www.Bidwiggle.com

Posts Tagged ‘How to…’

Any Good Links For “how To Paint A Laminate Kitchen Countertop?”? | Teach Me To Do
Any Good Links For “how To Paint A Laminate Kitchen Countertop?”?

by admin on Oct.04, 2009, under Main Site

saw a home improvement show where they painted a laminate counter top to look like granite.there werent any directions on how to do this on the shows web site,and the you tube vidoes I have watched arent very clear as to what type of primer,paint etcetra.do you have any links to good instructional videos ? any horror stories or reccomendations ?

Fresco isn’t just a wall painting

From the Palette
If you read “The Da Vinci Code” you probably saw the word “fresco” in reference to painting. But what exactly is a “fresco?”

If asked to define a fresco, most people would say that it’s a mural, or “wall painting.” True, but real fresco is a wall painting of a special kind. And murals are not frescos. A mural can be painted on a wall in any of several techniques, including acrylics (such as the one in downtown Van Wert) and oil paints. Most murals today aren’t painted right on the wall, but are painted on canvas or huge specially prepared boards and then glued or mounted to the wall. That makes them murals, but they are not frescos.

When people visit Italy for the first time, they are sometimes surprised to find that some of the paintings they are familiar with from reproductions in books actually cover enormous wall surfaces, the same surfaces into which they were originally painted. Notice that we use the word “into.” True frescos are actually painted INTO the wall, not onto it.

A real fresco is actually part of the wall. The painter works with pure pigment, using only water as a medium to hold the pigment. Timing is essential, because the artist paints directly on a fresh plaster coating as the plaster dries. If the wall is still too wet, it won’t accept pigment; if it’s too dry, the pigment won’t enter the plaster and will powder off later on. The painter must complete the work during the few hours when the surface is just dry enough to suck in the pigment and just wet enough to combine its own moisture with the water containing the pigment. During those few hours, the plaster will absorb the pigment a fraction of an inch below its surface, and will hold it there.

The fresco painter plasters only as much of the wall as he expects to be able to cover that day. The next day he has to chip away any unpainted dried plaster and lay on a fresh area next to the finished work. Every day’s work must be completed that day; it’s not possible to go back and make corrections or paint into yesterday’s work to unite it with today’s.

The fresco painter has to have the whole scheme visualized in detail before he works on any part of it. If the color of any area must be changed, even slightly, he has to chip off the offending part and start over again.

An additional complication is that the color changes as the plaster dries. The fresco painter is painting two pictures at once; one a picture in the colors he sees as he paints, and the other a picture in the colors he’ll see the next morning when the plaster has dried. He has to match yesterday’s colors by remembering how they looked before drying, an extremely difficult task.

Finished fresco paintings share the fortunes of the building itself. It may be neglected, abused, or cherished. If the wall cracks, the fresco cracks. A fresco is so organically united with architecture that you have to be present in the building to get the full impact of the painting. Mere pictures in a magazine or book do not give us a sense of the wall and location that are a vital element in fresco painting.

Ironically, the author of “The Da Vinci Code” was in error when he called “The Last Supper” a fresco. “The Last Supper” was an experiment by Da Vinci using tempera painting on DRY plaster. ON, not INTO. The painting took four years to complete and it was a disaster. Humidity caused the paint to separate from the plaster on which it was painted. Whole pieces of paint fell off the wall almost immediately, and it continued to flake and deteriorate for hundreds of years. After 20 years of effort, modern experts have managed to more or less stabilize the piece, but it is a faded, blurry replica of the original painting. If Da Vinci had used the true fresco technique, “The Last Supper”: would still be as gloriously brilliant as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling fresco is today.

Deseret News | Home improvement: Fixing ugly tile
By Al Heavens

The Philadelphia Inquirer
Published: Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009 4:19 p.m. MDT
0 comments
  A couple of weeks back a reader asked me about painting bathroom tile a different color instead of spending thousands of dollars to replace it.

I have a comment: painting tile is for rentals, apartments, or old painters like me ” Yes! Really hunny, I can paint the tile and it will save us thousands, and it will look great!” never mind my wife knows better its been 26 years.

