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Finishing a railing is a little different than finishing a tabletop or other piece of furniture, primarily because people touch it as often as they look at it. The finish must be durable to prevent wear while at the same time feeling smooth to the touch. Oil-based varnishes have these qualities, but they tend to give the wood an amber appearance that may not be desirable. You can also get good results with water-based polyurethane.
Stain and varnish are two separate wood preparations, typically requiring two separate steps. However, you can skip the staining step and move straight to the top coat by using stain within varnish. This technique has been around for centuries and is still used today on furniture, jewelry boxes and other wooden items. It provides color with a glassy look. It's not as transparent as clear lacquer, but it still allows subtle grain patterns to emerge.
If you're going to write on a necktie, you definitely don't want to do so using just any type of marker. Find out what type of marker you should use to write on a necktie with help from an experienced crafts expert in this free video clip.
You’ve finished your workday and are finally getting ready to hit the town. You may think that you have all of your wardrobe bases covered and that you look sharp as a tack, but if your leather boots have lost their shine, chances are you don’t look nearly as polished as you could. Your boots are one of the first things that people will notice about you, and they can tell a lot about your style. Although maintaining a shiny gloss on your leather boots may not be a top priority on your to-do list, it is a simple task…
Painters caulk works great for those cracks at the top of your countertops and a few other basic areas. Find out what painter's caulk is used for with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free video clip.
When it comes to staining or clear-coating wood window trim, both methods have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Find out about staining or clear-coating wood window trim with help from a Foreman for Lighty Contractors in this free video clip.
If you're having problems beading when staining wood, there are a few key things that you can try to help make the process easier. Learn about problems that you might have with beading when staining wood with help from a master precision craftsman in this free video clip.
Stripping the stain from wood is something you might do during the restoration of a piece. Find out how to strip stain from wood with help from a 46-year-old master precision craftsman in this free video clip.
Painting around trim always requires you to tape around the area in a very particular way. Find out how to tape when painting around trim with help from a passionate residential interior designer in this free video clip.
Semi gloss and high gloss enamel paint both serve very distinct and different purposes. Learn about semi gloss versus high gloss enamel paint for interior doors with help from a national interior design expert in this free video clip.
Plastering was once a standard method for covering interior walls in the United States, but in recent decades, drywall has become the dominant interior wall covering, due to its reduced cost and ease of installation. Drywall panels may not always work, however, if your walls have unusual shapes, and plaster is both smooth and durable. Gather all of your supplies before mixing the plaster, because once the plaster becomes wet, you must immediately get to work.
The stairway and hallway banisters in your home serve as more than just a safety feature to keep people from falling; they also add to the attractiveness of your home. If the hallway banister is one of the first things seen when you walk into your home, its level of attractiveness can add to or detract from the overall beauty. You may update your hallway banister to improve its appearance by altering the finish or changing the railing pieces to which it's attached.
Before painting the exterior concrete walls of your home, check for any cracks or holes. Painting over cracks or holes in the walls will not mask them; rather, it will draw more attention to the problem area. Fill the holes with cement and allow a few days for the cement to harden before moving forward with your paint job.
With all the specialty paints to choose from, the variety paint qualities available and the different application tools on the market, deciding which type of paint to use and how to apply it can prove overwhelming. A looped paint roller is typically used with textured paint. The deep, looped surface lifts the paint slightly as soon as it's deposited on the surface, intensifying the depth of the textured paint. Without the proper technique, this can quickly result in uneven coats, poorly painted surfaces and regrets over using textured paint.
The Apple corporation's use of simple silhouette graphics in advertising its iPod product line has inspired many artists to create similar graphics. You can create an iPod-advertisement-style silhouette graphic using the simple brush tool provided in the Paint Tool SAI graphics editing software. The brush tool can be used to create solid strokes of color with rounded edges, and the size of the brush can be adjusted. Because the iPod-advertisement style-silhouette style graphic is very basic, with simply a black silhouette, white iPod and solid-colored background, you can create the entire graphic using only the brush tool.
Oil painting and ink painting both have their fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Learn about oil painting versus ink painting with help from an experienced visual artist in this free video clip.
Lacquer is a powerful varnish, more durable than shellac, that creates a firm finish when applied to surfaces such as wood instruments and furniture. Lacquer can serve as a purely protective finish, or a colored lacquer can have a decorative effect. Like all finishes, though, lacquer can fade and break down over time, so in order to get the most from your coating, you must clean it with the right solutions.
As its name suggests, a hexadecimal code is a six-digit code that represents a specific color on your computer screen. If you're using a JPEG, or any other image, in a design or layout for Web or printed use, you may want to look up a one or more hex-codes to match elements of your design. There are several tools you can use to do so.
Putting clear lacquer on your boots is something you need to do in a very specific way. Learn how to put clear lacquer on your boots with help from the manager of a leather business in this free video clip.
Over time and with use the lustrous shine of a porcelain bathtub can become dull, discolored and worn down until it's no longer shiny. Since replacing the bathtub with a new one can be an expensive proposition, a better option is to lacquer the bathtub to restore its shine. You can restore the look of your bathtub and improve the bathroom's overall appearance with a careful application of a polyurethane-based clear coat.
