The two main tool categories are power and hand tools. Power tools are any tool that relies on a power source such as battery, electricity, gas or something else other than human effort. Within each main type are many different tools with specific functions or purposes. Another way that tools are classified is by job. …
Since Annie Sloan created chalk paint, transforming out-of-style furniture into something new has been an absolute breeze. Painting with chalk paint is easy and hassle-free, as you don’t have to worry about prepping the furniture before you paint it. When painting with chalk, primers and sanding dust aren’t part of the process. A paint and …
Owning an airless or high-velocity low-pressure (HVLP) paint and stain sprayer allows you to keep your home, outbuildings, decks, fencing, and more in top shape year-round! Paint sprayers are amazing tools, and they’re far less expensive than you might think. Whether you pay $150 for an entry-level HVLP sprayer, or $2500 for a cart-style airless …
If you need to paint the walls and ceilings in your garage, and you’re not sure which type of paint you should use, keep reading! Just because your garage isn’t one of your primary living areas doesn’t mean that it cannot benefit from a fresh coat of protective paint. As a painter and general contractor …
Do you have ugly furniture wrecking the ambiance in your beautiful home? Oh, sorry, that’s a 100 bummer. But there’s a simple solution to enhance the appearance of old, unattractive furniture, making it stand out in a room in a good way, for a welcomed change. It’s spray painting! Join me for a few minutes …
Achieving professional-grade results on your spray painting work depends on your skill level and technique, the quality of paint you’re using, and whether you have the paint mixed and thinned appropriately for efficient spraying. If your paint is too thick, your spray tip will keep clogging, disrupting your workflow and lessening the quality of results …
You know in life when you choose the safe path and make conservative decisions, but secretly covet your best friend who is taking risks and quitting their job to travel the world? That’s kind of how I sometimes feel about the whole beige trend. I’ll find myself gazing at yet another entirely beige home in …
Although wood could never exist without water, it cannot tolerate long-term exposure to water without some type of waterproofing. If it wasn’t for waterproofing, your deluxe yacht would sink, your wooden snow skis would warp, your drifting dock would cease to float, and your outdoor furnishings would rot away! Today, I offer you three intelligent …
A DIY project is only complete once you have the tools you’ve used ready for the next time. Painting jobs are more than just winding up an electrical cord or storing a drill, hammers, screwdrivers, nails, bolts, and screws in lidded containers on shelves. Once the painting is done, the rollers (and the brushes) are …
So, you’re considering refinishing your kitchen cabinetry and are wondering about the best type of primer to use. That shows that you’re smart! Choosing a primer isn’t as straightforward as you may think it is. And while it’s not the most difficult thing in the world to do, there are a few considerations you need …
Chalk paint is a thick, decorative coating that’s easy to apply and can be used on almost any substrate. It dries with a matte finish and is easy to manipulate to create a distressed, vintage appearance. This type of paint is very popular for use on furniture, especially old pieces that are no longer attractive …
Painting is a skill set of the steady-handed few. For the rest of us, we need all the help we can get regarding precision painting. Painting a baseboard with a carpet can seem daunting, especially if the carpet is new and expensive. By implementing specific safety measures, such as laying down protective tape, will dramatically …
If you’ve never seen or painted with chalk paint, you’re missing out! Chalk paint can transform the appearance of your kitchen cabinetry, injecting refreshed life into your culinary space. Continue reading to discover the advantages of using chalk paint to renovate your kitchen, a couple of disadvantages to consider first, and some smart tips to …
Are your kitchen cabinets ugly? Are they old, weathered, scratched, stained, or otherwise unattractive? Because if they are, you can save thousands of dollars relative to replacing them by upgrading their appearance with a new paint job. It’s true! When done properly, priming and painting can greatly extend the life of your kitchen cabinets while …
Proper use of quality painter’s tape will enhance the results you achieve in your paintwork. Painter’s tape is a special type of tape that allows you to maintain a sharp, clean separation line between paint and surrounding surfaces. It’s integral to achieving professional-grade results. Painter’s tape can be applied to existing paint to create a …
When you purchase a quality paint sprayer for your deck, you’re also going to be able to easily take care of painting or staining your fencing, interior and exterior walls, ceilings, and so much more! Paint sprayers simplify the painting process and allow you to paint surfaces up to 10 times faster than traditional rolling …
With its matte appearance, chalk paint is a popular choice for furniture and home décor. If you want that rustic or vintage yet chic style, chalk paint is ideal and will add character and a vintage charm. With a few easy steps and almost no effort, you can create chalk paint in the color you …
