Home Painting Tips for Beginners

Home makeover shows got many home owners interested in giving their respective residences a lift. Although they have the iron will to get this done, the greater challenge lies on their lack of funds to hire professionals to do the work. Here are some of the basics which can get beginners started with their first painting project.

Wrap up. With the use of newspaper and masking tape, cover all the lamps, fans, fixtures, light switches, faucets and cabinets attached to your ceilings and walls. You do not want them dotted with coat drips, right?

Patch up. How does your wall look like? Do you spot any holes, cracks or chips? If yes, smoothen these areas first. Apply ample patching paste on them with the use of putty knife.

Clean your walls, baseboards, ceilings and crown moldings. Using a feather duster may not be enough especially in the presence of thick dust. Wipe these parts with damp cloth to avoid dust from flying off. Never paint over unclean areas. Painting a house covered with dust can cause peeling of dry coat.

Select your coat. The two important things to consider here is the color and the type of paint. Perhaps, you already have a color combination in mind. It would not hurt to ask the opinion of other people regarding your choice. This is advisable especially if you have housemates. Purchase gallons of test paint. Cover certain wall sections with your chosen colors to see if the outcome fits your taste. Moving forward, choose the best type of coat for your walls. Do you need wall protection? Then go for oil-based coats. They could be pricey though. Do you need ease in cleaning? Purchase latex-based coats. Stains on walls covered with latex-based paint can be quickly cleaned with soap and water.

Choose the right brush. This is part of house painting tips as well. Oil-based coats are best applied using brushes made of natural materials. Latex-based coats are best applied using brushes made of synthetic materials like nylon.

Prime the surface. Before applying paint, apply the primer first. The primer will cover all the patches applied over the holes and cracks on the wall. Be sure that your house is well-ventilated during priming. Open all your windows and turn on exhaust fans. Use roller brush for priming. Remove excess lint on the roller brush first with the use of a masking tape.

Get the proper mix. A section of your walls can get a shade darker or lighter than the rest if you are unable to mix paint properly. For this, you will need a big bucket and a paint stick with holes.

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Why Non-Wood Doors Make Better Security Doors for Your Home

Do you want to protect your family and your house from thieves? Try installing home security doors in your entryway.

Steel is the top metal material used for these doors. It is proven durable and so it comes at a much higher price. Next to steel is aluminum which costs way cheaper.

These doors are fitted in a different way in comparison to ordinary doors. They are fitted more tightly in the frames to ensure added safety. When doors are not fitted tightly, burglars can easily manipulate crevices to break in. Varied manufacturers who produce these home security doors make use of intricate designs so that they can fit in the theme of any house.

Here are two things which you have to remember when looking for the best door for your house. First and foremost, gauge the level of security you need in protecting your property.  Next choose the best door design and material that will complement with the overall appearance of your house. This will be installed in your house for a lifetime and so it better be worth it.

During the installation of the new door to your house, there could be a gap in between the old frame and the door itself. And so, you must be able to take the correct measurements. If you cannot do it on your own, let an expert help you with it. Make sure that the color of your door complements the shade of your door frames and walls. It would be unpleasant to see conflicting hues in your house.

Lastly, your home security doors must have tough locks, hinges and door knobs. Solid latches will match your sturdy doors. Besides quality, be mindful of the quantity as well. You should have the right number of latches and hinges installed. This will ensure that doors are properly sealed when needed. Contact a manufacturer who can provide skilled men for the proper installation of your safety doors.

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How to Choose Window Curtains

Hanging curtains by your windows does not only make your home look beautiful. It provides  other advantages which you might not know about.

Curtains are useful in sound deadening purposes. The fabrics from which curtains are made absorb noise. This reduces the echo and reflection of noise around your house. Hence, the noise level is reduced and your house becomes more peaceful to live in.

Curtains also promote insulation in your house. They reduce the transfer of heat from outside to inside your house. This helps you enjoy a cooler home during summer and a warmer house during winter.

To acquire the maximum benefits of curtains, you must take the effort and time to find the suitable kind of curtains for your home. Here are some tips that can make the selection process much easier for you.

1) Consider functionality - Do you need curtains to frame the view or to obtain privacy for your home? The main purpose why you're buying curtains will dictate the kind of curtain you need to buy.

2) Check the length - Consider the the size of your window when deciding on the length of your curtains. You will also need to consider the look of that you want to achieve for your entire house. A classic look might require long curtains for you to buy.

3) Choose suitable fabric - If your house is painted with solid colors, choosing curtains with patterns as this can add style to your home. Sometimes, you will need to consider the season or weather too. For example, thicker curtains are best used during winter for insulation purposes.

Here's a video I found online. It can give you additional insights when buying curtains for your home. I don't own it. All credit to the owner.

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