Home Improvement “DIY”

Avoiding a Do It Yourself (DIY) disaster with the help of Ace Hardware Carlsbad.

Some of us figure out our talents early in life; others take longer. But for the majority of us, those talents have nothing whatsoever to do with the construction sciences, so to speak. Nonetheless, tight budgets and hours of home improvement television watching, shelter magazine perusing and Pinterest board-fixating have stirred up the jones to do-it-yourself in many a homeowner. The widespread perceptions that contractors charge exorbitant amounts and are difficult to manage have only increased the sense that doing home improvement projects ourselves seem like the way to go.

The fact is, there are many home projects that are fun and smart for a home owner to try their hand at. But DIY project veterans (myself included) can attest: DIY is by no means the no-brainer way to get every type of home project checked off your to-do list. In fact, a bad project can turn your experience of your home from an exciting project to a mortifying money-pit in the blink of an eye. Fortunately, whether your home improvement project goes swimmingly or scarily is well within your control from the very beginning – and hinges largely on making the right decision for a given project about whether to hire a contractor or go it on your own.

Here are seven questions to ask yourself as part of that decision-making process, in order to avoid a DIY disaster:

1.  What’s the project?  Define the project, in writing, as completely as possible. This will equip you from the very start to outsource some or all of a project that is beyond your skill set, rather than running to a contractor in a panic in the middle of a project (when you’d certainly be charged a panic premium price). Depending on your aptitude level and the time you have, what seems at first glance to be a highly DIY-able room refresh with paint and new wood floors can snowball beyond the realm of reasonable DIY-dom if you add in a lighting or plumbing project.

To do this, sit with your project, your magazines or your Pinboards for a few days, weeks or even months, keeping a running list of the things you want included in your project as you live in your house and your desired post-project lifestyle changes come to mind.

2.  Does it require permits?  Generally speaking, electrical, plumbing, major renovations, erecting new walls and structures and adding square footage are all projects highly likely to require permits. Hint: if you use the word “gut” when describing what you’re planning to your friends and relatives, chances are good you’ll need a permit. If you’re not sure, a quick website visit or phone call to your City’s Building Services or Building Permits Division should clear things up.

Building code requirements can be exceedingly arcane, and the process of applying for and obtaining permits if you’re not well versed in them can be tedious, stressful and time-consuming. It can also be full of unsuspected pitfalls, like doing one home improvement that triggers a City requirement to add a slew of new outlets or a new sewer line.

Call the city and/or talk to a couple of licensed contractors as soon as you’ve fully defined your project – but before you’ve started any work – and get a good sense for whether it will require permits to stay in good graces with the City.

Cities are required to grant permits to homeowners, but the more complicated the permitting process gets for a given project, the more sensible it becomes to have a professional contractor or at least a professional permit expediter involved to avoid running afoul of the city, incurring penalties for unpermitted work and to maximize your ability to get an increased resale value for your home as a result of the upgrades.

3.  Are there health and safety issues?  High decks (i.e., decks, balconies and similar structures that are tall enough that a collapse would cause injuries to those standing on it), additions and gas/electrical work are things home owners should rarely do on their own. Now, it doesn’t mean you can’t install track lights or change a light switch to a dimmer. Rather, if you’re doing work in these categories beyond that level, calling a contractor can avoid a disastrous outcome.

4.  What are the relative hard costs? “ANYONE can paint a room,” I’ve heard time and time again. I’ve done it, so I know this to be true. But I also know that from the first time I got actual paint bids from my trusty neighborhood handyman, I have never painted a room since! In my humble opinion, the money I’ve spent was well worth the time and other resources I saved (see #5, below), and I’m certain they’ve done a better job than I could or would have. Just because you can do a project DIY, doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily the smart thing to do. It also doesn’t mean that the hard, financial costs of doing it yourself are necessarily much cheaper than hiring a professional.

Don’t automatically assume that doing a job yourself is the cheap route to go, or that it will save you scads of cash. Until you’ve actually gotten 3 bids from reputable contractors or vendors, based on the full scope of the job, and have compared that with the cash you’d spend to DIY, you cannot know for certain which is the less expensive way to go. They might qualify for bulk discounts on materials that you can’t get, and you might have to rent a truck, equipment or tools that they already own. In any event, calling contractors out can be educational in terms of understanding every element of the job and troubleshooting things you might not otherwise have anticipated.

