1. Choose your colors wisely- Color choices are very important when you are decorating your home. Matching is the cornerstone of decorating tips. The colors need to match with the furniture in you home. You would not paint your living room green when you have red furniture. When you are keeping this in mind, you will be better off.
 
2. Ask for help- Look through different books for ideas. Some even prefer to consult an interior designer. This could get expensive and may require a lot of searching. Getting a book on interior decorating is a good idea and you can get the help that you need. Research as much as possible and you will be able to get the ideas that you need to decorate your home correctly. Having a home that is decorated sloppy is not going to impress anyone.
 
3. Know your budget- Decorating your home can get a little pricey and you can run into some trouble if you don’t know you budget. Home decorating tips are free when you do the search yourself. Having some help in the decorating can get you into trouble. Set yourself with an amount to be able to spend. When you have a limit to spend, you save money on other things to buy. Having the budget under control will allow you to pay for the mistakes that are going to happen.
 
Decorating your home is a chore that is worth it if you decorate wisely. There many times in which a home is decorated only to turn out to be a really bad mistake. When you decorate your home, take the above tips in mind and you will be happy that you decorated your home to begin with. Learn the basics of interior decorating and you will be able to get an idea of what to expect in decorating your home. Going back to the basics is always a good plan when you get stuck on a specific task.

On the internet, you drown in information but starve for knowledge. That’s why I created http://www.LesTout.com, the number #1 source of Daily Life Advice.

Hi, I’m Dr. Barry Lycka the president and founder of LesTout.com – and I encourage you to come and enjoy my site. It changes daily and is like a Disneyland for the mind, a cornucopia of marvelous things. Let us help you live your life to the fullest.

Feel free to use this article on your website, blog or newsletter (but please give us credit. It’s copyright protected. And visit our Modern Living Channel for up to date advice

Author: Barry Lycka
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Netbook, Tablets and Mobile Computing

Home Interior Decorating Tips & Ideas is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

Furnitures are available in variety of materials, but as far as ‘Wood Furniture’ is concern it has many advantages like it blends best with the natural surroundings, doesn’t absorb heat, cost low maintenance, easy to clean, and durable but it needed to be treated periodically.

Preventative maintenance is the key to keep your wood furniture looking like new

Always remember simple routine maintenance can not only increase life to your wooden furniture but also help to maintain its shape and looks other wise your furniture may loose its strength and lustier. Wooden furniture may loose its strength because of :

1 Weather Condition is the first concern comes to mind for any wooden furniture which may affect your wooden furniture, it could be the exposure of rain / snow / moisture/ mist. Exposure to any of these may adversely affect the wood cells of your furniture which may lead to expansion or contraction of the cell walls as per the moisture content inside the cell which causes shrinking and swelling of your wood furniture. This may further leads to di-shaping, cracking, peeling, and paint/ varnish defects.

2. Weathering Process – Weathering is the process of degradation in wood’s surface caused by the combined atmospheric effects like solar radiation, moisture, and heat etc. resulting in change in appearance and de-structure and decrease in composite thickness of the wood.

During this process, the wood first changes its color to become light and further wood surface looses its wood fibers because of erosion. However this erosion process is an extremely slow process and involves decade of years.

All the above mentioned facts can easily be controlled with proper care. The under given guidelines / tips drafted by Dallas furniture store can help you not only to maintain the look of your living room or bedroom furniture but also increase life to your wooden furniture

• Recommended to use a coasters / mats when placing glasses, vases, mugs etc on wood surfaces.
• Always use waterproof furniture covers for protection against moisture.
• As Outdoor furniture are more exposed to air particles hence water repellants or other products with a high percentage of oil are not recommended for it as they have the stick tendency for these particles.
• The contraction and expansion of wood because of weathering may require adjustment in screws, and to make it more easy, it is recommended to avoid varnishing over screw fittings.
• Wash your furniture once in a week if it is close to pool, as pool water contains chlorine which may affect the finish of your furniture.
• Apply a paint touch-up / varnish once in a year.

If some damage has been occur on the surface of your wood furniture, you can repair with few simple process described below :

• First, clean the damage surface with a pure cotton cloth and mild cleanser and let it dry completely.
• Now lightly sand the area to be repaired with sand paper or finer.
• Next, rub a small amount of stone texture compound into the damaged area and smooth it out, leave it till it gets dry.
• To finish the repair process, apply paint / colors. Let dry completely.