Does your fence STILL need restained or repainted? Man, just look at that thing! It’s surely unpleasant to think of spending hours, or days, dabbing, sponging, rolling, or otherwise applying paint or stain on your fence with traditional painting equipment like brushes and rollers. Instead, it’s far more enjoyable and intelligent to use a modern paint/stain sprayer. With a sprayer, …
Removing paint from bricks or peeling the paint off a painted brick wall is labor-intensive. Often contractors’ shoddy work leaves unattractive paint splatters on face brick walls or paved brick walkways. You might wonder if getting unwanted paint spills off brickwork, walling, and paving is possible. From doing maintenance on brick walls and paving to …
Painting furniture can be time-consuming, messy, and generally, a real pain in the butt. That is, unless you have a modern, efficient paint sprayer to simplify the task. Compact, lightweight paint sprayers allow you to finish the work in a fraction of the time it takes to roll and brush. No more bending, standing, reaching, …
Sandpaper has ancient origins that date back to the use of coarse rocks and sandstone to smooth down and make wood shiny. Even before a hand planer and a scraper, woodworking enthusiasts and some of the world’s finest carpenters and cabinet makers were innovative. They used rough-scaled fish-skins like that of a shark and a …
Nothing beats the excitement of removing layers of paint from a furniture piece. You never know what lies underneath, and the thrill of exposing the original wood in all its glory is an experience in itself. It may be a messy process, but it will be worth the effort when the wood reveals itself. Ultimately, …
Have you been considering the many benefits of spray painting but have limited or no experience and think you might lack the skills to do a good job? No worries, you’re not alone! But it’s really simple to learn and the rewards are well worth the effort. This is 2023, and people are smarter now …
Is your cabinetry bringing you down? Are the cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom dull, drab, and uninspiring? Bummer. Maybe it’s time to consider painting your cabinetry and making it POP with NEW LIFE! It’s not very difficult to do, especially if you give up the archaic notion of painting with brushes and rollers, and …
Are you prepared for the excitement of learning about the differences between chalk paint and latex paint? Because it’s gonna be very enjoyable! I have scoured the Internet’s most authoritative sources to find out exactly how chalk paint and latex paint are different, the pros and cons of each, and when it’s better to use …
Are you a homeowner or DIYer who wants to speed up your painting and achieve better results? If so, you should consider the many benefits of using an airless paint sprayer relative to old-school brushes and rollers. And don’t worry, spray painting is not as difficult as many people think it is. An airless paint …
Remember the last time you painted interior walls with brushes and rollers? What a backbreaking mess! It’s 2023 – and smart people like you and me use paint sprayers now. Paint sprayers are efficient at delivering paint or other coating mediums on walls and much more. Brushing and rolling are inefficient, take a lot of …
I love kits because it makes things easier for me yet are cheaper than hiring someone to build it. Actually, kits are often cheaper than me going to buy the materials myself because kit producers can buy in bulk and save money. Kits often result in a better looking project too. My designs can sometimes …
Buying a paint sprayer and painting your own house can save you a lot of money, as well as help you develop a deep knowledge of your home, which is critical for long-term maintenance. For a lot of DIY homeowners, it isn’t easy to choose a paint sprayer that’s suitable for their level of experience, …
With more than 30 years of experience under my belt as a painter and general contractor, I’d like to share with you my deep knowledge about the sheer awesomeness of paint sprayers! I was a painter way back in the day before paint sprayers were so readily available like they are today. I remember climbing …
Using a paint sprayer to paint your ceilings is so much more enjoyable and efficient than painting them with brushes and rollers. Paint sprayers are amazing tools that simplify life and allow you to achieve professional-grade results, even if you don’t have a lot of experience. Please join me on an information-packed, fun, and relevant …
Are you a homeowner with trim that needs painting? Are you looking to save a lot of money by purchasing a paint sprayer and painting your trim yourself instead of hiring a professional? If so, I have some really good news for you! First, I want you to know that using a paint sprayer, instead …
A kitchen backsplash is important to protect your kitchen wall. A new kitchen backsplash can transform the look of your kitchen at a minimum cost and let your creative side bring new life to your kitchen. Replacing your kitchen backsplash tiles is easier than you may think, and with a few simple instructions, you will …
If you’ve ever painted a wall or anything else with runny paint, then you know the frustration involved. Nothing’s worse than scanning over an area that you have already painted, and noticing dozens of runs in your paint! Now, you have to take your roller or brush and smooth out those runs, which not only …