See my comments below-Spackletweet

PhillyBurbs.com:  PBA’s ‘Around the House’ answers your questions!
Q: Is it ok to paint over wallpaper?

A: It is not recommended, but if the wallpaper is in good condition, not peeling, and the surface allows the paint to adhere, it is certainly a quick and inexpensive option. Just realize that it may be a temporary solution as the wallpaper may later begin to peel.

Q: The prior owner of my house painted the concrete floor in my garage. Now it’s all peeling and looks terrible. Is there a good product I can use to easily and safely strip away that paint and get back to bare concrete?

A: At this point, it’s going to be difficult to strip down to bare concrete, but you can make the floor much more presentable.

Start by applying a degreaser/cleaner to the concrete to thoroughly clean the floor as much as possible. Then you will simply reapply a concrete paint sealer, or use a do-it-yourself kit (available at most hardware and builders supply stores) to reseal and paint the floor.

Kits are available in a variety of surfaces and colors. Another option is covering the floor with hard rubber tiles designed for garage use.

Spackletweet ADVICE:
Ok first about wallpaper…
If the wallpaper is not peeling, and it is hard to peel off… then…you can paint it…IF…you first prime will an OIL BASE PRIMER.  If you just paint with a waterbased paint it will bubble like a hot tub filled with a box of Mr. Bubbles. If it is too late and you got the bubble walls already…cut out the bubbles with a razor knife, then prime with oil paint, (kilz works) finally fill as needed with spackle. Most times I texture the primed wallpaper , then prime again then paint…2 coats…whew yes its a lot of steps! But if the wallpaper comes off easy then you may get lucky and have a nice textured wall to work with, maybe, if you get lucky.

Now the Floor.
If you have a painted floor that is peeling you should hope it peels up easy, because you need to get off as much as you can. Take A razor knife that is mounted on a pole and start scraping ( its hard work). Where do you get one of these razor pole thingys? Pro floor supplier. Home stores will only have the shorty ones (which work but even harder work). Floor guys use the pole for scraping up glue and thin set. Buy a hundred blades too.
Okay lets say it kinda comes up but not so easy. Then you need a  diamond cup wheel ($75 to $100 for the wheel) on a grinder (lots of dust); floor will be new again. Ohhh or you could use a water blaster with a zero degree rotating tip (home store rental) make sure you point the water towards the exit. BTW in many locals, no matter what you do the floor will peel again…its called “gassing”. Gassing is when water vapor comes up thru the concrete, and you can’t stop mother nature. You can do a moisture test first, but that just means that the exact spot you tested, is, well tested. My opinion is that if you live in an area where gassing is a problem DON’T PAINT the floor. If you can’t stand it, and you just have to have an epoxy floor, forget the home store products. You need to go with real epoxy and top it with real Urethane (PPG has good stuff), but only After you grind the whole floor (diamond wheel) shotblast, or etch it (acid). Etching is an art, too much and you ruin the concrete, too little and the floor will fail. Etching is different for every floor because thats just how it is, with no exact formula strength. Anyway you may get lucky and get a good floor finish that loves to stay put, or you can call a floor coatings company to do it. You will surely think the floor coating guy charges way too much, but after you call him back 6 times because of peeling…yup …its risky business.  The coating that work best for concrete floors are nasty, yucky, and bad bad bad. Just ask the epoxy floor guy that you think is 50 years old (he is really just 30). And when some guy from work goes on and on about his garage floor and how nice it looks, and how he painted it himself at half time on sunday….just remember… you too could win the lottery, really you could. Painting concrete garage floors is kinda like playing russian Roulette, but with two bullets.. unless your garage floor is on the second floor, or on a loft for some reason, then you don’t have a vapor problem for sure, because the concrete is not touching dirt, which is touching all kinds of mother naturey things.
And don’t worry about the “you have a plastic vapor barrier” argument. If the builder DID use plastic under your garage floor, the concrete guy walked all over it making holes. Plus the concrete guys like to poke holes in it (Accidentally with a shovel) because it gives the water in the just poured concrete a place to go (shorter timetable).  Sounds all negative? Actually its all positive: now you can go do something that is fun.  Or paint something that likes paint.

