Power Sanding Wooden Floors

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Whether you have just ripped up your old carpet or are looking to change the color of your wood floors sanding is something that you will have to do. Wooden floor sanding is not something that many of us enjoy doing because of how long it takes, but also because of how messy it is. Sanding of wooden floors is necessary before refinishing because it is the only way to get rid of any imperfections in the wood. Not only will it remove any imperfections, such as scratches and dents, but it will also rid your old floor of any stains. Removing all of the imperfections ensures that the floor is nice and smooth once again, making it easier to apply stain or finish.

With how important sanding of wooden floors it is vital that you do it correctly. Be warned if wooden floor sanding is not done correctly it will ruin the floors, in some cases it will ruin the floors beyond repair. Luckily, for those who are the sanding wooden floors diy type there are plenty of tips that you can follow to make it easier. If you are not the sanding wooden floors diy type then you are better off hiring a contractor to do it for you!

For those sanding wooden floors diy types, here are some of the best tips out there that you can follow.

Seal Off The Room Before Sanding
One of the worst things about wooden floor sanding is how messy it is. The sanding of wooden floors creates a ton of fine dust, as well as wood shavings that go everywhere; you will even find dust in your bathroom if you are not careful. The best way to keep everything contained to one room is to seal off the room. Many do it yourselfers think that simply shutting the door is enough, but that does not work. In order to seal off the room you not only need to shut the door, but you need to seal all of the edges around the door. The easiest way to seal off the edges is to grab a plastic tarp and some masking tape. Hang the tarp on the door and tape around the edges, paying close attention to the floor. You can also create a double barrier by taping a tarp on the other side of the door. If you are home along you can tape the tarp to the inside of the doorjamb rather than the outside.

Get The Right Equipment For Sanding Wooden Floors

Wooden floor sanding is a lot easier if you have the proper equipment, not to mention the proper equipment is needed to get the job done right. If you do not have the equipment at home, you can either go out and buy the equipment needed or you can rent it. Many of your local home improvement stores rent out all of the equipment needed to sand the floors. In order to sand the floors you are going to need a drum sander, a scraper, and an edging sander. The drum sander is needed to do majority of the room, the edging sander is used on the four inches closest to the wall, and the scraper is used for the corners.

Even if you get these machines, they will be useless without sand paper. Never make the mistake of buying the same type of sand paper. In order to properly sand the floor you will need different grits of sand paper, you will need 60, 80, and 100 grit for all of the machines. Chances are you have some sand paper at home, but that paper will not work in the machines. Both the drum sander and the edging sander require disks. If you have sheets of sand paper at home, that is perfect because you will need them for any hand sanding that needs to be done later, usually in the corners. If you do not have any sand paper at home be sure to pick some up when you buy the disks.

The Proper Technique For Sanding Wooden Floors

Unfortunately the sanding of wooden floors is not as simple as turning on the machines and letting them do all the work, there is a technique involved. Before you even attempt to sand your floors with a drum sander, you will want to practice the techniques. Majority of people who rent drum and edging sanders have no idea how to work them. If you do not use them properly, you are going to end up seriously damaging your wooden floors, sometimes beyond repair.

To use the drum sander properly you want to allow the machine to travel with the grain of the wood, not against it. When using the drum sander you will want to go over each section of the floor at least two times with each of the three grits of sanding disks that you have. Something else to think about is that the drum sander cannot stay in one place; it must constantly be in motion. Allowing it to rest in one spot for any length of time can leave gouges or uneven spots in the floor. Working at a steady pace helps ensure the floor comes out even. NEVER drop the sanders onto the floor, always gently set the sanders down on the floor; dropping can cause gouging!

Clean Up As You Go When Sanding
While it might seem tempting to leave all of the clean up for when you are finished that can cause many problems. What you really need to do is as soon as you make one pass across the entire floor you want to clean up all of the dust and wood shavings. The easiest way to clean up between each pass is with a vacuum, the nozzle attachment works best. A regular vacuum will work, but a ShopVac or similar powerful vacuum will work better.

Once you have completely finished sanding, made two passes with each grit, you need to thoroughly clean the floor. Using a vacuum with a floor attachment go over the entire floor, making sure you use a nozzle attachment in the corners and along the edges, at least twice. Once you have vacuumed up as much of the dust and shavings as possible use a tack cloth to clean the entire floor, this will pick up anything that you might have missed. It is very important to thoroughly clean the floor before applying finish because any dust or shavings will become trapped beneath the top coat, giving your floor a bump finish rather than a smooth finish.

