Exterior Staining the Easy Way

If you’ve ever used an exterior stain on an outdoor project, you know it can be messy. Applying wood stain typically requires multiple steps, including rolling or brushing on the stain, wiping it in, cleaning up brushes and storing leftover stain. Then there’s scrubbing the stain off your hands. It’s enough to ruin an otherwise good Saturday.

But now exterior wood stain is available in a spray can, so you can achieve the same durable, water-repellent, fade-resistant protection you get from a bucket of wood stain, with spray paint convenience. Available from Krylon (www.krylon.com) at hardware and home improvement stores, Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is quick and easy to apply, promising fast project completion without the mess. So, you can finish your weekend project in time to beat the heat and watch the ballgame.

Because spray stain applies smoothly to both vertical and horizontal surfaces without runs or drips, do-it-yourselfers get a beautiful finish that will hold up to the toughest conditions, without hauling out a paint pan and roller or brush. It is ideal for smaller projects such as wood furniture, planters, picnic tables, spindles, play sets, shutters, mailboxes and more.

Why bother staining at all? Exterior stain is considered the best, most practical way to protect and beautify wood. When wood is exposed to the elements, particularly sunlight and moisture, it will develop mildew, crack, fade and structurally deteriorate if not protected. Wood stain contains UV inhibitors and other substances that, when absorbed into the wood, protect it.

Semi-transparent stains are extremely popular because they add color while allowing the natural beauty of the wood grain to show through the finish. Krylon Exterior Semi-Transparent Wood Stain is available in four of today’s most popular exterior wood stain colors, Cedar, Honey Gold, Rustic Brown and Redwood, so you can match, accent or coordinate with popular exterior stain colors sold in buckets and used on decks and home exteriors.

Home improvement enthusiasts will appreciate the recyclable spray can’s easy-open cap and EZ Touch 360-Degree Dial Spray Tip. The tip enables more comfortable spray painting with increased coverage per pass, reduced overspray, less chance of runs or drips and greater accuracy due to a dial that rotates a full 360 degrees. More information is available at www.saveoursaturdays.com.

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Improve Your Outdoor Décor

Chances are, your deck or patio décor includes a variety of surfaces such as wood, wicker, metal and plastic, all of which may become weathered from summer sun and winter storage. Armed with a few cans of spray paint, you can give your backyard oasis a great new look, quickly and affordably.

When decorating outdoors:

– Use color to unify your space. Selecting a palette of a few colors allows you to unify disparate furniture pieces into a pleasing whole. White is an ever-popular classic that can be paired with almost any accent color to achieve striking good looks.

– Especially in areas filled with bright sunlight, don’t be afraid of bold or saturated colors. Use bright, bold colors to infuse a space with energy and whimsy, or consider textured or metallic hues for more subtle sophistication.

– For the brightest, boldest colors, prime the surface or apply a white basecoat. Next, apply the color coat over the white surface.

– Group furniture together to create intimate conversation areas. Use interesting containers to hold plants. Consider lighting for both evening safety and ambiance.

– Always follow the directions on your can of spray paint. Application instructions and dry times, as well as how long you should shake the can and how far away you should hold it from the surface, vary from paint to paint.

There are a number of products available to help with your patio makeover. Krylon’s Fusion for Plastic is a one-step, super-bonding spray paint. It can be used on wood, metal, wicker, hard vinyl and a wide range of plastic surfaces. Available in many colors, it now comes with the new EZ Touch 360-degree Dial Spray Tip for more comfortable spray painting with increased coverage per pass, reduced overspray, less chance of runs or drips and greater accuracy.

Rusted metal? No reason to worry. Instead of making a mess scrubbing away rust with a wire brush, you can paint right over it with Krylon Outdoor Spaces Rust Converter. It chemically transforms rust into a waterproof, paintable surface that is protected from future rust formation.

When completely dry, simply coat Outdoor Spaces Rust Converter with any Outdoor Spaces Satin, Metallic, Textured or Hammered Finish to keep outdoor décor looking its very best. These finishes withstand harsh weather, offering superior protection on metal, wood, wicker, drywall, masonry and even pottery.

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Shake Up Your Space With Color, Indoors or Out

Economic news got you feeling the blues? A little jolt of color can take care of that. Budget-consciousness doesn't always mean having to abandon your dreams for a more colorful living space. Using a little creativity and materials such as spray paint, you can still enjoy a love affair with color, without a big commitment of time or money.

Do-it-yourselfers choose spray paint because it's fast and easy to apply and leaves a smooth finish with no brush marks. Krylon has introduced a unique 360-degree dial spray tip that makes it even faster and easier to spray in hard-to-reach places without runs or drips. By using spray paint for simple fix-ups, you can quickly and easily make a striking difference around the home and yard.

Brightening architectural details such as shutters, garden gates and light fixtures with a punch of color can increase a home's curb appeal. Indoors, strategic use of color can transform attic treasures and bargain finds ranging from tables and headboards to picture frames and wicker baskets into fresh accent pieces.

"The key color drivers this year are the economy, nature and fashion," says Donna Schroeder, who develops color palettes for the Krylon spray paint brand. "Neutral colors are always popular during economic downturns, but today's more educated consumer loves color and seeks shades that are enchanting and beautiful, honest and natural."

Color has been proven to affect mood. Magical colors infuse energy, counter despair and fulfill a genuine need for art, culture and beauty in life. Examples from Krylon's Indoor/Outdoor color palette include Rich Plum and Jade, Raspberry and Hyacinth -- floral hues that impart a dream-like aesthetic.