So, unless you’re uber-handy and just love to do projects, or know for certain the project will be uber-cheap for you to do, I’d strongly urge you to get a few pros to come out and give you real bids for what it would cost (including supplies, labor, any subcontracting, permits – soup-to-nuts), and compare that to your own DIY cost estimate.  (Hint: I’d also encourage you to add a little buffer on the top of all the estimates – theirs and yours – for unforeseen costs that might arise.)

5.  What are the relative soft costs? Cash is just the beginning of the resources required to get a home improvement project done. They also take time – which some might see as opportunity costs. Ask yourself the question: what could I do with the time I’ll have to spend on this project?

There are also the energetic and emotional resources involved.  Some people simply have sharp mechanical and logistical aptitudes, have the spare time and love to use it bettering their homes and have infinite patience for figuring out workarounds when the project doesn’t go as planned.  And then there are people like me! So, if you’re like me, you should definitely account for that when you’re deciding whether to do-it-yourself or whether to hire your home improvement projects out.

6.  Is it really DIY-able? Remember, the ‘Y’ in DIY stands for YOURself.  The decision whether to DIY or call a contractor in for a job is not based on whether your Dad, your neighbor down the street or Bob Vila made a similar project look simple. Rather, it needs to be made based on your own, personal:

• skill and experience level
• aptitude for whatever sort of work you’re completing
• patience level
• frustrate-ability
• spare time available for the job, etc.

If you’re not excited about the prospect of doing the project, and you can afford to have someone else do it, don’t let the wanna-be handypeople in your life talk you into biting off more than you can chew.

7. What could go wrong?  If your project is uber-simple, like replacing a toilet or painting a wall, there are a limited number of worst-case scenarios which might be annoying and inconvenient, but are far from the end of the world. The kitty-cat wallpaper might be harder to get off than you thought – that sort of thing. But as the project grows larger in scope or more complex, the more potentially disastrous your worst-case scenarios are – and the more costly calling someone in to fix a DIY-gone-wrong will be.

Generally speaking, I’m not one to advocate worst-case scenario thinking. But when it comes to home improvement projects, the many moving pieces and relative inexperience of the average home owner suggest that an abundance of caution is just plain old smart. If your project’s DIY worst-case scenarios conjure up visions of bodily harm to your family members, buckets catching the rain or virtually anything caving in think long and hard before you take it on yourself, versus calling in a pro.

Tips To Keep Up The Value Of Your Home

Keep up the value of your home.

Whether you are looking to sell your home or just want to make sure it holds its value, we’ve come up with some helpful tips to improve the value and appearance of your home.

Weigh your options carefully when you’re furnishing your bedroom, and give due thought to freestanding furniture. Furniture that is fitted may save you space and look clean, but you won’t be able to take it with you if you move. In addition, free standing wardrobes and dressers are portable, allowing you to put them in different rooms. You can also sell them if you want to change the look of the room.

Make sure you are well prepared before you undertake any home improvement project! Always cover your furniture before you start painting. Your furniture could be permanently damaged by paint splatters. Furniture can be protected from paint with simple sheets.

If you have a carpeted room, make sure to close the drapes or blinds most of the time . The sunlight can actually bleach your carpet, leaving lighter spots where the light most often hits the fibers. Open your drapes when the sunlight is less intense, or arrange furniture to diffuse some of the sun’s rays.

Consider installing motion sensor lights to improve your homes exterior. This allows you to actually turn your lights off instead of having them on all night. As soon as something moves in front of the motion lights, they turn on. When it moves away, they turn off. Unwanted guests may pass on burglarizing your home if lights suddenly come on, alerting you to their presence.

If you are seriously considering buying a home, get it inspected by a professional. That way you need not rely on the seller and your eyes about what has to be replaced or fixed if you buy the house. A third party who is objective provides a great way to keep relations between the invested parties civil, too.

Replacing your old windows with energy efficient windows is a very wise investment. They will quickly pay for themselves in the form of savings on your utility bills. It can definitely be a rewarding home improvement.

If you are considering a renovation that will add additional income property to your home, you need to do the math to make sure the numbers work prior to starting construction. In order for the investment to be worth the work, the renovations should pay for themselves in less than two years. Do not go beyond the set budget.

