Something beautiful may be hiding under those cracked layers of paint
There's something special about restoring a piece of furniture that was caked with old paint. Sometimes you can find buried treasure underneath an ugly paint job.
Here are some tips for uncovering that diamond in the rough.
Chemical strippers are great, and the newer, safer compounds work quite well. The gels are wonderful for getting paint out of carved or detailed areas. Just keep in mind that they can soften the wood as they work. They also can remove glue and loosen joints. Read and follow the directions and protect your eyes, face and skin, as well as the area where you are working.
Once you get the bulk of the old paint off, you probably will have some paint to remove from cracks and crevices and other hard-to-reach places. Toothpicks are wonderful little tools for scraping and picking the paint out of small cracks and hard-to-reach areas. The wooden ones won't gouge or scrape the wood you are working on. Old plastic credit cards work well, too. Again, they won't gouge or scrape the wood, which can be softened in the stripping process. String also can be used to get paint out of crevices. Pull the string through the area to pull the loosened paint out.
Old toothbrushes make great tools, too. Use one that is soft so you don't leave any scratches. Steel wool is a great tool for light sanding, and can be very helpful in removing the last little bits of paint the stripper missed. It also can be used in combination with some of the other, smaller hand tools. For really difficult areas, you can use a rotary tool like those Ryobi or Dremel make. There are a lot of different attachments that can be used to get the paint off surfaces. Just be very careful not to take the wood off, too.
Now you are ready for the fun part, so take your time and get the new finish just right, and you will have a real showpiece for your home and something to be really proud of for years to come.
Duct work
Duct work that is flexible is great for seamlessly snaking around in attics and crawl spaces. Homeowners love it just as much as installers. But if it sags or gets crimped, then it's not working as well as it should, and it even can cause serious problems. Add extra support to sagging areas by creating a splint or sling from wood or cardboard and extra pipe strapping. Just slip the support under the duct to remove sags and crimps. It's easy to do and can make a huge difference.
Creative outlet
Foam insulation kits for receptacles and switches on inside or exterior walls can cut way down on drafts and heat loss during the winter. They also can keep the cool air inside your home during the summer. But it's easy to make your own from the tops of foam egg cartons. Just make sure they are clean, then cut out the pieces with a utility knife. You can use the switch cover as your guide. They go between the wall box and the cover, and should just overlap the edges of the box for the best seal. Just another EGGxample of smart recycling and energy savings!
Super hintsbull; Energy Star-rated appliances not only run more efficiently, they can pay for themselves in saved energy costs in just a few years over older appliances.bull; If you are hanging a birdhouse or swing on one of your prize trees, make sure to cover the chain, rope or cable with plastic hose. You can buy a length of clear hose at an aquarium shop, and it won't show but will protect your trees.bull; Hanging baskets add a nice touch once you get past the dripping of water and leaves. I always add a simple swivel hook between the ceiling hook and the top of the hanging basket. I get mine from the fishing-supply store, but craft stores and hardware stores sell them, too. This is great because you can turn the plants to get more sun or shade when you need to, and you don't have to take them down to do it.bull; Write to Al and Kelly Carrell in care of the Daily Herald, P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006, or visit the Carrells' website at thesuperhandyman.com.#169; 2010, Cowles Syndicate Inc.