To conclude, with proper care and maintenance you can retain looks and add life to your wood furniture and ultimately improve the quality of your house.

DFW Furniture Direct – provides high quality designer furniture at wholesale prices to the DFW Metro area. Specialize in traditional and contemporary Bedroom Furniture And Living Room Furniture to meet all home furnishing needs.

DFW Furniture Direct

1409 Jupiter Road Ste # 225
(Located in Plano Bazaar)

Plano, Texas 75074
Phone: 214-558-1639
Fax: 972-424-8125

Author: Rashmi Saxena
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital TV, HDTV, Satellite TV

Dallas Texas Online Furniture Store – Your Wood Bedroom Furniture & Living Room Furniture Care Guide is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

1. Choose your colors wisely- Color choices are very important when you are decorating your home. Matching is the cornerstone of decorating tips. The colors need to match with the furniture in you home. You would not paint your living room green when you have red furniture. When you are keeping this in mind, you will be better off.
 
2. Ask for help- Look through different books for ideas. Some even prefer to consult an interior designer. This could get expensive and may require a lot of searching. Getting a book on interior decorating is a good idea and you can get the help that you need. Research as much as possible and you will be able to get the ideas that you need to decorate your home correctly. Having a home that is decorated sloppy is not going to impress anyone.
 
3. Know your budget- Decorating your home can get a little pricey and you can run into some trouble if you don’t know you budget. Home decorating tips are free when you do the search yourself. Having some help in the decorating can get you into trouble. Set yourself with an amount to be able to spend. When you have a limit to spend, you save money on other things to buy. Having the budget under control will allow you to pay for the mistakes that are going to happen.
 
Decorating your home is a chore that is worth it if you decorate wisely. There many times in which a home is decorated only to turn out to be a really bad mistake. When you decorate your home, take the above tips in mind and you will be happy that you decorated your home to begin with. Learn the basics of interior decorating and you will be able to get an idea of what to expect in decorating your home. Going back to the basics is always a good plan when you get stuck on a specific task.

On the internet, you drown in information but starve for knowledge. That’s why I created http://www.LesTout.com, the number #1 source of Daily Life Advice.

Hi, I’m Dr. Barry Lycka the president and founder of LesTout.com – and I encourage you to come and enjoy my site. It changes daily and is like a Disneyland for the mind, a cornucopia of marvelous things. Let us help you live your life to the fullest.

Feel free to use this article on your website, blog or newsletter (but please give us credit. It’s copyright protected. And visit our Modern Living Channel for up to date advice

Author: Barry Lycka
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Cellphone news

Home Interior Decorating Tips & Ideas is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

First, and foremost don’t buy cheap paint. I prefer using Sherwin Williams Duration or Superpaint brands. They will run around $40 a gallon and $35 a gallon respectively. Expect to get coverage of about 350 square feet per gallon and two coats are always necessary. Another advantage of using higher grade paint is that touch-up down the road will blend perfectly.

Don’t buy an expensive brush for painting the walls. Look to spend around $8 to $10 dollars on a 2 and a half inch ANGLED sash brush. I stress buying an angled sash brush because that is how professionals paint straight lines and properly cut in a room. When cutting in ceilings do not use tape. People are afraid that they cannot paint a straight line. Painting is not like throwing a 30 yard post pattern in the NFL. You do not have to be an elite athlete to be a good painter have you seen the physiques of most professional painters? Painting is all about patience don’t try to rush through the cutting in phase since a good paint job is all about straight lines period. A little trick is when you are cutting in focus your eyes just slightly ahead of the brush. Your hand will magically follow your sight line. Try it it works.

If you have large holes or cracks in a wall purchase a small can of vinyl repair paste. The reason I prefer it over regular wall Spackle is that after it dries it is much harder and sands easily. You can even use it for minor wood repair in a pinch.

When it comes to rolling out the walls never ever use a cheap foam roller. Foam rollers never evenly absorb the paint out of the pan and will actually add time to you project and cause more mess. Buy yourself a synthetic professional 3/8 nap roller head for about $6 to $8. Not only will the paint be applied in a smoother fashion you will experience less work and mess.