Install peepholes in all of your outside doors. This will let you see who is at your door before you open it. Peepholes are easy to install and are one of the least expensive home improvements you can make. The only tools you need are a drill and time. Having one will give you peace of mind the next time you hear that loud rapping at the door.

When you use the information for home improvement provided by this article, you will find any future trips to Ace Hardware Carlsbad’s home improvement store will not break the bank. You can save money and still improve your home. You can have the best of both worlds!

Choosing The Right Paint Brush

Application Tools: Paint Brushes

Brushes are highly efficient for painting all areas – small, medium and large – and for all types of paint. A poor brush, however, will result in a poor finish.

Filaments used in paint brushes are hog bristle and other animal bristles, as well as man made filaments (both tapered and level), including nylon, polyester and other level synthetics. Tapered polyester filaments are recommended for all paints. They do not absorb water or lose resiliency as do natural bristles and nylon. Natural bristles work well only with oil-based paints. Nylon can be used with latex paints or oil-based paints.

The American Brush Manufacturers Association has developed a Code of Ethics in regard to packaging and labeling of brushes. Literature is available from the association regarding the Code of Ethics.

A quality brush has a high percentage of bristles with flagged (split) ends, which is important for holding and spreading paint. The better the flagging, the more paint a brush will hold and the fewer the brush marks left on the painted surface.

A quality paint brush also has filaments that vary in length for smooth flow and application of paint. Bristles on brushes used for precision painting, such as sash brushes, should be “tipped.” They have pointed ends, allowing more precise control of the paint.

China hog bristle is the best natural filament to use with oil paints. China hog bristle can be used only with oil-based paints, because it absorbs water and becomes loose and floppy. It does not have the long wearability of polyester and nylon brushes.

Other natural hog-bristle brushes are recommended for use with varnish and lacquer in addition to oil-based paint. Ox, camel, squirrel, badger and sable are used for artists’ and other specialty brushes.

Nylon bristles should be used with latex paints, and tapered polyester for all paints, including oil, latex, varnish, lacquers, shellac and marine finishes.

Inexpensive brushes contain little filament and are made from the poorest-quality hog bristle or from level (not tapered) synthetics. Level synthetics flag poorly, if at all. The end product is a poor painting tool.

Nylon and polyester (the best synthetics) are tipped, flagged, and tapered individually during manufacturing. Quality paint brushes are made with multiple sizes of tapered filaments similar to pure bristle brushes. The flag is maintained during long use. Generally, the longer and thicker the brush made of tapered nylon or tapered polyester, the quicker the job will be done.

Synthetic hog bristle can be used with all paints. Like other quality synthetic brushes, the bristles are individually tipped, flagged and tapered.

Quality brushes are made of tapered filament, either natural or synthetic. Normal bristle or filament lengths for general household use include: 1″ wide brush, length out of ferrule 2″ to 2-1/4″; 1-1/2″- and 2″-wide brush, length out of ferrule 2-1/4″ to 2-3/4″; 2-1/2″ and 3″-wide brush, length out of ferrule 2 1/2″ to 3″ and 3-3/4″- and 4″-wide brushes, length out of ferrule 3″ to 3 3/4. Flatting brushes 4″-6″, 3-1/4″ to 4″-length out of ferrule) are used to apply paints to ceilings, cellars and other large areas.

Quality paint brushes are thicker at the ferrule and have smaller wood plugs or dividers in the ferrule to spread the bristle and allow for more paint-holding capacity. Inexpensive brushes have wide plugs and reduced amounts of bristle.

Besides paint brushes, special brushes found in many homes include enamel and varnish brushes (flat or chisel shape) to reduce lap marks sometimes resulting from alkyd paints and lacquers, and Dutch calcimine (flatting) wall brushes, used to apply water-based paints to large areas.

Paint Brush Glossary:

• Bristles are tipped. One end on one side of the brush is longer, giving working end slanted appearance.
• Ends of bristle originally embedded in hide of hog and are ends that go into brush setting.
• Working end of brush is shaped to resemble end of steel chisel on both sides of brush. Most quality varnish brushes and a number of quality wall brushes and sash tools have chisel edges on both sides.
• Wood, metal or leather bound form into which bristle is set; also holds handle of brush.
• Working end of each bristle and tapered filament is divided into fine hairs called flag ends. Hold paint in brush and help spread it evenly.
• Heel is section of brush where butt ends fit into ferrule. When this becomes clogged with paint, it is “heeled up” and will not work efficiently.
• Proper proportion of stiff and soft bristles or filaments.
• Working edge of brush is straight. Large brushes usually have square edges with natural bend of bristle inclining toward center of brush.
• Tapered polyester, tapered nylon and natural bristles are thick at butt end, thinner at flag end. Tapered brushes of each different material are made by blending various sizes of tapered polyester or nylon or natural bristle.