DIY: How To Paint Or Stain Almost Anything – Danny Lipford
How To Paint Or Stain Almost Anything

While a fresh coat of paint is one of the best ways to freshen up the walls in any room in your home, there are many other surfaces around the home that you may not have thought to paint, or if you did you may not have been entirely sure how to go about it. Some of these surfaces include concrete, brick, metal, aluminum and even plastic. So if you want to bedazzle your basement walls or make your worn-down aluminum siding a little more alluring – here are some tips on how to go about it.

Keep in mind: The best results for painting anything are achieved with proper preparation and the selection of the appropriate high quality paint product.
Concrete

First, let’s take a look at concrete which can be found in and around the home in driveways, walkways, basement walls and floors etc. There are two ways to treat concrete whether it is inside or outside your home – staining and painting. Choosing whether to stain or to paint your concrete would depend largely upon both the current state of the concrete (new or old and previously treated) as well as the look you want to achieve.
Staining

Similar to wood stain, concrete stain permeates the surface and provides a long-lasting, durable and decorative finish on interior and exterior concrete and masonry surfaces. The stain permeates the surface and actually bonds with concrete and masonry to form a tough shield that doesn’t fade, peel or flake like paint. To extend the life of the stain, consider using a clear stain as a final coat. Stain is inherently more transparent than paint and therefore does not completely cover up the concrete. Paint offers complete coverage and would be considered “opaque”. Concrete stains come in a variety of colors and can create a beautiful custom look to any walkway, patio or indoor floor.
Painting

Again, the choice here would depend upon the look you want as well as the current state of the concrete. Painting is a good choice if you want to create a more solid look, cover over any imperfections in the concrete or are simply re-painting an already painted concrete surface. An ideal choice of paint for basements is one that offers a waterproof feature as well as mildew resistance.

Whether you choose to stain or paint your concrete, make sure the surface is free from dirt and grease, and it is completely dry.
Metal

When it’s time to freshen up a metal handrail or fence, you must be vigilant to completely eliminate metal enemy #1 – RUST! There are a variety of products available that can help remove rust, but the most simple and effective way to do this is with an old-fashioned hand-held wire brush or a special wire brush attachment for your drill. Simply scrub the rust with the wire brush until it is completely gone and then wipe the metal down with mineral spirits. Once you have removed the rust, immediately apply a primer, ideally one that contains a rust inhibitor and then apply a topcoat of high gloss enamel paint.
Aluminum

Many people are surprised to learn that re-painting their existing aluminum siding is not only quite easy but certainly more cost-effective than replacing with new siding. As with all surfaces, the most important step is preparation – in the case of aluminum siding that means completely removing a chalky substance that builds up on siding over time. This chalky substance is usually fairly easily removed with a standard cleaner or degreaser and then wiped dry. However, in some cases a little more scrubbing is required. In most cases aluminum siding does not require a primer, however, if the original coating is completely worn down to the metal, prime those areas with a thinned-down oil based primer. Once you have cleaned and primed where necessary, choose a high quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paint with a satin finish. A satin finish best simulates the look of new aluminum siding.
Plastic

Painting plastic is now much more of an option due to a new product from Krylon called “Fusion” which adheres to plastic in a way no other consumer paint ever has. You can now extend the life of plastic chairs, lawn furniture, and children’s toys and send less plastic to the landfills. When painting plastic it is important to consider the current state of the plastic. If it is brand new, the surface needs to be wiped down with paint remover so that the paint will adhere properly. If it is older, simply wiping it clean will suffice. Apply a thin coat of one of sixteen brilliant colors available, allow to dry for a very short time and then apply again. Applying multiple thin coats of this product will prevent runs and drips.

 

Blocking

Two painted surfaces sticking together when pressed against the other, such as doors and windows.

Coalescence Void

Paint not forming a continuous film when surface temperature is too cold, usually below 50º F.

Caulking Failures

Loss of the protective moisture seal due to the loss of the initial adhesion and flexibility.

Wrinkling

A rough crinkled surface casued by a drying interference and forming a wrinkled skin.

Yellowing

Gradual formation of a yellow cast in aging oil based paints sensitive to the lack of UV exposure.

Spattering (Roller)

A spray of paint droplets from the roller cover as the paint is being applied.

Stain Resistance Failure

Paint soiling with minimal resistance to the absorption of dirt and stains.