Now here comes the fun part doors and wood work. This is where most people opt to use latex which is a huge mistake. Your home is your biggest investment don’t cut corners on it’s aesthetics. You want the finish on your woodwork to stand out from the walls especially if you have crown moulding or waynes coating. Don’t be fooled by water based products that claim to give the look and finish of oil. It’s just good marketing preying on people’s fears of painting with oil. Don’t believe the hype as those samples they show you have 3 or 4 coats that have been professionally sprayed in a dust free environment. You will not get the same results I can promise you that. You have a choice of semi-gloss or gloss finish. I prefer gloss because to me it gives you a bit more durability and shine. Either one will be fine for your project. Now let’s get started.

The first thing you need to do is clean your baseboards, doors, and wood work with a damp rag. Yes, your baseboards are that dirty. Now comes the time consuming process of taping off. This is a step that is skipped by most do it your self people and let me tell you it shows. Like I mentioned before a paint job is only as good as the straightness off it’s lines don’t cheat yourself here. Buy low stick professional painters tape and allow the walls to properly dry before you apply. Take your time as this process cannot be rushed through, but will give professional looking results. If you have carpet use 2 inch regular painters tape and tuck it in real good where the carpet meets the baseboard. Remove door hardware it takes two seconds and failure to do so will only slow you down in the long run. Open the windows and break out any fans as painting with oil based paint comes with paint fumes.

Our next step is mixing the oil paint. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Obviously you will need to buy some paint thinner, but the most important product you will need is Penetrol $12. Take a plastic quart cup that you will be painting out of and fill it up about three quarters with paint. Now mix in a couple of tablespoons of Penetrol and the slightest amount of thinner. Mix it up with a stick real good and you are ready to go. Why Penetrol? This product is the key to a fantastic looking job. Penetrol will not only smooth out the finish it will extend the time (usually about 20 minutes) before the paint starts to get sticky. This will allow you to apply a glass like finish and eliminate brush marks. We are going to apply two coats here as well so don’t glob on the paint. When you are painting the door frames get used to the paint and watch your drips. After about ten minutes or so you will get used to how the paint flows and how damn good your finish looks. Allow to dry overnight before apply second coat. Tip: after you apply the second coat remove the tape and don’t allow to dry first. You will get a little paint on your hands from the tape, but deal with it. By removing the tape now you will ensure crisp lines. In some case when you allow the second coat to dry you will pull a bit of the oil paint off. It is not common, but in my opinion why take the chance.

When it comes to painting your doors your first step will depend on whether they are flat or raised panel. If you have raised panel have both you brush and roller at the ready. Again you must buy the proper roller. I prefer a synthetic high grade 4 inch head. Ask you sales professional to recommend the best one. Foam rollers are only good for stain and a cheap roller heads can leave little hairs in the finish. For the raised panel your first step is to paint the indentations around the panels and then roll it out. I can’t stress enough for you to paint light coats. When you are done give it a good visual once over. Drips can take a couple of minutes to develop. Before you begin your second coat give the door a quick sanding with a very light sandpaper. I usually use a fine sanding sponge.

RANDOM PAINTING TIPS

Take the time to paint your closets. Yes, it’s a pain to remove everything and paint, but not only will you get a chance to throw out some junk potential buyers down the road will appreciate that the closets are painted.

Consider purchasing a hand held paint caddy and use it instead of a regular plastic quart. They are easier to maneuver with and usually come with a strap to attach to your hand.

Purchase a mini scaffold for about $45. Going up and down a ladder is tiresome and limits your reach. A mini scaffold allows you to walk down the wall a bit and they easily fold up for quick storage. You will be amazed how many times you will break it out for various home projects.

Purchase paint pan liners 5 for about $5. Once your done simply throw the liner out saving your paint pan and also giving you the opportunity to change paint colors without having to clean and dry the pan.

Have plenty of newspaper around.

After you clean your brushes wrap them in a plastic bag

Treat yourself to a good lunch and forget the diet. It is amazing what some pizza or a good burger will do for the afternoon painting push.