Brush Cleaning Suggestions:

1. Clean brush immediately after use, before paint has a chance to harden. Use proper solvent for oil-base paint; for latex-base paints, clean with warm, soap or detergent water solution. If brush does not clean thoroughly, clean in paint thinner and rewash in warm detergent solution.

2. Comb wet bristles with metal comb.

3. If brush is to be stored for long periods, return to pouch supplied with brush or wrap in foil or heavy paper, with bristles smooth and flat.

4. Always store fiat or suspended from a nail or hook so that bristles are straight and the brush is not resting on bristles.

5. Do not allow any brush to stand on end in either paint or water.

6. Do not soak a brush in water; it will damage either the filament or the epoxy setting and cause the ferrule to rust.

Rollers and Pad Cleaning Suggestions:

1. Clean after every use, removing excess paint by rolling or pressing on a newspaper, then washing in proper solvent or water.

2. Dry and wrap to store.

Painting Tips

Get your painting done the right way the first time with these helpful painting tips.

Need to find the perfect color for you?  Stop in to Ace Hardware Carlsbad to find the perfect shade for the room you are planning to paint.  We carry high quality paint that we guarantee you be satisfied with.

Painting isn’t always fun but with these tips we can help you get the job done fast and as painless as possible.

Start Out Right – You’ll enjoy the job more if you get everything together at the start. Organize a tool station in the middle of the area you’ll be working in. Gather together your paint, brushes, rollers, hammers, screwdrivers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, rags, paint can opener, and drop cloths.

Plan a Day for Prep – Don’t try to get everything done in one day. Use the day before painting day to gather furniture in the center of the room, patch cracks and holes, put blue painter’s tape around doors and windows, and cover wall and ceiling light fixtures (light bulbs removed, of course!) with large plastic bags.

Clear the Room – If you can, clear out all the furniture and accessories. Take everything off the walls. If you can’t move everything out, place the furniture and lamps in the middle of the room and cover them with a good drop cloth. Be sure that you tape the cloth around the furniture. Then put a second cover of plastic or old sheet over everything.

Remove All Hardware – It may seem easier to paint around door knobs or cabinet hinges, but unless you’re a professional, very experienced painter, you’re bound to get drips around. So carry around some zip top bags and remove all cabinet knobs and hinges, door knobs, light switch plates and outlet covers, and light fixtures. Place the pieces together in separate bags and clearly mark the contents and location (top left cabinet, bathroom door, etc) you took them from. This is a great time to clean the hardware! Put them back when you’re done painting.

Prep Yourself – No matter how hard you try, you’re bound to get drips (or more) of paint on whatever you’re wearing. So take off all jewelry. Reserve some old, but comfortable, clothes for your painting jobs. Slip-on shoes are easy to take off if you need to leave the room. You won’t have to worry about tracking drops of paint into other rooms. When you paint the ceiling, put a scarf, shower cap, or old baseball hat over your hair and some plastic over your eyeglasses.

Fix Your Walls Before You Start – If your walls have holes or cracks, fix them before you start with the paint. Any home center or paint store has knowledgeable personnel to guide you to the best products for the job. Wide cracks and large holes can be “bridged” with fiberglass tape, spackle will fill small holes and cracks, and texturizing products are available to match your existing wall finish.

Every year, new products come on the market to help make painting more enjoyable. You’ll want to select the best ones for your job.  Check out these helpful painting accessories which can be picked up at Ace Hardware Carlsbad.

• Natural or Synthetic Brushes – Paint brushes with natural bristles are meant for oil-based paints. Natural bristles will soak up the water and go limp in water-based paints. The newer synthetic bristles were designed for water-based or latex paints, but can be used for anything. Densely packed bristles that taper to a chisel edge help with painting a straight edge, cutting in or tipping. Split ends or “flags” hold more paint and spread it more evenly and smoothly. Choose the right brush for your job.