Touch-Up Failure

A difference in color and appearance between the original paint and the touch-up spots.

Roller Marks

A stipple texture pattern from the roller; not desirable or planned.

Sagging

Paint running down immediately after application leaving an uneven coating appearance.

Scrubbing Failure

Excessive wearing away of the paint film from repeated scrubbings.

Picture Framing

Darker color where ceilings, windows, doors and corner areas were cut-in with a brush.

Poor Hiding

Failure of the finish coat to cover the previous color or a new substrate.

Print Resistance Failure

Marking of paint from the weight of an object such as a dish on a shelf.

Mildew

Areas of black, gray brown fungus growing on paint and other surfaces, particularly in damp areas.

Mud Cracking

Looks like dried mud with deep irregular cracks in the dry paint film.

Flow/Leveling Failure

Excessive brush or roller marks causing an unsightly non-uniform surface.

Foaming/Cratering

Excessive bubbling that doesn’t flow out and leaves craters or depressions in the paint film.

Lapping

Occurs where wet and dry layers overlap during painting.

Avoid with paint area management and technique.

Burnishing

Spots of increased sheen where paint is rubbed. Even a fingernail stroke can burnish.

Cracking/Flaking

Aged paint splitting through at least one coat with flaking occurring in the later stages.

Flashing

Uneven gloss with shiny or dull spots on painted surfaces.

Alligatoring

Many wide patterned cracks in the paint film with the appearance of alligator scales.

Blistering

Dome shaped paint bubbles indicating loss of adhesion. Can occur in isolation or groups.

Chalking

Excessive and heavy powdering. Paints chalk naturally somewhat over long exposure to sun and weather.

Checking/Flaking

Aging, dried paint starts with hairline cracks. Eventually cracking to the surface.

Dirt Staining

Excessive collection of dirt and other debris. Sometimes mistaken for mildew.

Efflorescence

Crusty, white salt deposits leached form masonry or mortar as moisture passes through.

Fading/Color Retention

Early loss of color or change usually from direct sun exposure. More pronounced with yellows and reds.

Frosting

Salty looking discoloration, most visible on darker colors, sometimes mistaken for efflorescence.

Galvanized Metal Peeling

Is an adhesion loss of the paint due to inadequate surface preparation.

Gloss Retention

An accelerated deterioration of the top coat causing rapid luster loss.

Lapping

Occurs where wet and dry layers overlap during painting. Avoid with paint area management and technique.

Leaching (Surfactant)

Blotchy usually tan colored glossy water soluble spots on latex paints.

Mildew

Areas of black, gray, brown spots formed on paint and other surfaces, particularly in damp, shady areas.

Nailhead Rusting

Rust spots come through the paint. Preventable with proper surface preparation and priming.

Paint Incompatibility

Causing adhesion loss from a top coat of latex over many layers of old alkyd or oil based paint.

Peeling: Hardboard/Wood

Paint adhesion is lost and the loose paint starts coming off in single to multiple coats.

Peeling: Masonry/Metal

Paint adhesion is lost and the loose paint starts coming off in single to multiple coats.

Resisting Alkali

Results are color loss and complete deterioration of the paint on fresh masonry.

Tannin Wood Staining

Brownish discoloration that will come through prime/finish coats unless properly primed.

Under Eaves Peeling

Occurs in protected or shady areas where condensation collects sulfur
dioxide from air. These salt crystals are washed away by rain in areas
not protected. Painting over these crystals will cause peeling as the
salts draws moisture through the paint.

Wax Bleeding

Migration of waxy additives used in reconstituted wood products to the surface causing discoloration and possible wetting.

Wrinkling

Kelly-Moore Paints: Color Center

Color Center

Our Color Center lets you view our color catalogues, find color ideas, view design ideas and more.

Click & Paint Software Support is available here.
You can find free download demos for commercial exterior, interior, and more.

Kelly-Moore Paints – SpecWizard
1. KELLY-MOORE PAINTS – PAINT MATERIALS – GENERAL
VOC Classification: Provide materials, including primers, undercoats, and finish-coat materials, that meet local air quality district regulations.