Store your leftover paint in plastic Rubbermaid beverage jugs or other plastic seal-able containers. Paint left in the can always gets funny after time. Either the can isn’t properly sealed of it gets exposed to extreme heat or cold. I like to store my paint inside where the temperature is controlled.

Take your time there is no rush. There is nothing wrong with having your project take a couple of weeks.

Don’t ask friends to help you paint. Basically, you are asking them to give up their day off to save you money. You don’t want to be first on the list when your painting buddy hits you up to help him move do you?

Use the painting project as an excuse to give your home a thorough spring cleaning and get rid of any clutter.

Painting ceiling does not require premium paint. You can use flat $15 to $20 ceiling paint. I use Sherwin Williams PRO-MAR 200. Painting ceiling requires a lot of physical work and plenty of drop cloths. If you are not up for the challenge or have very high ceilings contacted a professional will prove to be a smart move.

Sit back and admire your handiwork. Not only did you save yourself a bunch of money you have learned a new skill that can be used for a lifetime.

Jason Bourque, Editor and and Past Painting Contractor

I was a painting contractor for eight years in Naples Florida. The purpose of my article is to give home owners a straight up game plan for painting their home. I stress the use of oil paint for wood work and doors since it make for a better paint job. The link to my website which is a website dedicated to the local community is http://www.naplesindependent.com

Author: Jason Bourque
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Latest trends in mobile phone

The Real Deal on Home Painting Projects is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

1. Choose your colors wisely- Color choices are very important when you are decorating your home. Matching is the cornerstone of decorating tips. The colors need to match with the furniture in you home. You would not paint your living room green when you have red furniture. When you are keeping this in mind, you will be better off.
 
2. Ask for help- Look through different books for ideas. Some even prefer to consult an interior designer. This could get expensive and may require a lot of searching. Getting a book on interior decorating is a good idea and you can get the help that you need. Research as much as possible and you will be able to get the ideas that you need to decorate your home correctly. Having a home that is decorated sloppy is not going to impress anyone.
 
3. Know your budget- Decorating your home can get a little pricey and you can run into some trouble if you don’t know you budget. Home decorating tips are free when you do the search yourself. Having some help in the decorating can get you into trouble. Set yourself with an amount to be able to spend. When you have a limit to spend, you save money on other things to buy. Having the budget under control will allow you to pay for the mistakes that are going to happen.
 
Decorating your home is a chore that is worth it if you decorate wisely. There many times in which a home is decorated only to turn out to be a really bad mistake. When you decorate your home, take the above tips in mind and you will be happy that you decorated your home to begin with. Learn the basics of interior decorating and you will be able to get an idea of what to expect in decorating your home. Going back to the basics is always a good plan when you get stuck on a specific task.

On the internet, you drown in information but starve for knowledge. That’s why I created http://www.LesTout.com, the number #1 source of Daily Life Advice.

Hi, I’m Dr. Barry Lycka the president and founder of LesTout.com – and I encourage you to come and enjoy my site. It changes daily and is like a Disneyland for the mind, a cornucopia of marvelous things. Let us help you live your life to the fullest.

Feel free to use this article on your website, blog or newsletter (but please give us credit. It’s copyright protected. And visit our Modern Living Channel for up to date advice

Author: Barry Lycka
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital Camera Information

Home Interior Decorating Tips & Ideas is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

1. Choose your colors wisely- Color choices are very important when you are decorating your home. Matching is the cornerstone of decorating tips. The colors need to match with the furniture in you home. You would not paint your living room green when you have red furniture. When you are keeping this in mind, you will be better off.
 
2. Ask for help- Look through different books for ideas. Some even prefer to consult an interior designer. This could get expensive and may require a lot of searching. Getting a book on interior decorating is a good idea and you can get the help that you need. Research as much as possible and you will be able to get the ideas that you need to decorate your home correctly. Having a home that is decorated sloppy is not going to impress anyone.
 
3. Know your budget- Decorating your home can get a little pricey and you can run into some trouble if you don’t know you budget. Home decorating tips are free when you do the search yourself. Having some help in the decorating can get you into trouble. Set yourself with an amount to be able to spend. When you have a limit to spend, you save money on other things to buy. Having the budget under control will allow you to pay for the mistakes that are going to happen.
 
