Home improvement secrets from the garage

(NC)—Auto buffs have been keeping a secret from do–it–yourselfers for years: automotive body fillers, like 3M's Bondo, can do wonders on your home improvement projects. The secret is out.

Using body filler as a home improvement solution makes perfect sense. They have the ability to dry in only 20 minutes and are paintable in under an hour. Traditionally used in the automotive world as the solution for dents and deep scratches in the body of a vehicle, reach for body filler when you're faced with filling or repairing wood, metal and aluminum, repairing drywall, concrete, masonry and many fibreglass repairs.

Automotive body fillers have good weather resistance when used under an exterior–grade coating and compatible with all types of house paints and primers. They can be drilled, tapped, routed, and carved, and resist weakening or cracking where extreme temperature changes occur. More information is available at

www.bondo.ca.

www.newscanada.com

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Home Improvement Trend That Won't Break The Bank

Faux painting techniques are an economical and innovative way to transform any surface and can complement any decorating style. Dull concrete floors, both indoors and out, can be brought dramatically to life with a latex paint such as DRYLOK(R) Latex Concrete Floor Paint.

Planning and Preparation

Before choosing a design, look carefully at your surface and space. Some designs are useful for disguising flaws in a floor. For other designs you may need to patch and smooth flawed surfaces first.

You will also need to think about the traffic in the area you are painting. Is it worth doing an elaborate, time-consuming pattern in a high traffic area? Large, bold patterns may be out of scale for a small room. Equally, small, detailed patterns may get lost in large spaces.

Inspirations for Faux Painted Floors

Brick and Stone

Brick and stone finishes can add texture and/or color and can be effective indoors and outdoors.

Tiles and Mosaics

Faux terra-cotta tiles are a versatile option for porches, patios and dining areas. The earthy appearance creates a warm, earthy feel and goes well with the rustic Tuscan look and matches many decors.

Patterned and Textured Finishes

For a finish that isn't too busy, you can use paint to create subtle visual texture. With pattern, your choice is endless. Covering an entire surface is one option. Alternatively, you could paint a faux rug, perhaps with patterns inspired by oriental carpets.

The most important thing to remember is to follow the proper preparation and patching procedures from the product label. If you are using a pressure washer to clean the surface, do not use on a pressure setting above 1750 psi to avoid damaging the concrete. Remember concrete acts like a sponge. Pressure washing and cleaning in general may trap residual moisture in the concrete. To check for trapped moisture, tape a 12" x 12" piece of 3 mil plastic or aluminum foil tightly on all four edges to the surface. Remove it after 24 hours. If the floor side of the plastic or foil is damp, allow additional drying and then repeat the test. It is very important not to have trapped moisture in the concrete; it is the number one reason why epoxy and latex concrete floor paints fail.

Protecting the Pattern

A clear protective coat, such as DRYLOK(R) WetLook Sealer is the perfect finish to protect the design from scraping of patio furniture, grease, weathering and washings. Remember to use a product that is made to be a clear protective coat, not a penetrating sealer. A penetrating sealer is designed to enter the pores of the surface and settle into the masonry. It will not penetrate the floor paint. The clear sealer is a protective measure that should be repeated every two to four years depending on the use and exposure of the surface.

Bold or subtle, bright or neutral, faux painting techniques can give your floor an expensive-looking makeover that won't break the bank.

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Tips for a Pain-Free Paint Project

Tips for Pain-Free Paint Project

(MS) -- Few home improvement projects can be as fun, satisfying and inexpensive as painting. The excitement of choosing a new color scheme and then watching your home transform makes painting a project the whole family can enjoy.

By following a few simple tricks and tips you'll be painting like a professional before you know it. Bercom, the painting experts behind revolutionary paint products like Handy Paint Trays and Liners, offers an insider's perspective on how to make your next painting project as quick and pain-free as it is enjoyable.

* Plan ahead. Planning is the first step to a successful paint job. Before you start painting, stop by your local hardware or paint store, like Lowe's or anywhere paints are sold, and pick up all your supplies including paint, paintbrushes, rollers, trays, pails, tape and drop cloths. Look for new products on the market today that are long-overdue updates to traditional painting supplies. These next-generation supplies make painting a lot easier, and the time and materials they save you make them a worthwhile investment.

To save even more time, take measurements beforehand and determine exactly how much paint you need to get the job done. If you do this, you will not run out of supplies and end up having to make a trip back to the paint store in the middle of your project.