Kelly-Moore Paints – The Painter’s Paint Store – (Paint Solutions)
Paint Solutions

This page is designed to assist you with different paint solutions.
Click on the images for further solutions.

How to Paint a Wall in 4 Steps | DoItYourself.com
Learning how to paint a wall is a fun and a rewarding task that can be shared with your whole family. Follow the steps below to get started in painting a wall in your home.

Step1-Gather the Necessary Materials

You will need the following materials to get your project off the ground:

* 1 large paint bucket;
* 1 metal screen for the bucket;
* 1firm bristled brush;
* 1 one roller;
* 1 can of primer (unless your walls are white in which case you won’t need to prime);
* 1 roll of plastic poly;
* 1 roll of painter’s tape;
* 1-2 pieces of sand paper, and;
* 1 can of paint.

Step 2-Before You Prime

Use the plastic roll of poly and some blue painters tape to cover and protect the floor and any valuables near the wall you intend to paint. Take down any art work that may be on the wall. Use the painter’s tape to cover the corners of anything you don’t want paint on like the window or mantle.

Step 3-Prime Your Wall

Use the hard bristled brush to edge the wall. Edging the wall means that you should paint a 8-10 inch wide margin around all corners. This will make it easier to be accurate with the roller. Once you have edged and rolled the entire wall in primer, wait for it to dry thoroughly and then sand it. Run the sand paper up and down the entire wall until it is smooth and shiny.

Step 4-Paint Your Wall

Follow the same steps for painting as you would for priming. Edge the wall’s corners, windows, and anything else that may be risky to use the roller near. Once you have completed the edging, use the roller on the rest of the wall. Don’t forget to run the roller along the metal screen in the paint bucket, this will keep your work clean and even. Depending on the thickness of your paint and your personal color preference, wait for the paint to dry, sand it once more, and then paint again. Always use at least two coats and three at the most for the best results.

Uses of White Vinegar in Your House
White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You�ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical.To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.

Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.

Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so, then run hot water down the drain.

Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.

Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them by freezing full-strength white distilled vinegar in an ice cube tray. Run several cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.

Cut the grime on the top of the refrigerator with a paper towel or cloth and full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse.

To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.

Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.

For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.

Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners� manual first.)

Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.

For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.

Remove odors from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave overnight.

Remove ugly film in narrow-necked glass jars, flower vases, and bottles by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar sit in them for a few hours. Add a little rice or sand and shake vigorously to loosen stubborn stains. Repeat if necessary.

To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

Make a metal cleanser by adding enough white distilled vinegar to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub it on and let it dry on the surface. Wash it off and dry with a soft cloth.

Polish brass and copper with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar. Rub it on with a clean cloth until dry and shiny.

Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.

Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.

Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.

Wipe grease off exhaust fan grids, the inside of your oven, or anywhere grease gathers with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar.

To make cleaning the grill easier, spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the cooking surface.

To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.

Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.

Get rid of calcium deposits on faucets by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight.

Remove soap buildup from faucets by scrubbing them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts white distilled vinegar.

Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing 1/2 to 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. If mineral deposits don�t wipe off, scrubbing with an old toothbrush should complete the job.

Shine colored porcelain sinks by scouring them with undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Rinse away soapy film on countertops with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.

Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.

Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.

Spray shower doors with full-strength white distilled vinegar after you�ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don�t remain on the glass.

Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.

Get rid of stubborn bathtub film by wiping it with white distilled vinegar and then scouring with baking soda.

Soak a sponge or loofah overnight in a strong white distilled vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible).

Clean shower door tracks by filling them with white distilled vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.

To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.

To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

Freshen air in the bathroom by spraying into the air a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup water.

Get a shining finish on a no-wax vinyl or linoleum floor by cleaning it with a solution of one cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water.

Apply full-strength white distilled vinegar directly to tough linoleum stains. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it up. If that doesn�t work, apply white distilled vinegar again and then sprinkle some baking soda over the white distilled vinegar. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Rinse clean with water.

For an economical and environmentally friendly floor cleaner, mix a solution of 3 drops dishwashing liquid to 1/3 part white distilled vinegar, 1/3 part alcohol, and 1/3 part water. Spray sparingly and mop for a fast clean-up.

Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the carpet stain and let dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet first).