Decorating your home is a chore that is worth it if you decorate wisely. There many times in which a home is decorated only to turn out to be a really bad mistake. When you decorate your home, take the above tips in mind and you will be happy that you decorated your home to begin with. Learn the basics of interior decorating and you will be able to get an idea of what to expect in decorating your home. Going back to the basics is always a good plan when you get stuck on a specific task.

On the internet, you drown in information but starve for knowledge. That’s why I created http://www.LesTout.com, the number #1 source of Daily Life Advice.

Hi, I’m Dr. Barry Lycka the president and founder of LesTout.com – and I encourage you to come and enjoy my site. It changes daily and is like a Disneyland for the mind, a cornucopia of marvelous things. Let us help you live your life to the fullest.

Feel free to use this article on your website, blog or newsletter (but please give us credit. It’s copyright protected. And visit our Modern Living Channel for up to date advice

Author: Barry Lycka
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital Camera Information

Home Interior Decorating Tips & Ideas is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

1. Choose your colors wisely- Color choices are very important when you are decorating your home. Matching is the cornerstone of decorating tips. The colors need to match with the furniture in you home. You would not paint your living room green when you have red furniture. When you are keeping this in mind, you will be better off.
 
2. Ask for help- Look through different books for ideas. Some even prefer to consult an interior designer. This could get expensive and may require a lot of searching. Getting a book on interior decorating is a good idea and you can get the help that you need. Research as much as possible and you will be able to get the ideas that you need to decorate your home correctly. Having a home that is decorated sloppy is not going to impress anyone.
 
3. Know your budget- Decorating your home can get a little pricey and you can run into some trouble if you don’t know you budget. Home decorating tips are free when you do the search yourself. Having some help in the decorating can get you into trouble. Set yourself with an amount to be able to spend. When you have a limit to spend, you save money on other things to buy. Having the budget under control will allow you to pay for the mistakes that are going to happen.
 
Decorating your home is a chore that is worth it if you decorate wisely. There many times in which a home is decorated only to turn out to be a really bad mistake. When you decorate your home, take the above tips in mind and you will be happy that you decorated your home to begin with. Learn the basics of interior decorating and you will be able to get an idea of what to expect in decorating your home. Going back to the basics is always a good plan when you get stuck on a specific task.

On the internet, you drown in information but starve for knowledge. That’s why I created http://www.LesTout.com, the number #1 source of Daily Life Advice.

Hi, I’m Dr. Barry Lycka the president and founder of LesTout.com – and I encourage you to come and enjoy my site. It changes daily and is like a Disneyland for the mind, a cornucopia of marvelous things. Let us help you live your life to the fullest.

Feel free to use this article on your website, blog or newsletter (but please give us credit. It’s copyright protected. And visit our Modern Living Channel for up to date advice

Author: Barry Lycka
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital Camera News

Home Interior Decorating Tips & Ideas is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

1. Choose your colors wisely- Color choices are very important when you are decorating your home. Matching is the cornerstone of decorating tips. The colors need to match with the furniture in you home. You would not paint your living room green when you have red furniture. When you are keeping this in mind, you will be better off.
 
2. Ask for help- Look through different books for ideas. Some even prefer to consult an interior designer. This could get expensive and may require a lot of searching. Getting a book on interior decorating is a good idea and you can get the help that you need. Research as much as possible and you will be able to get the ideas that you need to decorate your home correctly. Having a home that is decorated sloppy is not going to impress anyone.
 
3. Know your budget- Decorating your home can get a little pricey and you can run into some trouble if you don’t know you budget. Home decorating tips are free when you do the search yourself. Having some help in the decorating can get you into trouble. Set yourself with an amount to be able to spend. When you have a limit to spend, you save money on other things to buy. Having the budget under control will allow you to pay for the mistakes that are going to happen.
 
Decorating your home is a chore that is worth it if you decorate wisely. There many times in which a home is decorated only to turn out to be a really bad mistake. When you decorate your home, take the above tips in mind and you will be happy that you decorated your home to begin with. Learn the basics of interior decorating and you will be able to get an idea of what to expect in decorating your home. Going back to the basics is always a good plan when you get stuck on a specific task.

