by Debra on Monday, August 31, 2009
House Painting Issues: Dealing With Lead Paint
Home Do It Yourself
As far as the majority is concerned, paint is usually believed to be harmless, the lead contained in it is the complete opposite and unfortunately, it has been proven a great many times to be dangerous. Lead can be everywhere but steering clear of it is do to difficult.
Getting the Lead Out: The Complete Resource for Preventing and Coping with Lead Poisoning
In the interior of almost all buildings, in details such as the thresholds, roofs, and cabinets, lead was employed until it was prohibited in 1978 – now it has been proven to result in assorted maladies in kids as well as in adults. Addressing this issue can be very expensive and some householders won’t consider the issue in the least, therefore creating a menace to all the people who will be coming into contact with the affected surfaces.
Bathroom Remodeling
With reference to a a recent study, the vulnerability of individuals to lead paint, can result in several mental and physical conditions, that can prove damaging as it develops. For expectant mothers, exposure to lead could cause defective growth of the fetus. Lead poisoning can cause numerous problems, from kidney conditions in youngsters (also in adults) to a rise in blood pressure.
What Can You Do?
In the majority of cases, people will try to take away the cause by scraping off the harmful coat of paint and applying a new layer. Although this will be the simplest method, you ought never to attempt this. Scraping off the layer could result in specks flying into the atmosphere, and those specks can poison anyone who breathes them in. Alternatively, try to cover the harmful coat with something like drywall or wallpaper and paint that layer.
For entranceway’s, cabinets and other small parts, it’ll be advisable to have them exchanged completely. You will not want to gamble on anything relating to health and for this, the healthiest method is to have the whole thing taken out. Spell that might appear very costly, it pays to be sure of everyone’s welfare.
With the menaces levied by these problems, you may not wish to gamble your own welfare, and therefore have someone else do the job on your behalf. Luckily, a number of companies specialize in this. You can employ contractors that are certified to address issues regarding lead poisoning. These people are already aware of what needs to be done and are able to give you help on how to look after it, so now you can fix the problems without doing this yourself.
Professioal Lab #LP106 Pro Paint/Dust Lead Kit
Bathroom Designs
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by Debra on Thursday, August 28, 2008
Popcorn, a coating sprayed onto the ceilings of homes built between 1935 and 1979, is often one of the first items a new homeowner wants to change. They often feel these types of ceilings are dated or have heard about hazards associated with them. Learning what to do with popcorn ceilings is one way to save a good amount of money when remodeling.
photo credit: BarelyFitz
If you’re thinking of removing the popcorn ceiling from your home, here are some things to consider before starting the project and some items you’ll need if you choose to tackle the project on your own.
Before removing an entire room’s worth of ceiling texture, it would be best to carefully remove a small portion of the texture to have it tested for asbestos. Check with your local Health Department to find a testing facility or for suggestions about where to purchase an at-home asbestos test.
Asbestos isn’t hazardous unless it is disturbed, so if you find it in your home, it’s best to leave it alone. However, if the asbestos has been damaged and could be getting into the air, your options are to remove it or to contain it in some manner. Don’t attempt to remove the asbestos on your own without knowing having the proper respiratory protection. You may choose to have a professional remove the popcorn ceiling in order to protect your family.
If asbestos isn’t a problem you’ll need the following materials to remove the popcorn ceiling from your rooms.
- Joint compound
- Putty knife
- Pole sander and sanding screen
- Wall scraper or trowel
- Pump sprayer
- Ladder
Empty the room out that you’re working in and then cover the floor with a drop cloth. Everyone working on the ceiling should wear goggles and respiratory masks. Spray a small portion of the ceiling with warm soapy water, starting in one corner, and then scrape the popcorn covering from the ceiling. Work toward the center of the room and then remove the garbage.
Let the ceiling dry completely before trying to patch any nail holes, replacing any seams, or starting to paint. Prime the ceiling and then use flat paint to give your room a completely updated look.
If you’re unhappy with the ceilings in your home and you’ve wondered what to do with popcorn ceilings, you can replace them. Be sure to test the ceiling texture for asbestos, and if all is well, take on the project by yourself or hire a contractor to do the job for you.
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by Debra on Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Hi there, I have a question about painting or white washing real wood paneling.
We have a VINTAGE 1975 house that we have recently purchased. I love the BONES of the house, but it is in need of some serious updating.
The den has real wood knotty pine paneling in a walnut type color finish. It is BEAUTIFUL but way to dark.
How can I update it a bit and lighten it up too. Without completely stripping it and refinishing it….NOT AN OPTION!
Thanks, Heather Milan
Heather,
Most paneling has a glossy surface (varnish?) and before you can paint or whitewash to lighten it you’ll have to “de-gloss” it.
Years ago I painted some ugly paneling and skipped this step. Huge mistake! The paint peeled away in huge strips. Not good.
I have since learned that all I needed to do was give it a light scuff-sanding (steel wool works) or there are de-glossing chemicals available at professional paint stores that you can use as well.
Once “de-glossed’ you’ll need to apply a good primer/sealer if you are going to paint. Behr has a good one at Home Depot, but Kilz is another good one (a little pricey though) and can be found most anywhere (even Wal-Mart). After you’ve primed it you are ready to paint it your favorite color.
White Wash Over Paneling
If you’d rather just “whitewash” the paneling you can skip the “primer” part and simply take a thinned down coat of white/off white paint (or a color can be used, too) and using a sponge (a regular sponge will work but one that fits in your hand nicely/comfortably) “wash” the walls.
To avoid “streaks” you will need to either wash in one direction (down the wall with the grain of the wood paneling) or you’ll need to soften your wash streaks with a woolie as you go and before your “wash” dries.
Too, if your wood is “raw” it will absorb the paint unevenly like rubbing chalk with water.
You may want to put a sealant on it like MinWax Ploycrylic first, then “ruff it up” before whitewashing over real wood paneling. Work in small sections of the panel and in a continuous flow (one long wipe down the wall rather than across two or three sections).
When you are finished seal your work with MinWax Polycrylic in and finish you like (Matte, Semi-Gloss, etc). This will protect your pretty new walls and allows you to wipe them clean with a damp cloth if necessary.
That Painter Lady – TAWN
Spectacular Walls!
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