• Foam Brushes and Rollers – Foam brushes come in many widths, are inexpensive, and are great for small jobs or touch-ups. Foam paint rollers work well, don’t spatter the paint, and are easy to use when you want a really smooth wall. Don’t try them on rough surfaces, though, as they will not hold up.

• Pad Painters – Smooth pad painters offer simple and neat paint application and easy clean ups. Don’t apply too much paint to the pad, as it will drip. You’ll have to take it apart, clean it, dry it thoroughly, and start over.

• Paint Rollers – A paint roller with a plastic core will last longer than one with a cardboard core. Select a roller “nap” (fullness of the covering) according to the texture on your walls. Use a flat, smooth roller for flat, smooth walls and a thicker, more plush roller for rough textured walls.

• Water-Based or Latex Paint – New latex paints are formulated to be environmentally-friendly. Drying time is short (usually about 1 hour) and clean ups are easy with water. Apply water-based paints with rollers, pads, or synthetic bristle brushes. Latex paints tend to get a “skin” of paint in the can when they begin to dry out, so keep the can covered as much as possible. Pour paint into another container to work from and close the can.

• Oil-Based Paint – Most professional painters prefer oil-based paints, especially for cabinets, furniture, and trim. New formulations do not harm the environment and are not toxic. Because they dry more slowly, oil-based paints allow for better coverage and work well in warm, dry climates where water-based paints would dry too fast. Apply oil-based paints with pads, rollers, or natural bristle brushes. Clean up with paint thinner or other solvent.

• Drop Cloths – The best material for a drop cloth is a heavy canvas cloth. It’s not as slippery as plastic and covers better than newspaper. Fold the cloth to fit any size room and tape down the corners to prevent paint from oozing over the edge. To prevent scratching, be sure to vacuum hardwood floors before you put the drop cloth down.

• Tinted Primer – Most paint jobs work better when you use a primer or base coat. Have the primer or base paint tinted to match your surface paint color. You may be able to avoid a second coat of finish paint. For ceilings, try paint that is specially formulated for ceilings. Some brands go on light blue and change to white when dry. This makes it easier to see where you’ve already painted.

• Painter’s Blue Tape – If you’ve never used painter’s blue tape, why not? It has a waxy coating to keep paint from seeping through, is available in several widths, and provides a perfect straight edge for painting. It will not pull up the paint on the surface it’s stuck to, and the seal is activated when you put it down onto a smooth surface. Its special properties don’t last forever, so don’t leave it on the wall more than a couple of days.

Even if you’ve done a great job, some clean up will be required. You’ll have to do some touch ups and put things away. Read some simple tips to wrap up your painting project in style.

• Keep Your Brush Ready – You won’t want to clean your paint brush or roller every time you need to take a break. Wrap them in plastic wrap and seal them in a plastic bag. They’ll be ready and flexible when you return from your break. For longer storage (as much as a week), put the plastic bag with brushes in the freezer– yes, the freezer! Thaw out the brushes for an hour before you use them again.

• Have Plenty of Rags for Mistakes – No painter would be without a supply of rags. You’ll undoubtedly need to wipe off excess paint, catch drips, clean up spills, or wipe off your hands.

• Razor Blades – Scrape excess paint or drips from windows, tile, or glass with straight razor blades. The drips won’t smear, and the surface will be perfectly clean.

• Simple Clean Up for Latex Paint – When you’re done painting, take time to soak your brushes or rollers with latex paint in a solution of water and laundry fabric softener for about 10 minutes. Swish them around in the water, remove them, and rinse well with clear water. Wipe or roll off excess moisture, then air dry the brushes and rollers before putting away.

• Extra Paint – No need to save a big can of paint to store just the little that’s left over. Use a glass jar or pint size paint can to store excess paint. Remove the paint can label or mark the new, smaller container with important information. Include the date the paint was used, the color name and number, where it was purchased, the room where it was used, and where (wall, trim, etc.) If you have it, attach the paint swatch from the paint store.

• Be Ready for Touch Ups – Use small baby food jars or food storage containers to store small amounts of paint for touching up scratches or dents. Fill them with leftover paint, label where the paint was used (kitchen cabinets, master bedroom ceiling, etc.) and what type of paint it is (latex flat, oil eggshell, etc.), and place the containers in sealing plastic bags. When you need to make a small repair, shake the container well and dab on a spot of paint with a small foam brush or Q-tip.

Ace Carlsbad Home Improvement

Happy Home Improvement from Ace Hardware Carlsbad!

