is much easier. Most of the hard-to-assemble base components remain on the helicopter, making it easier to swap out the tail itself. The procedure varies slightly, depending on which new tail you have, but the basic process is the same.
Flat roofs aren’t completely flat -- they have to have at least a slight slope for drainage purposes -- but water can still pool in spots and leak through. Adding an A-frame roof reduces the risk of leaks because more water rolls away instead of becoming trapped and forming a puddle. Adding that A-frame over the flat roof, instead of removing the original roof, sounds like it could save time. However, the work has to meet special codes, and the change in roofing can change your insurance costs.
Reducer is another term for the solvents or thinners used in the automotive painting process. Alongside auto paint materials such as primer, surfacer and sealer, reducer serves as an essential component of proper painting. Reducers help automotive paint achieve proper consistency, leading to a smooth, even and fast-drying application.
Many kids love to paint, but parents sometimes worry about the potential health issues associated with commercial pigments. Creating paint from natural ingredients such as paprika not only alleviates such concerns but is a fun activity kids can do themselves. Paprika, made from ground peppers, results in a brownish-red paint that children can use as a watercolor, ink or face paint. In the past, monks used such pigments to create their books.