Can you wet sand wood, and should you? Yes and maybe! You can definitely wet sand wood to achieve highly polished, flawless finishes. However, it’s important to understand the differences between wet sanding dry wood, dry sanding wet wood, and adding water to enhance the sanding process. Confused? It’s OK. Continue reading to learn the …
The hidden beauty of wood grain emerges with effective sanding, displaying colors, patterns, and a natural vibe that excites the senses. Now that you have all of that exciting grain exposed, what should you do with that well-sanded wood? That is precisely why we are here today. Join me as we discover what’s possible to …
The timeless, classy beauty of your raw hardwood stairs still lives beneath decades of stain, paint, dirt, and damage. But sharp corners and closely-spaced balusters make getting down to those imprisoned grains a challenge. Join me as we explore the best sanders for wood stairs in 2023. When you have the proper tools and a …
Joining wood together (joinery) is necessary for loads of purposes in life. It’s not something reserved for professional woodworkers or other tradesmen. And when you need to join wood, and wish to achieve an excellent, durable result, you need to use a quality wood glue that’s best suited for the application at hand. Continue reading …
I grew up in a small country town in the early 1970s, back when power tools were as rare as front teeth in my neck of the woods! So, getting to use a power sander, or any other type of power tool was a real pleasure. In Fredonia, Ohio, these were the days of bailing …
Can you sand particle board? Of course! You can send anything you choose to. However, the ease of the task and quality of results will depend, somewhat, on the type of particle board you’re working with. Continue reading to learn what particle board is, the different types of particle board available, and specific steps to …
Building and refinishing wood decks is one of my favorite things in life! I’ll tell you something, sanding a hardwood floor to polished perfection is rewarding, but, to me, I like exterior deck work much better. It gets me outside, it’s rougher work, and I get to enjoy transforming the woodwork without the stringent meticulousness …
Concrete is durable, quite versatile, and cost-effective – being used to form driveways, sidewalks, interior flooring, countertops, and numerous other products, and it’s more popular than ever before. Join me as we learn about the ways that concrete can add value and beauty to your home, and how you can save thousands of dollars by …
While I am by no means a professional furniture refinisher myself, I have several friends that are master-level furniture makers and refinishers. I’m more the kind of guy who will go out, break into frozen ground, install concrete forms under the frost line, and build you a 2-story house/garage combination, framed with a chainsaw out …
Not to be a hater, but a bad caulking job is atrocious! Can you sand it away? When I first began thinking about whether or not sanding caulk is possible, my first question was why somebody would want to. I’m not lying to you when I tell you that caulking is a specialty of mine. …
Sanding wood trim excellently is a task that requires a good plan, patience, dedication to details, and, perhaps most importantly, a sander that’s capable of delivering the speed, power, and comfort needed to create stunning results. Join me on a journey to learn about the 5 best sanders for trim work in 2023 and beyond. …
Applying a wood stain to indoor and outdoor furniture gives it a whole new look. Staining wood will also protect the surface of the wood and highlight its beauty and texture. With the simple, step-by-step instructions below and a few tips and tricks to do the job well, you will have perfectly stained wood in …
Most of us know that veneer looks like a thin sheet of wood. However, is it real wood? And can you sand it? If so, how? These are good questions that we’ll answer in this article. Join me as we discover more details about wood veneer than you ever thought you would care to know. …
Whether you are dealing with 7 coats of hard, aged paint on the exterior of your house, some tacky old school bus-yellow paint on a banister, or another situation where you need or just want to remove old paint from wood, you’re going to need an effective sander to make the job doable. Trust me, …
Is it possible to sand glass? Heck yes! Glass is hugely versatile, and can be cut, sanded, polished, etched, formed, blown, and then, melted down into liquid to be used all over again! Glass is definitely sandable, and you can use various different sanding tools to do it. Join me on a fun learning journey …
Quality sanding is one of the most important elements when it comes to achieving high quality results in drywall finishing. Keep reading to learn about our choices for the 5 best sanders for drywall in 2022 – including innovative models from Makita, DeWalt, Hyde, Ginour, and WEN. All of these budget-friendly drywall sanders can help …
Can you sand epoxy? Sure you can – and it makes it look pretty dang awesome when you do! Well, at least when you do it correctly. Today, let’s go over some straightforward, quick instructions and tips about how to flat and polish epoxy resin. Now, flatting, sanding, and polishing ANYTHING requires some patience, the …