We always like to come up with helpful, easy and inexpensive solutions to improving your home.

We have found a few simple and easy solutions to making the best of your space in your home.  Remember, stop by Ace Carlsbad for any of your home improvement needs.

If you’d like your nightstands or end tables to be a little less crowded, replace table lamps with floor lamps. They are portable. Table lamps are attractive but take up a good bit of the limited space a table has. There are many elegant choices that you can enjoy while adding the light you need.

Mount your TV on the wall. It can free up quite a bit of space. If you follow the directions, this will take a minimal amount of time.

If you are remodeling your bedroom, consider purchasing furniture that is freestanding. Custom made furniture may look nice but you cannot resell them or take them along when you are moving. Free-standing furnishings also give you more options for redecorating, as they can be moved from room to room, refinished, or sold.

It is possible to inexpensively clean up the look of worn kitchen appliances. Stainless steel is very popular, do not get rid of your refrigerator because you do not like it. It is actually possible to purchase inexpensive spray paint for appliances that can transform their look. This can quickly update your kitchen’s look.

Painting is an affordable way to give a room a fresh look quickly and easily. Visit a home improvement store to study a variety of paint chips. Choose the ones that appeal to you and have fun. If you wind up not liking the results, you always have the option of painting over it.

Legitimate contractors have insurance – avoid any that do not. If they cause damage to your house without having insurance, you must take them to court in order to get your money. Any reputable contractor will be able to show you proof of insurance on demand; don’t hesitate to ask for it.

No matter what your home improvement project is, be sure to keep everything in perspective. Think hard about the reason for any given project, and consider how it might make your life better or easier. You need to be committed to making home improvements, and it’s important you are putting your time to good use.

Have questions?  Ask the experts at Ace Hardware Carlsbad.

Remove Your Old Wallpaper

Is that old wallpaper leaving your house looking outdated?  Get rid of your wallpaper and spruce up your home!

Ace Hardware Carlsbad would like to help you remove your wallpaper to improve your home’s appearance.

Unfortunately taking off the old wallpaper can be difficult.  You will first want to gather your necessary tools found at Ace Hardware Carlsbad: wallpaper solvent, drop cloths or plastic sheeting, trisodium phosphate, spackling compound, sandpaper, scraping tool or putty knife, a perforating tool and possible a wallpaper steamer.  Don’t worry though; we’ll walk you through the steps to get that dated wallpaper off!

1. Remove all the face plates from electrical outlets and switches, telephone jacks, any picture hangers and anything else that is attached to the wall. Any electrical outlets should be covered with tape so no moisture gets in when you spray solvent on the walls. Cover the floor with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
2. You will want to test the wallpaper adhesion to see how easy or difficult it is to remove. Some wallpapers will peel off easily while others are stuck to the wall like white on rice. To test the difficulty of the peel, start at a corner or at a seam and try to peel the paper away. If it comes off easily, you won’t need a steamer.
3. Even if the paper is peeling off easily, you still need to perforate the old wallpaper. That is the tool we just mentioned. It is a roller with little spikes that punch holes in the paper. Don’t press too hard with this tool so you don’t damage the wall behind the paper. The little holes made by the tool allow the wallpaper solvent to penetrate and unglue the paper from the wall. If you are using your own hot water mixed with fabric softener, put this mixture in a spray bottle. Be sure the water is hot and mix a little at a time so you can keep remixing with very hot water.
4. If you have heavy or old paper that has been on the wall for a long time, you might need to rent a wallpaper steamer. This is a messy job, as there is steam and hot water dripping as you work. You might want to open a window to release some of the heat and steam. There should be instructions with the steamer.
5. Whether you use a solvent or the steam method, you will need to scrape the paper off the wall. Some of it will peel off, but some won’t, so scraping is necessary. A wallpaper scraping tool or a putty knife will work. Be sure to get the wallpaper and the backing off the wall.
6. It might be necessary to repair some parts of the wall, and usually spackling compound will do the trick. A little sandpapering might be necessary in some areas. Then all that is left is the cleanup. Here is where the trisodium phosphate comes in. Use a sponge to wipe down the walls and, finally, your job is done.  It’s a time consuming and tough task but you will be so happy when your wallpaper is off your walls!

Choosing Paint Colors With Confidence

Paint Color can be used to create a mood and evoke an emotional response.

