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Home Improvement Information7 Steps to Attractively
Painted Flea-Market Finds
by:
Michel Laurine
Even as the designers on TV are doing it; finding great furnishing at flea-markets, charity shops, and yard sales. Often, a howling piece of furnishings
can be had for mere dollars, especially if its stop is in desperate need of several TLC. Unfortunately, the design shows on TV don’t show you all the proper steps for refreshing your finds. Take the time to do it right, and your “new” furnishings
wish have friends questioning wherever
you shop!
1. Security first: Before you disturb any painted surface, you should think simply about the possibility of lead. Lead paint additives were phased out in the 1970’s and 80’s. If you suspect lead is present in any paint, you can find information simply about security precautions and testing at www.epa.gov/lead, or by job the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD. Even as with newer surfaces, I find that a dust mask is always in order once
sanding. Your lungs wish impart
you.
2. Sanding: Not all pieces wish require sanding before repainting. My mantra is to leave well enough alone once
dealing with old paint surfaces. If, however, the paint is chipped, peeling, crackling, or has else problems, you strength
not be able to avoid the sandpaper. A small electric hand power tool is my better friend for these situations. A really light sanding (really simply scuffing) can help your new paint adhere to old oil paint or a glossy surface.
3. Prep, prep, prep: The number one reason for paint failures is incorrect preparation. Time spent on school assignment wish ensure you get a nice result in the end. Do sure the surface is altogether clear and dust free before you ever get the paint out of the can. If you have sanded the surface, move out dust with a tack cloth. This is a small piece of veiling
soaked in wax, accessible at your local house improvement store in the paint section. They cost about one dollar…get several to support on hand for the next project! If you can’t find one, several thorough passes with a damp material followed by another pass with a dusting material can do the job. Most importantly, don’t rush your school assignment work.
4. Taping: Cautiously tape off any areas you don’t want painted, and burnish the tape edges down once, firmly, with a fingernail. If you think you strength
have to leave the tape on for much than a day or so, use a lower adhesion tape ready-made for delicate surfaces.
5. Priming: If the piece is unpainted, consider a coat of primer before you paint. There are superior
primers specifically ready-made for stone and metal. Tell your paint store rep what you’re painting and follow her advice. Use a nice latex or oil-based primer for wood surfaces. Several wood grains (pine or cheaper grades of oak, for example) may “rise” after a 1st coat of latex, and priming improves the chances that you can avoid this. The raised grain wish feel rough. If this happens, you’ll need to sand the grain down lightly and prime again. Don’t worry; it’s not as bad as it sounds once
you cognize what happened!
6. Painting: Finally, time to paint! Use a nice quality paint brush. Be careful not to overload your brush with paint and put it on too thickly. This is a common mistake. Painting in thick layers can lead to ugly drips, cracks, or drying delays. Instead, paint in thin coats, allowing time for each coat to dry altogether before recoating. This wish give you a beautiful and strong surface.
7. Curing: Follow the manual on your paint can to do sure your new furnishings
is safely cured before you begin to use it or place objects on top of it. Paints, latex in particular, can feel dry well before they actually are. Once
in doubt, I like to wait 24-48 hours before I place my freshly painted flea-market beauties into service.
Now, enjoy your new furnishings. Use them well and ne'er
fear; if they get broken
or you tire of the color, you cognize how to fix it!
Just simply about the author:
© 2005 Michel Laurine. Michel Laurine is a false finisher and ornamental
painter who enjoys sharing her love of color and small indefinite amount clients change their homes. http://www.greatwallschicago.com
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