On the internet, you drown in information but starve for knowledge. That’s why I created http://www.LesTout.com, the number #1 source of Daily Life Advice.

Hi, I’m Dr. Barry Lycka the president and founder of LesTout.com – and I encourage you to come and enjoy my site. It changes daily and is like a Disneyland for the mind, a cornucopia of marvelous things. Let us help you live your life to the fullest.

Feel free to use this article on your website, blog or newsletter (but please give us credit. It’s copyright protected. And visit our Modern Living Channel for up to date advice

Author: Barry Lycka
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Panasonic Lumix G2

Home Interior Decorating Tips & Ideas is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

Furnitures are available in variety of materials, but as far as ‘Wood Furniture’ is concern it has many advantages like it blends best with the natural surroundings, doesn’t absorb heat, cost low maintenance, easy to clean, and durable but it needed to be treated periodically.

Preventative maintenance is the key to keep your wood furniture looking like new

Always remember simple routine maintenance can not only increase life to your wooden furniture but also help to maintain its shape and looks other wise your furniture may loose its strength and lustier. Wooden furniture may loose its strength because of :

1 Weather Condition is the first concern comes to mind for any wooden furniture which may affect your wooden furniture, it could be the exposure of rain / snow / moisture/ mist. Exposure to any of these may adversely affect the wood cells of your furniture which may lead to expansion or contraction of the cell walls as per the moisture content inside the cell which causes shrinking and swelling of your wood furniture. This may further leads to di-shaping, cracking, peeling, and paint/ varnish defects.

2. Weathering Process – Weathering is the process of degradation in wood’s surface caused by the combined atmospheric effects like solar radiation, moisture, and heat etc. resulting in change in appearance and de-structure and decrease in composite thickness of the wood.

During this process, the wood first changes its color to become light and further wood surface looses its wood fibers because of erosion. However this erosion process is an extremely slow process and involves decade of years.

All the above mentioned facts can easily be controlled with proper care. The under given guidelines / tips drafted by Dallas furniture store can help you not only to maintain the look of your living room or bedroom furniture but also increase life to your wooden furniture

• Recommended to use a coasters / mats when placing glasses, vases, mugs etc on wood surfaces.
• Always use waterproof furniture covers for protection against moisture.
• As Outdoor furniture are more exposed to air particles hence water repellants or other products with a high percentage of oil are not recommended for it as they have the stick tendency for these particles.
• The contraction and expansion of wood because of weathering may require adjustment in screws, and to make it more easy, it is recommended to avoid varnishing over screw fittings.
• Wash your furniture once in a week if it is close to pool, as pool water contains chlorine which may affect the finish of your furniture.
• Apply a paint touch-up / varnish once in a year.

If some damage has been occur on the surface of your wood furniture, you can repair with few simple process described below :

• First, clean the damage surface with a pure cotton cloth and mild cleanser and let it dry completely.
• Now lightly sand the area to be repaired with sand paper or finer.
• Next, rub a small amount of stone texture compound into the damaged area and smooth it out, leave it till it gets dry.
• To finish the repair process, apply paint / colors. Let dry completely.

To conclude, with proper care and maintenance you can retain looks and add life to your wood furniture and ultimately improve the quality of your house.

DFW Furniture Direct – provides high quality designer furniture at wholesale prices to the DFW Metro area. Specialize in traditional and contemporary Bedroom Furniture And Living Room Furniture to meet all home furnishing needs.

DFW Furniture Direct

1409 Jupiter Road Ste # 225
(Located in Plano Bazaar)

Plano, Texas 75074
Phone: 214-558-1639
Fax: 972-424-8125

Author: Rashmi Saxena
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Hybrid and Electric Cars

Dallas Texas Online Furniture Store – Your Wood Bedroom Furniture & Living Room Furniture Care Guide is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home

Go Green? What Paint is right for You? What is a good quality Paint? Here is a quick guide to choosing the right paint like a pro!

Before you can choose a paint, you need to ask yourself what do I expect out of this paint? If you are painting your house for the purpose of selling it your paint will not be the same as someone who has three children a messy pet and no intention of moving. There are many questions a paint retailer may ask you when you are buying paint. They may use words you are not familiar with so let’s give you a quick education on some terms and definitions.