Certain paint colors have the power to energize and uplift us, while others will have a soothing and calming effect.

Discover the colors that are just right for you and create a space that’s all your own.  Remember to take part in our Free Paint Saturdays this month!

Blues, greens and purples are calming, contemplative colors, perfect for favorite retreats like bedrooms and libraries. Blue evokes harmony and peace, while green suggests safety, nature and revitalization. Purple is associated with creativity and serenity.

Bright and bold colors like red, orange and yellow project energy and vitality. Use them to bring a stimulating and cheerful air to dining rooms, family rooms and any other space devoted to activity and socializing.

Neutral colors like whites convey an aura of simplicity, purity and cleanliness, as well as creating a sensation of openness. Whites work well in kitchens, bathrooms and smaller spaces.

Here are some very simple ways to find perfect colors for your home:

Your perfect color could be on any object in the room. Look at pillows, rugs, artwork and other decorative objects for inspiration. Flip through home décor magazines for color ideas. Then bring the item or picture to Ace Hardware Carlsbad and they can match the color for you.

Making Painting Easier – Part 3

Welcome to our last entry, Day 3, of Making Painting Easier, Cleaning Up After the Paint Job.

Ace Hardware Carlsbad is participating in the FREE Paint Saturdays for the month of March!  We’d like to share some helpful tips on making sure your painting project comes out flawless and make sure to stop in to Ace Hardware Carlsbad tomorrow to pick up your FREE PAINT!.

The following tips and ideas will help to make your painting projects easier. These instructions and suggestions can save you time and effort while helping you end up with a better-looking paint job.  We will be doing a three part Blog for “Making Painting Easier“.

Making Painting Easier

Part 2: Cleaning Up After The Paint Job

• Special waterless hand cleaners remove both latex-base and oil-base paints easily and quickly. These waterless hand cleaners will not irritate your skin like many solvents. Wipe the paste-type cleaner on your hands, wipe it off and the paint will come off with it.
• Take care of your brushes by cleaning them carefully after each painting job is done and then wrapping and storing them for future use. Fold wax paper around the brush and seal it with a rubber band.
• Wash latex paints out of a brush with clear warm water.
• Clean brushes used with oil-base paints with regular paint cleaner or some type of solvent. Clean the brush thoroughly, then wrap it in wax paper and store it for future use.
• Clean rollers in the same basic way as paintbrushes. Take time to clean them thoroughly.

TOOL AND MATERIAL CHECKLIST

Paint Brushes	Roller Tray
Ladder	Extra Paint Bucket
Paint Scraper	Putty
Wood Putty	Caulking Gun
1/4″ Power Drill	Wire Wheel (Drill)
Special V-Shaped Putty Knife	Long-Handled Putty Knife
Paint Rollers	Wire Screening
Solvent	Masking Tape
Drop Cloths	Putty Knife
Crack Filler	Caulking Compound
Sanding Disk	Sandpaper
Wire Brush	Propane Torch

Making Painting Easier – Part 2

Welcome to Day 2 of Making Painting Easier.  Ace Hardware Carlsbad is participating in the FREE Paint Saturdays for the month of March!  We’d like to share some helpful tips on making sure your painting project comes out flawless.

The following tips and ideas will help to make your painting projects easier. These instructions and suggestions can save you time and effort while helping you end up with a better-looking paint job.  We will be doing a three part Blog for “Making Painting Easier“.

Making Painting Easier

Part 2: Proven Painting Pointers

• Thoroughly mix the paint. Pour off, into another container, any thin portion of the paint that is floating on top. Use a paddle to stir the paste settled in the bottom of the can. Stir in a small amount of the thin portion of the paint and use the paint paddle to stir with a figure eight motion. As you stir, gradually mix the thin portion back into the main paint can. Finally, pour the paint back and forth from one container to another. This will thoroughly mix the paint and bring it to the proper thickness for application.
• Save a lot of clean-up time by lining your roller tray with a plastic tray liner. If you do not have a plastic liner, use aluminum foil. Press a large piece of aluminum foil tightly against the sides of the tray. When you’re finished painting, you can simply remove the aluminum foil and throw it away. This leaves little or no clean up.
• Use masking tape where two paint colors come together for a much neater job. Apply the masking tape at the point where the two colors join. Then remove it when the paint is dry for a much smoother joint between the two colors than what you would get by free-hand painting.
• When you’re painting corners, always use the flat side of the brush. Painting with the side of the brush causes “fingering.” Your paint job will be neater and your brush will last a lot longer when you use the flat side of the brush.