"At the same time, the green movement is in everyone's consciousness, so consumers are exploring natural, honest colors and textures," Schroeder says. She points to Pistachio and Pebble as colors that are ideal for refreshing and repurposing the home with soothing, nature-inspired tones.

Once you've introduced a color you love, Schroeder suggests building on it with flower arrangements, pillows, throws and other accessories. For inspiration and home-improvement hints, visit the Krylon Web site at www.krylon.com.

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Create your own outdoor oasis

(NC)—Now that the warmer weather is here, it's time to transform your outdoor space into a five star oasis. Try these quick and easy do-it-yourself projects that will have a big impact without breaking the bank. 

Just Like New, Just Like That One of the easiest things to do to instantly improve your entertaining space is to spruce up your patio furniture with a fresh new look. Try a paint like Rust-Oleum's Painter's Touch which works on wicker, metal or wood and comes in a variety of colours. Be daring and create a South Beach style with bright colours like berry pink and Caribbean blue or go for Hamptons chic with winter gray. 

Pretty up pathways Another trick that people often forget is changing the colour or texture of their stairs and pathways. Liven up existing outdoor stone or concrete walkways with a simple coating of concrete stain or by applying some texture with a Stoneffects finish. All it takes is a small change like this to make a big difference on the look of your backyard. 

Containers, pots and urnsPots come in all sorts of sizes and can be an easy way to spruce up an outdoor space. Revitalize your plant containers with fun colours that can be changed year after year. Use a no-fuss spray paint like Universal in two or three complimentary colours to add instant style to your garden. 

Turn your barbecue into hot stuffAnd finally, if you've got a tired looking BBQ, cover up rust spots or chipped paint with a high heat spray paint in a classic black or add some style with a copper finish. 

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Add style to your summer

 (NC)—More and more Canadians are looking to maximize the use of their backyards by creating a warm and inviting space to make the most of the summer months. A new look can be as simple as adding some colour. Tap into this season's hottest colours like bright turquoise and fresh green and leave the look of faded plastic chairs and rusty patio furniture behind. Or for a more traditional colour palette, go for a cool gray or crisp white look to freshen up your space.

Try Rust-Oleum's Painter's Touch 2X gloss spray paint in sun yellow or brilliant blue to add instant style. Whether you desire Miami Beach, a Muskokan retreat, or a look all your own, one single coat of paint can help you create a finished look in less time and for less money.

Here's how to give your furniture a new look with spray paint:

1. Remove any old or loose paint and lightly sand your furniture. Rinse the furniture and allow it to dry.

2. Choose a spray paint in your desired colour and finish. Spray paint does not need to have a flat finish, try textured spray paints for a pebble-look to create a chic look.

3. To get an even finish, hold the can of paint 20-30 centimetres away from the surface and spray back and forth in long, sweeping motions. Opt for multiple light coats, rather than fewer heavy coats to get a smooth finish without drips.

If your favourite bistro set has existing rust spots, try a rust-fighting paint such as Tremclad spray paint which provides long-lasting protection and durability.

And always remember, accessories can also give your outdoor space an improved overall sense of style Choose one or two complimentary colours and use them to paint items such as urns and decorative lanterns. Try Universal spray paint in canary yellow, a popular 2010 colour.

Remember, being on trend does not mean being out-of-pocket; an afternoon of painting can extend your budget and your living space. 

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Spice up your space with the top colour trends for 2010

(NC)—Avocado and harvest gold bring back memories of the 70s – but what colours will 2010 bring to our homes? To kick off the new decade, Krylon, the nation's leader in spray paint, provides the latest in home design and colour trends, helping you to make a lasting impact with easy projects that are perfect for your home – inside and out.“As the economy continues to climb out of a recession, there is less spending on new and more re-purposing of existing items for the home,” says Donna Schroeder, Krylon, colour marketing and design manager. “A great way to bring new life to old objects is with spray paint in one of the year's hottest colours.”

According to Schroeder, drivers for 2010 trends are nature, collections, senses and symbols. These drivers are interconnected, allowing each trend to blend into the other to create a cohesive look and feel throughout your space. The four stylish colour themes found in the 2010 palette are as follows:

Sense

Whether you prefer scented candles, dim lighting or cozy rugs to accent your home, stimulating all of the senses is key. Comprised of soft colours, the Sense trend will swaddle and soothe the soul. It engages all five senses as it mixes textures, scents and patterns and also focuses on the details, allowing you to make a statement with even the smallest elements.

Colours in the Sense palette include Pacific purple, morning mist, hyacinth, celery, jade and sand.

Nurture

Environmental concerns continue to influence home design and decorating, with homeowners shifting toward smaller spaces, while also buying less and repurposing more. To complement this eco-consciousness, indoor design and décor trends continue to be reminiscent of the outdoors. Bring the beauty of the environment into your home with colours found in natural elements.

Colours in the Nurture palette include fern, meringue, terra cotta, river rock, mountain view and cloud.

Symbol

A love of architectural shapes and details from the past help fuel the trend of symbols. Moody and complex colours are integral, allowing design elements from the yesteryear to resurface in modern-day homes. Look for accents with a historical look and feel to complement the dramatic hues and elegant feel of this trend.

Colours in the Symbol palette include almond, cherry red, navy, ivy leaf, leather brown and castle rock.

Sojourn

The beauty and wonder of the world can derive inspiration for your home. By combining meaningful objects from your personal travels with rich, globally inspired colours, you can showcase your belongings as a masterful collection, telling a story of your past travels and experiences through your home décor.

Colours in the Sojourn palette include Bahama sea, burgundy, peek-a-boo blue, blonde shimmer, Niagara ivory mist and equestrian.

More information and additional resources for choosing the perfect colour can be found online at www.krylon.com.

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