Decorating

[sickgirl3]

I probably should have made use of this section....decided to rplace the border in Jamie's bedroom with stickarounds, took the border off 1 wall but took ages, and took the paint off and some plaster underneath, so on the other walls i left the border on. I bought a border to match the stickarounds and was just gonna stick it over the first one, but then realised it was about and inch shorter!! So I got the steamer out to strip the other off easier but it made all the paint bubble and peel off the wall - so...even more filling and painting to do before i put the new one on...do you ever wish you hadn't started somethin!!!?

[marmaris98]

many times

[jj]

Yey that's happened to us too it's a nightmare! And many other decorating disasters over the years Mmmmmmmmm don't think I'll get into that one I'd be here all day!!!!!! ;D

[Emma]

You should hear some of the horror stories I've had at work from decorators
Someone even one tried to spray over their emulsioned wallpaper with an aerosol of car paint! Then wondered why it was dissolving their walls

[jj]

:oOh I don't believe someone could do something like that don't people amaze you?

[marmaris98]

emma said:

You should hear some of the horror stories I've had at work from decorators
Someone even one tried to spray over their emulsioned wallpaper with an aerosol of car paint! Then wondered why it was dissolving their walls

i bet they were as high as kites off the smell

[juicyjude]

There are some right stupid people about arn't there?

[jj]

So very true

[Emma]

juicyjude said:

There are some right stupid people about arn't there?

Yeah and they all ring me!

And I know this should be in the moans section, but I'm sick of them talking to me like I'm a receptionist and not head of technical services!

[Emma]

marmaris98 said:

emma said:

You should hear some of the horror stories I've had at work from decorators
Someone even one tried to spray over their emulsioned wallpaper with an aerosol of car paint! Then wondered why it was dissolving their walls

i bet they were as high as kites off the smell

Hard to tell, they sounded like they were on something though!

[juicyjude]

That's a posh title Emma. Wish I had a posh title but I suppose you can't have everything. I suppose deputy supervisor is OK but that really means fettling fettling and even more fettling of childcare, from activities to snack handing out, to rubbish sorting and broom and brush handling!!!!! I tell you where I would like to put the broom sometimes...... no I still love my job really. ;D

[jj]

Yeh posh title Emma, I was an Admin Manager until Last March, prior to that a P.A . to Laboratory Operations, and done several years as a Quality Control Auditor (Pharmaceuticals) now I'm going brain dead being at home all the time (joking). I don't mind being a Goffer and babysitter!!!!!!!!

[Emma]

Yep, the title is posh but the reality is I'm a mushroom - kept in the dark and covered in bull****
;D

[jj]

Isn't it always the way!
It happened all the time working for a big company

[The March Hare]

If sash windows are stiff to open and shut, put candle wax or soap down the side runners.


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When cleaning paint off mouldings use a pummice stone soaked in detergent and water to rub along the moulding. This will clean it out very effectively and the pummice stone will shape to the moulding. I have not tried this myself but am assured it works - I must admit I would have thought the pummice stone being very hard, would have flattened the moulding.


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If you have to repair a damage in wallpaper, use a piece of paper slightly large than the hole* and with a matching pattern to that which has been damaged. Paste the new piece over the mark matching the pattern exactly.

[The March Hare]

If sash windows are stiff to open and shut, put candle wax or soap down the side runners.


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When cleaning paint off mouldings use a pummice stone soaked in detergent and water to rub along the moulding. This will clean it out very effectively and the pummice stone will shape to the moulding. I have not tried this myself but am assured it works - I must admit I would have thought the pummice stone being very hard, would have flattened the moulding.


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If you have to repair a damage in wallpaper, use a piece of paper slightly large than the hole* and with a matching pattern to that which has been damaged. Paste the new piece over the mark matching the pattern exactly.

[The March Hare]

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DECORATING TIPS



Here are a few more "tricks of the trade" which may make life easier and/or quicker when undertaking home decorating:-

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Thought you might want to know that vinegar also makes a great solvent for wallpaper paste.

Just dilute a cup of white vinegar with 2-3 litres of very warm water - as hot as your hands can tolerate - and apply generously with a sponge. Once you get an edge or corner of the wallpaper to lift, then start working the vinegar solution behind the paper to break down the adhesive. This process is most effective when you keep your work area very damp - let the warmth of the water and the chemical properties of the vinegar do the work for you.

Rinse your sponge often and mix a new batch of vinegar/water solution when it becomes cool and/or murky. You'll notice that the fresh batch of solution is far more effective and you'll quickly get a feel for when an old batch is past its usefulness.

Best part of this is that vinegar is very inexpensive and it will not stain or discolour carpeting or other flooring.




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When using gloss paint after a while it starts to go thick and is harder to paint with. Add a generous squirt of any old washing up liquid (i.e. hand dish washing liquid) to the paint. Give it a good stir and it will go further, spread better and will not leave brush marks.

Cut a piece of wire mesh to fit a paint can, drop in and let sink to the bottom, thereby removing all the lumps

[The March Hare]

Put any dirty turps (turpentine) into a screw top jar and leave somewhere safe in a shed etc. The colour will eventually drop to the bottom of the container leaving clean turps on the top - this can then be used again.

[The March Hare]

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PAINT BLISTERING

BLISTERING:

Bubbles resulting from localised loss of adhesion, and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.



POSSIBLE CAUSES:

• Applying solvent-based paint over a damp or wet surface.

• Moisture seeping into the home through the exterior walls (less likely with water-based paint).

• Exposure of water-based paint film to high humidity or moisture shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inadequate surface preparation.



SOLUTION:

• If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate: Remove blisters by scraping, and sanding, and repaint with a quality acrylic water-based interior paint.

• If blisters go down to the substrate: Remove the source of moisture, if possible. Repair loose sealants; consider installing vents or exhaust fans. Remove blisters as above, remembering to prime before applying the top coat.



PAINT CRACKING/FLAKING

CRACKING / FLAKING:

The splitting of a dry paint film through at least one coat as a result of aging, which ultimately will lead to complete failure of the paint. In its early stages, the problem appears as hairline cracks; in its later stages, flaking occurs.



POSSIBLE CAUSES:

• Use of lower quality paint that has inadequate adhesion and flexibility.

• Overthinning or overspreading the paint.

• Inadequate surface preparation, or applying the paint to bare wood without first applying a primer.

• Excessive hardening and embrittlement of solvent-based paint as the paint job ages.



SOLUTION:

• Remove loose and flaking paint with a scraper or wire brush, sanding the surface and feathering the edges. If the flaking occurs in multiple layers of paint, use of a face filler may be necessary. Prime bare wood areas before repainting. Use of a top quality primer and top coat should prevent a recurrence of the problem

[The March Hare]

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When rubbing down window frames use wire wool on cross members to prevent scratching the glass with sandpaper.


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Put a rubber (elastic) band around the paint brush, under the bristles, this prevents paint running down the handle of the brush.


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If you put a rubber (elastic) band around the bristles of a paint brush it makes it easier to "cut in" around windows etc.


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