Tips For Painting Panel Doors

Panel doors require a bit of troubleshooting when painting. Whereas a completely flat surface door can be painted quickly and without much thought, panel doors need a bit more care. Still, it does not require a great deal of skill, just patience and know-how. Below are ten steps to make the process of painting your panel doors a smooth one.

Prepare the door for painting by cleaning it thoroughly. A clean door will accept paint better and will prevent lumps or streaks caused by dirt buildup. Be sure to clean the cracks and moldings of your panel door.
Use sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface. This will help the paint stick better. If there are any areas where paint is chipping, use a putty knife on these spots before sandpapering, then sand over the area. Exterior doors especially may have chipped paint due to weather exposure.
Use a high-quality paintbrush. You get what you pay for, and a high quality paintbrush will make the job look better. You may want to use a small roller for the flat surfaces, as well, but that is optional.
Choose semi-gloss sheen when selecting paint for the door. Because it is more durable than eggshell or flat finishes, it may be an especially good choice for exterior doors. Semi-gloss sheen is also easier to clean.
Either remove door hardware or cover it with masking tape. Be sure to remove hardware before you start painting, as this can often stir up dust caught in the lock cavity.
If some paint does get on the door hardware, clean it off right away with a damp cloth.
Place newspapers or cardboard under the door to prevent paint from spilling on your carpet or floor.
Paint the door panels first, starting with the molding and then painting the interior panel. Work from top to bottom. Finish each panel with an upward brush stroke to prevent dripping.
Beware of using too much paint at once. Paint can pool in corners and moldings or drip if you use too much. Make the first coat light. You can always add a second coat.
Paint the stiles and rails last. If the door swings out, paint the hinged edge. If it swings in, paint the lock side edge.

With these tips, you can paint with confidence and then sit back and enjoy your handiwork as you take in your newly painted panel doors.

Install Your Vinyl Replacement Windows

Replacing your old drafty windows with vinyl windows may seem like an easy process–after all how hard can it be to knock out old windows and put in new ones? You’re right, learning how to install vinyl replacement windows is not difficult–that is, if you follow these three important steps:

1. Measure (Twice!)

The most important first step is to measure the size of your window openings (not the entire window) before you place your order for vinyl windows. The old adage, measure twice (or even three times) applies here. Make sure that your measurements are accurate, and you are measuring the right space since vinyl windows are custom made. You won’t be able to return them if they don’t fit into your old window space. To get an accurate measurement, raise the old window and measure the opening from one jamb to the other (a jamb is the wood that frames the window). If you are replacing more than one window in your house measure all of them–while they may look the same size they may not be.

2. Prepare

Remove the old window completely–including the sash and window panel that holds in the glass–from the window opening. Save the window jambs and stops that hold the windows in place–you will need reuse them later when you install your vinyl replacement windows. Make sure that the entire area is cleared of any debris from the removal process.

3. Install

Maneuver the replacement window into the opening–you will need help with this step to avoid dropping the window. Use a carpenter’s square to center the new window and slide the sides of the window behind the pre-drilled holes in the jamb. Use the saved side jambs and drill the window in place. Replace the inside stops.

Once your window is installed, check to see if it works properly. If it does, use a caulking gun to seal any gaps on the inside and outside

Cleaning Carpet : Basic Tips

Carpet cleaning does not always have to mean renting an expensive steam cleaning machine, though this does need to be done every six months to a year. Unfortunately spills and stains happen more than twice a year, so those things need to be taken care of as soon as they happen. These are some easy cleaning tips that will help you keep your carpet looking nice between cleanings.

Spot cleaning tips for carpet

The best way to keep your carpet looking great in between deep cleanings is to make sure you clean up any spills immediately. There are several commercial carpet cleaning solutions out there, but you can actually clean many spills or stains with things you probably already have in your home. Every homeowner should have white vinegar, baking soda, ammonia and lemon juice in their home. These simple products can clean almost any spill on your carpet. For example, a mixture of vinegar and water can be rubbed on stains then blotted with a white paper towel. To make sure that you get the carpet pad clean as well, put a layer of paper towels on the spot, then put a book over it and let it sit over night. There are many other carpet cleaning tips available on-line that cover specific stains.

Deep cleaning tips for carpet

The best way to deep clean your carpets, honestly, is to hire a professional carpet cleaning service. You can use a steam cleaner or rent one, but these will not get your carpets as clean as hiring someone will. The problem with store bought steam cleaners is that they often leave a soap residue on the carpet, which actually makes carpets dirtier, because dirt then sticks to the residue. These machines are good in a pinch, but one of the best deep cleaning tips for carpets is to hire a professional.