Primer prepares the walls to accept the paint you will apply. The primer covers stains and discoloring on the existing wall. Primer is also key for successfully painting over wood or new drywall, as well as painted walls when switching to a different type of paint or going from a darker to a lighter color. A paint roller gives you even coverage and allows you to finish the job faster than with a paintbrush. Proper priming gives you a smooth finished look that wears well.
Paint Tool SAI is a graphics art program that allows you to create and edit digital images for websites, documents and computer projects. Although the program was originally released in Japan, the developers have translated it into English, allowing users from across the world to work with the software. Paint Tool SAI includes many features that are standard in graphic art programs, such as selection tools and layer capabilities. If you are unable to select parts of your pictures, you must ensure you have the proper settings and layers in use.
Water-based acrylic paints are very versatile and can be used on a wide range of surfaces. Unlike oil paints, they dry quickly, and therefore provide a practical alternative to achieve quick results. Traditionally they have been used to paint on canvas, but can also be applied to a variety of different surfaces providing they are suitably prepared.
A house’s sill plate represents the transition between masonry and wood. Once the foundation forms are stripped, the sill plate fits directly on top of the concrete wall. During new construction, local building codes may require the addition of a sill gasket, which is typically a thin layer of vinyl, rubber or polyethylene foam. Unfortunately, sill gasket products weren’t popular until the 1990s and homes built prior to sealant regulations can suffer from gaps and air leaks between the sill and the foundation.
Polyurethane provides a final clear coat that seals and provides a high shine to wood flooring and furniture. Applying it to a well-sanded surface helps ensure an even, smooth coat. This clear coat takes at least 24 hours to dry and may not completely harden for three days or more, which gives plenty of opportunities for blemishes to occur. Smoothing the surface between coats and using a final coat of polyurethane to cover any remaining imperfections ensures an even finish.
A basement recreation room provides space to get toys out of the living room or a spot to install a television set and couches and chairs for relaxation. You can make a rec room fit any family's relaxation needs, from a playroom for children to a hideaway for adults. Framing a rec room is similar to building any house walls. Make a design with provisions for lighting, heating and cooling, and get any needed plumbing, duct work and electrical work done first. Hire professionals for technical installations.
While semi-gloss paint is defined by the amount of sheen a paint of this type has, latex paint is categorized by the main ingredient -- which may be a natural or synthetic latex. Semi-gloss latex paint is, in fact, quite typical for use on interior walls because it dries quickly, is simple to clean, and makes surface colors brighten without highlighting blotches and imperfections.
Bathroom closets are used primarily for linens and they are often small and shallow. If you are adding a closet, it usually will be positioned against an existing corner close to the door. This type of closet is occasionally forgotten by home builders and must be put in by homeowners. The bathroom isn't the best location for a linen closet because of the extra humidity; however, a closet in the bathroom is better than no closet at all.
Advertising is a medium that attracts the attention of your current and potential customers. Basic painting tools and minimal artistic talent can produce attention-getting ads that will increase the income of your business quickly and easily. Whether large or small, advertising is a necessity of every thriving or new business and using your creativity to paint different types of advertising will make all the difference in your sales and company visibility.
Using a dictaphone to type notes and other documents is common practice in the medical field and in some businesses. While a dictaphone was originally a specific type of machine that played back audio, this term has evolved to include other devices that offer more functionality. Some dictaphones simply play back audio for you to use when typing, while others type for you. Regardless of which style you use, the device has the potential to save you time and make your job easier.
Doorways vary in size depending on the whim of the builder at the time the house was built. When an older home is being updated, many homeowners choose to expand or enlarge the doorways or divisions between rooms to make the house feel more open. Widening the doorway is a good choice when you want to extend sight lines and still retain individual room identities.
High-gloss paint adds elegance and a bright sheen to home decor, but may not be suitable for a home decorated using a more rustic or vintage look. Glossy walls can be repainted using low luster paint, but if applied improperly, the paint applied over the high gloss paint can peel and chip off. Change high-gloss painted walls to a low-luster look by preparing the surface of the high gloss wall properly using inexpensive hardware supplies.
Several styles of homes feature towering brick exterior walls with little to no ornate trim or molding work. These homes are often classed as simply “historic” or “historical” homes, with little distinction made to the actual time period of their architectural design. Often, the wall appears even taller when windows are small or few. These homes are usually two stories or more to be considered tall.
Fabricate your own latex sealant for repairing tires. Tire sealants are used to fix minor holes in tires or for bikes with tubeless tires. These kinds of tubeless tires are often used with mountain bikes and do not have have normal inner tubes. The tires are molded directly onto the wheel, according to Utah Mountain Biking. Latex sealant is brushed around the rim and the bead of the tire to help seal the tire and stop air from leaking out. Mix together your own sealant with just a few simple ingredients.
Paints come in a variety of finishes ranging from matte to high-gloss. A gloss finish is great for accenting trims and details or it can be used to draw attention to larger objects such as furniture. If you find yourself with a lot of semi-gloss paint, when what you need is a gloss paint, you don't need to waste your paint; simply add some more gloss using high-gloss paint.