• This bullet point will discuss how to use a paintbrush for best results when painting exterior surfaces. First, dip the paintbrush into the can to load the bristles about half-way with paint. Never dip more than half of the brush into the paint. After loading half the bristles with paint, touch the brush lightly to the surface at several points to apply spots of paint. After applying the spots of paint, use long leveling brush strokes to smooth out the spots. Finish each area with back and forth motions and zig-zag strokes. A little practice with a brush will enable you to complete a professional-looking painting job with minimal effort.
• If you’ve had the paint for a long period of time, it may contain impurities such as dirt or lumps. There is no need to throw this paint away. Instead, cut a disk of window screen to fit just inside the paint can. The screen will sink down into the paint and carry the lumps to the bottom of the can as the level of the paint is lowered.
• You can avoid paint rings and drips on the floor by sticking a paper plate to the bottom of the paint can before you start the job. Just apply a little paint to the bottom of the can and press the paper plate against it. The paper plate will stick to the bottom of the can and prevent the paint from dripping onto the floor.
• Avoid paint ridges and lap marks on a flat surface by always stroking into the wet paint area, never away from it. Blend each stroke of the brush toward the wet paint area, bringing the layer you’re applying into the wet paint previously applied.

• If you are planning a small outside painting job, you may be bothered by insects flying into the newly applied paint. To avoid this problem, add a small amount of insect repellent to the paint when it is mixed. Do not use too much-a small amount will do the trick without damaging the color or quality of the paint.
• Paint wire fences with special, long nap rollers. As this type of roller is pushed across the face of the wire fence, paint is applied to the front and sides of the wire. Repeat on the opposite side and the job is done. The fence can be painted in almost a single stroke if the correct roller is used.
• When you’re painting with a roller, start the job by making several criss-cross strokes on the area to be painted (see second image below). After you’ve made these strokes, continue to work up and down to spread the newly applied paint evenly over the area. For painting trim work, use a special trim roller or a brush.
• You can purchase special rollers for painting beveled or weather-boarded areas. Use a special “doughnut-shaped” roller to paint the under edges of weather board. Use a wider type roller for painting the main surface area. By using rollers of these special types, you can paint the entire exterior of the house without touching a brush.

Making Painting Easier – Part 1

Ace Hardware Carlsbad is participating in the FREE Paint Saturdays for the month of March!  We’d like to share some helpful tips on making sure your painting project comes out flawless.

The following tips and ideas will help to make your painting projects easier. These instructions and suggestions can save you time and effort while helping you end up with a better-looking paint job.  We will be doing a three part Blog for “Making Painting Easier“.

Making Painting Easier

Part 1: Prepare The Surface Before Painting

• Take time to caulk all joints, cracks and seams in the surface before painting. This is easy and quick with a caulking gun and caulking cartridges. Don’t start painting until the caulking is finished and thoroughly dried.
• Before painting windows, check around the window panes for loose or missing putty. Replace the putty in these areas before starting the painting job. Use a good grade of putty and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always clean the surface to be painted. Use a wire brush, sanding block or power sander to remove loose paint and grime before applying the primer coat. If you try to cut corners and save time by failing to clean the surface, you’ll likely end up with trouble later.

• Fill in any cracks or large holes appearing on the surface with wood putty before starting the painting job. The putty should have the texture of paste, as illustrated. Allow time for the wood putty to dry before applying the primer coat.
• Use a special V-shaped putty knife for puttying along a window sash. This special tool is inexpensive and helps you do a professional-looking job much faster and easier.
• If you need to remove a heavy build-up of old paint, use a propane torch to help make the job faster and easier. A wide-mouth burner tip is available to spread the flame over large areas. Use a long-handled scraper to keep your fingers away from the heat as you work.
• Use your power drill for smoothing rough spots before painting. Purchase a sanding wheel drill attachment to make sanding much easier. A wire brush attachment for your power drill is an excellent tool for removing rust and scale from metal.
• Use plastic or paper drop cloths to cover sidewalks, shrubbery or other areas needing protection before you start the painting. Use drop cloths to cover floors, furniture, etc., for indoor painting. These cloths are inexpensive and save you a lot of clean-up time.