* Use the magic formula. The condition of the wall will play a role in how much paint is required to complete your paint job. Smooth, even surfaces generally require less paint than rougher surfaces. Make note of the wall surfaces when taking measurements. An easy formula for determining how much paint you need to purchase is:

(wall height X wall width) number of walls 300 = gallons of paint

One gallon of paint covers about 350 square feet, so dividing by 300 will leave you the perfect amount of paint for touch-ups.

* Let the paint do the work for you. For the best results, do not skimp on the paint. Applying a thicker coat versus one that is stretched thin will save time and help you achieve professional-looking results on the first try. The Handy Paint Tray is convenient because it holds up to a gallon of paint, more than any paint tray on the market, so that you can keep working without having to frequently stop and re-fill the tray.

* Prevent a mess by expecting one. Painting might be a fun home improvement job, but even the veteran painter expects a little bit of a mess. Painters can reduce the stress of a mess by protecting floors with old bed sheets or canvas, and covering woodwork, glass and metal surfaces with painter's tape.

Oftentimes, inexpensive, plastic drop cloths seem like an effective way to protect your floor and furniture because you can simply throw them away when you are finished. However, cloth drop cloths tend to be easier to work with because they are more durable than plastic, are rip and puncture resistant, lay flat as you walk across them, and you can easily fold cloth around wall angles and doors without having to tape them to the ground.

* Paint in the right order. Painting your room from top to bottom will help prevent annoying drips and splatters. For the best results, start by painting your ceilings, then move on to walls. After your walls, paint the woodwork. Save the floor for the very last.

* Keep rolling along. Always begin painting an interior surface by "cutting in" -- paint a two-inch wide strip along the edges with a paintbrush. When using a paintbrush, new-age paint containers, like the Handy Paint Pail, are ideal tools. Look for containers that have magnetic brush holders and adjustable straps that prevent fatigue in your hand or can be strapped to your belt.

After you have cut-in, use a roller to fill in your brushed-on outline. While using a roller might seem simple, a few tricks can make it even easier and less messy. Slowly dip the roller into your paint tray, and then roll it back and forth until it is completely and evenly coated with paint. Then, run your roller across a washboard to remove excess paint. Painters love the Handy Paint Tray's built-in, sturdy washboard because it has deep ridges that remove excess and evenly distribute paint to rollers, preventing drips and splatters as a result. And, the next-generation trays come equipped with a magnetic brush holder that prevents paintbrushes from falling into the tray, which allows you to keep a brush and roller nearby at all times.

* Make clean up quick and easy. Like most projects, clean up is often the worst part of painting. Choose a paint tray with disposable liners, so when you are finished painting, clean up is as easy as throwing away the liner -- then you are instantly ready for your next paint project! Handy Paint Liners are made of recycled plastic that is thick and durable, and can be used will all paints and stains. Plus, they snap into place so you don't have to worry about them shifting around and causing a spill.

For additional painting tips and ideas, visit www.handypaintpail.com.

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Paint Like a Pro for a Look that Lasts

(MS) -- One of the easiest home improvement projects -- one that will add the most value to your home for the least amount of money -- is painting. It's easy to keep your paint job looking great so it continues to add value to your home for years to come, just do what professional painters do: use one coat of primer and one coat of paint instead of two coats of paint. Here's why:

* Primers hide previous colors -- even the darkest blues and deepest reds -- far better than paint alone and prevent them from showing through or changing the color of the topcoat. They'll make your new color look more vibrant and even. Here's a little secret: By tinting your primer towards your paint color, you'll use less paint -- plus get all the benefits of priming. Just ask your paint store or home center associate to add one half the same colorant they use to mix your paint.

* Primers work hard to block stains. If you try to cover a stain with a fresh coat of paint, the stain will probably bleed through -- no matter how many coats of paint you apply. Quality primers seal in stains and prevent them from ruining your paint job.

* Primers prevent common paint problems. Because primers are formulated to prevent problems like cracking, peeling and blistering, they'll make any painted surface more durable, washable -- and last much longer!

* Primers provide a sound base for paint. Paint is formulated to provide rich, beautiful color -- but don't expect it to do a primer's job. High quality primers are rich in resin and provide a firm base for paint to adhere. Primers like Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3(R) even stick to glossy, hard-to-paint surfaces without sanding, so you can paint paneling, cabinets, glossy paints, vinyl siding and more.

For more information on the complete line of Zinsser primers -- or for more helpful home improvement "tips" to make your next painting or home improvement project faster and easier -- visit www.zinsser.com.

CAPTION: Prime before you paint to keep your paint job looking great for years.

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