Painted walls attract stains, from greasy hand prints to scuffs and other oil-based marks. Oily stains resist cleaning because they can't absorb water and other cleaning agents. Attempting to repaint over them may not remove the stains because the oil seeps back through the paint. Using the right cleaner can break down the oils; and if that fails, there are painting methods that prevent stain seepage from occurring in the first place.
Whether you are planning on repainting a whole wall or just a small item, if you want the new paint to adhere properly, you must de-gloss the old paint. De-glossing removes the shiny outer layer, allowing the new paint to stick to the surface better. Depending on the type and size of the job you are doing, there are two basic ways to de-gloss paint: sanding for small jobs such as wood trim and chemical de-glossing for larger projects such as entire walls.
Colorwashing is a painting technique used to add dimension and texture effects to a flat surface. Traditionally, a color wash was done with oil-based glazes, but many environmentally conscience companies have started to produce water-based glazes that can be used in colorwashing. Color washes can be created from any color paint and can easily provide you with a multitude of design possibilities.
Painting the walls in your home is an eye-appealing way of modernizing and updating your interior design. If you use a looped roller and textured paint for this home-improvement project, take must not to create unsightly lines and thick edges as you apply the paint. A few tips help you create an interior finish that is smooth and uniform.
A floating deck creates an instant outdoor living space that is great for entertaining, grilling or just relaxing. This plan is easy and quick to put together, making it a good choice for the novice woodworker. Easy to build on a larger or smaller scale, this plan is flexible enough to suit various yard sizes. Although only a few inches off the ground, this deck allows for ventilation and water runoff.
Lacquer is a durable finish that is often used on wood furniture. It is made of plasticizing agents, solvents, pigments and resins that give it a typically glossy shine. If you have furniture that is looking worn or aged, applying a lacquer finish to it helps restore its appearance and make it look newer. Lacquer is a flammable solvent, so care is always needed when using it to prevent fume inhalation or fire. However, the results make the extra care worth it.
Water-based paint, such as latex, is a versatile and affordable paint option. However, it doesn't adhere well if applied directly over oil-based paint, particularly if there are several coats of oil-based paint. It will start to peel and flake, causing house exteriors to be unattractive. You can fix this by removing the old paint and properly applying fresh paint with a strong base that gives some tooth for the new paint to cling to.
Window tinting film is typically applied to car windows. It limits the amount of sunlight that reaches the inside of the car and also provides some privacy. The film is often applied by the car or window manufacturer, or a company that specializes in tinting. If you want to remove the tint -- perhaps because it has air bubbles or is peeling -- do so cautiously. Removing the film in its entirety also involves removing all the adhesive. A solvent, such as paint thinner, can help, but several preliminary steps are required before you need the solvent.
Wall enamels are high-gloss paints capable of lasting many years. Over time, it may be necessary to touch up damaged walls. Polycrylic can be used for wall renovation. Polycrylic is a clear gloss coating suitable for numerous wall coverings such as wallpaper, wood and paint. Though polycrylic may not be necessary to achieve a high gloss on newly applied wall enamel, it can be used on top of new coats as well as a way to reinvigorate damaged walls.
Refinishing a wood floor is a way to quickly beautify and add value to your house. Within reach of most do-it-yourselfers, this is not a hard job. It is still, however, a job that requires attention to detail so you get an even, smooth finish. If you have recently redone a wooden floor and find that there are bubbles marring the varnish, you'll find it's not a difficult problem to remedy.
It takes time for paint to completely dry so that you can touch the surface, hang pictures or even apply a new coat. If you are painting with an interior or exterior semi-gloss paint, you might find that it is staying sticky longer than you had anticipated. Several reasons might explain the phenomena.
Microsoft XNA Game Studio is a video-game development kit for smartphones, Windows computers and Xbox 360 consoles. The XNA toolkit utilizes the C# programming language and is compatible with many image formats. Sprite images that are imported into XNA can be used with or without a transparent background. Removing the background color of a sprite within XNA involves entering the specific RGB color value into the Content Processor within the Sprite Properties window.
Oil-based and latex are the two most common types of interior paint. Each is available in three grades of quality: low- or professional-grade, medium- or decorator-grade, and high-grade. Both types also come in numerous finishes ranging from flat to gloss. Quality and finish are as important to selecting the right interior paint as color — what works well for one project can be completely inappropriate for another. Paint with a satin finish has a slight sheen and is formulated to hold up to gentle cleaning.
A pre-primed door is ready to paint. What may stall your door project in its tracks is deciding what to paint it with, latex or enamel paint. Factors to consider in making the decision include whether the door is exterior or interior, and which type of paint you are more comfortable. As a general rule of thumb, enamels -- either water-based enamel or oil -- are better for pre-primed exterior doors for a variety of reasons.
There are two basic paint types, latex and oil-based. Many people prefer latex paint because it's water-based, which means you can use water to thin it or clean the brushes, compared to the oil-based types that require turpentine for those purposes. However, there are many different types of latex paint. Among those types are regular latex and latex enamel paint. Acrylic latex is another name for the latex paints commonly used for residential purposes.