Bring out the color in carpet by brushing it with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet beforehand).

To reduce soap bubbles in a steam cleaner add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Use the same amount in the rinse water to remove detergent residue and make carpets stay fresh longer.

Wash indoor/outdoor carpet with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar in 1 bucket of warm water. Scrub using a brush or a broom and then hose off.

Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.

Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.

Remove the wax residue left by commercial window cleaners with a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.

To remove paint from windows try using undiluted, hot white distilled vinegar. Give the solution time to soften the paint before removing with a razor edge tool.

To remove paint splatters from windows apply full-strength white distilled vinegar with a clean paintbrush.

Get rid of mildew, dust, and stale odors by wiping down walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar on a cloth or a sponge mop.

Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp�not wet�towel.

Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.

Remove wallpaper easily by using a paint roller to wet the surface very thoroughly with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and hot water. Or spray on until saturated.

Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.

Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.

Remove fireplace soot and grime with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Use a brush to scrub and a towel to blot up the wetness and dirt.

Clean fireplace glass doors with a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray or wipe on, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.

To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.

Remove the smell of a dead mouse or other rodent (after removing all animal remnants) by wiping down the area with either white distilled vinegar or bleach. Then place a fabric softener sheet in the area to remove any lingering odors.

Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.

Before painting old concrete, clean with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Let it air dry.

Clean hardened paint brushes by simmering them in a pot with white distilled vinegar. Soak them first for an hour before bringing the white distilled vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

Remove mud and stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment by applying a paste of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Wipe off with soapy water and rinse with clear water.

Clean your grill by spritzing white distilled vinegar over wadded up aluminum foil and scrubbing the grill vigorously with it.

To remove film in glass baby bottles, fill with equal parts hot water and white distilled vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour. Scrub with a bottle brush.

To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.

Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize urine on a mattress with a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch.

Shine pennies by soaking them for a couple of hours or overnight in a glass or bowl of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Transforming Stigmatized Properties
Posted by Carolyn Capalbo in September 27th 2009

Change the exterior of the house. Add some architectural details or replace some.

* If the home was a dark color, paint it a light color
* If the home was a light color, paint it a different light color or a medium shade
* Replace windows and shutters to give the home a different look
* Paint trim, window ledges and entrances a different contrasting color
* Repaint the doors or replace them
* Replace the mailbox with a different one
* Replace the home address numbers with new ones in a different style

If you’re trying to sell a property that has been marred by a serious crime, a purported haunting or criminal activity, it might be time for a makeover to change the image of the home you are trying to sell from the image in the papers and on TV. A different kind of curbside appeal makes it less likely that your buyers will be triggered by emotions associated with the pictures that have been in the news.

The first thing is to take stock of the publicity photos. Note what they show and where. If a crime or event is serious enough, there might be photos of the interior of the house as well as the exterior and the grounds. Gather together what evidence you can and study it. Your goal is to find out what the public is seeing and change your home’s look so that when buyers come to see the place, they don’t see the building in photographs.

Change the landscaping. The more you break up the visual appearance of the property, the less likely is it going to be associated with bad publicity.

* Prune back trees and bushes or consider removing some
* Plant trees and flowers
* Buy some shrubbery or other plants to put on the property
* Add decorative pathways
* Plant a garden or make a rock garden

Change the exterior of the house. Add some architectural details or replace some.

* If the home was a dark color, paint it a light color
* If the home was a light color, paint it a different light color or a medium shade
* Replace windows and shutters to give the home a different look
* Paint trim, window ledges and entrances a different contrasting color
* Repaint the doors or replace them
* Replace the mailbox with a different one
* Replace the home address numbers with new ones in a different style

If photos were taken that show the interior of the home, you will have to reimagine those areas.

* Repaint the walls.
* Replace the carpet
or stain the floors
* Replace or change the appearance of furniture
* Rearrange the room

Changing the appearance of a stigmatized property will separate it from the bad publicity surrounding its history. The public’s memory is short and hopefully your work will serve to minimize the triggering of bad memories and promote the home’s sale.

Carolyn Capalbo is an expert military relocation specialist and real estate agent serving Northern Virginia real estate. Visit Just4Real.com to find updated market information about areas in Prince William, including Warrenton real estate.