Exterior Repainting Tips and Techniques

Thanks to Doityourself.com for these painting tips. 

Remember: A coat of fresh paint will not glue down a coat of old paint that's ready to crack and fall off.

Paints are common coatings used on wood and provide the most protection. Latex-based paints and stains are water borne, and oil or alkyd paints are solvent borne. Paints are used for aesthetic purposes, to protect the wood surface from weathering and to conceal certain defects. Paints are applied to the wood surface and do not penetrate it deeply. The wood grain is completely obscured, and a surface film is formed. This surface film can blister or peel if the wood is wetted or if inside water vapor moves through the house wall and wood siding because of the absence of a vapor barrier.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/exttips#ixzz21I1oFZ3i

Tips for Preparing a Room for Painting

DoItYourself.com is one of my favorite websites. They offer tips on all types of projects around the house. These projects are a great way to raise the value of your house. Here's a great article I found for inexperienced painters!

The steps involved in preparing a room for painting include the following:

1. Remove as much furniture from the room as possible, and move the remaining furniture to the center of the room. Cover the remaining furniture with a drop cloth, and use removable masking tape around any moldings, doors and windows. Use drop cloths to protect the floors. 
   
2. Cover the smoke detector with a plastic bag, and turn off any heating or air conditioning to prepare for the sanding and painting. 
   
3. Scrape or sand any loose or flaking paint using sandpaper or a paint scraper. Scrape down to the bare surface if needed. 
   
4. Use a putty knife to fill any nail or screw holes with a good quality spackling compound. Fill any cracks with caulking. 
   
5. If the woodwork is seriously damaged it may be necessary to apply epoxy filler, like the filler used on car bodies.

Read more: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/prepareroomforpaint#ixzz20dOqPtWp

Stay Cool in Summer Heat

It has been hot in and around the city of Pittsburgh this week. It is important to stay cool and hydrated in heat like this. I found some tips from MedicineNet.com that I found helpful. Stay cool our there!

TIPS TO STAY COOL

• Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening)
• Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
• Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
• Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
• Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.   

There are more tips in the article. Thanks MedicineNet!