Oil and Waterbourne paints: Well without getting to technical, oil based paints dry harder and need mineral spirits to clean up with for the average homeowner it is a real nightmare. Waterbourne paints do not dry as hard (which in many cases is a plus), they clean up with water and are much easier to work with. Oil paints should be regulated for covering unwanted stains.

Let’s talk about Sheen: The easiest way for me to explain sheen is to simply substitute the word sheen with shine or gloss. In most cases the more sheen the more durability/washability the paint has. The scale of sheen usually goes as follows Flat, Matte, Low Sheen/Luster, Eggshell, Satin/Pearl, Semi-gloss, Gloss. Paints with very low sheen tend to hide imperfections in walls; whereas glossier paints tend to reveal imperfections. That is why mostly ceilings are painted flat. Since the ceiling surface rarely gets touched, washability is not a concern and flat paint can help to hide drywall seams. Conversely doors and trim and baseboards get handled regularly so semi-gloss and gloss paints are the norm. What about your walls? Well look at your walls now are they subject to a lot of wear and tear? If you live alone or just don’t have any children or pets, you may enjoy the softness of flat or matte paint. However if you or your kids are “hands on” when it comes to your walls low sheen or eggshell will probably make the most sense. Satins are usually relegated to kitchens and bathrooms. That too is a judgment call.

Green Paints: What is the big deal with “green paints”? Well as a painter for over 15 years I couldn’t wait to switch to “green paints”! Here is the quick rundown. Non eco-friendly paints contain volatile organic compounds or VOC’s these are emitted from the paint as it dries. According to the EPA’s website, some health concerns are as follows “Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.” Now you know why I couldn’t wait to make the switch! So even if your not into saving the planet think of yourself and others who may be in the house your painting. The best thing about these “green paints ” is there are lots to choose from, some have No VOCs and some are Low VOCs. Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore have products at many different price points I commonly use their contractor grade products Pro Green by Sherwin Williams, and Eco Spec by Benjamin Moore and the performance of these paint surpassed their non eco-friendly predecessors.

Should I shell out for the best? In my years of experience for interior painting a mid-level paint works just fine. I always plan on doing two coats. Even the best paints despite their claims do not cover in one coat, unless the color is the same or very close. I’ve heard of claims of one coat coverage and I always ask the person selling me the paint, “Do you guarantee one coat coverage?” The answer is always, “No.” So my advice to you is if money is no object go ahead and by the top of the line, however if your on a budget you can achieve great results with a mid-level paint and keep that extra money in your pocket.

What about primers? For me primers are used in limited situations if you are painting over new drywall use a drywall primer (or if you are spot priming over spackle or patches). If you are covering an unwanted stain use an oil primer. Surfaces that may have been stained before, like paneling, use an oil primer. In some cases certain colors will require a gray primer to help reduce the number of coats. The reason for that is because the tints/colorants used give paints their color actually thin the paint hence the more colorants needed the more transparent and thinner the paint becomes. If you a just painting to change the color of your room and none of these circumstances pertain to you, you do not need a primer! Two coats of regular paint is all you need. Trust me.

Simple advice for Exterior Paints: if you are painting the exterior of your house ALWAYS buy the top of the line paint! The walls of your bedroom in 20 years will never be exposed to the conditions the exterior painted surfaces of your house will in three weeks. I recommend using a satin for added durability. When it comes to exterior paint you get what you pay for.

Ask Questions Don’t be afraid to ask questions. What do pros do when they aren’t sure what paint to use. They ask paint retailers and other painters. if you have a special problem area or a specialized look you want and don’t know how to get it, ask a paint retailer. Be as specific as you can and give them as much info as possible. Also you may want to do a specific search on the web.

You can now walk into any paint retailer with a sense of confidence! You may need to ask questions about their particular products, but you won’t be wearing that “deer in the headlights” look and nodding your head to anything the salesperson says.

If you like this article and would like more helpful information or you would like to watch my step by step videos about painting click here

Ray Akers is a Painting Contractor in the Chicago area and has over 15 years experience. If you would like to see photo’s and videos of his work, visit him @ gogreenapple.com

Author: Ray Akers
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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How to Select and Buy Interior and Exterior House Paint is a post from: Home Seasoning - Tips for turning your house into a home