]]> http://garagefloorcoatingtips.com/tips-for-sanding-wooden-floors-before-refinishing/feed/ 0 http://garagefloorcoatingtips.com/the-best-garage-door-system/ http://garagefloorcoatingtips.com/the-best-garage-door-system/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 01:33:22 +0000 Andy http://garagefloorcoatingtips.com/?p=1599 It is a sad fact that we no longer in an age where people can leave there possessions unattended and expect them to be safe. It seems like every day I read about burglaries in my town and I live in a rural area. WE used to think that only city people couldn’t trust their neighbors but now we are having the same problems here. The fact is, you really need to make your home impregnable if you want to keep your possessions safe.

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What Are The Different Garage Door Systems?

There are various types of garage door systems available in the market nowadays, making it possible for home owner to choose the best one depending on their needs. The most common of these garage door systems are the up-and-over single panel garage doors. They are usually made from polyester-coated steel or from real wood panels. To be fully opened, single panel garage doors slide up and overhead on rails. This means that a vehicle must stop and park several feet away from the front so that it will not be hit by the garage door when it is opened. Most home owners consider this swing up arc of single panel garage doors as its major disadvantage, since it causes hassle when parking.
The inconvenience that goes with the use of single panel garage doors has caused home owners to explore other types of garage door systems. One of the garage door systems that is currently the most popular are overhead sectional doors. These garage doors are constructed from individual panels commonly made from insulated steel-sandwiched panels or even from solid board sections. Unlike single panel garage doors, overhead sectional doors allow home owners to park their vehicles right up to the garage. They do not require any space outside the garage to open. They also provide increased height for parking of higher vehicles. This garage door system is also considered to be more reliable and robust compared to monolithic doors, since each of its component panel has its own connection to the door track.
An interesting alternative to overhead sectional door is another garage door system: the side sectional door. This type of garage door is top-hung with a heavy duty aluminum bottom guide. The side sectional door slides sideways, and can be partially or fully opened when you want to access the contents of your garage. It can come with a remote control for automated operation, but can likewise be closed manually.
Those with limited garage space can meanwhile opt for another type of garage door system: the roll-up storage garage doors. As the name suggests, these doors work by rolling themselves vertically towards the roof of the garage, where they get stored. This garage door system does not require much space, but allows home owners to store several items in their garage. Like sectional doors, roll-up car port gates allow parking right up to the door. Most of these doors come with remote controls, making them very easy and safe to operate.

Choosing The Best Garage Door Opener Systems

Aside from determining which garage door suits your needs, you also need to choose among the types of garage door opener systems. These are motorized devices that facilitate the opening and closing of your garage door. They are usually controlled using switches on the garage wall, or using remote controls that can be carried inside the vehicle.
Chain-drive garage door openers are among the most popular garage door opener systems, primarily because they are the most inexpensive ones. They originated from an older technology that existed even before automated ones before popular. They can be located at the middle of the ceiling, assisting the lifting of the garage door using tracks on either sides of the door. Most of them come in 1/2 and 3/4 horsepower versions. The main issue with chain-drive garage door openers is the noise they make whenever they operate.
Another type of garage door opener system that producers less noise but still affordable is the screw-drive opener. This type of garage door opener features more power compared to the chain system. It also required less maintenance, because it has fewer parts involved in the assembly. The screw-drive opener lifts the door using a steel rod mechanism that can be found at the middle of the garage ceiling.
If you want a noise-free garage door opener system, then you should get a belt-drive system. The belt system pulls the garage door up, so it is the preferred system especially for those who have garages underneath the house. This type of garage door opener system, however, is typically the most expensive one.
The most advanced among all garage door opener systems is the computer-drive system. This system is the most top-of-the-line for automated garage door systems, because it uses an actual computerized device located above the garage door.

Garage Door Locking Systems For Added Security

For added security to your garage, you can also choose among various garage door locking systems. The most common of these is the side door bolt, which is attached to the inside of the door and has a bolt which slides to a receiving slot in the door track much like your ordinary door locks. This mechanism ensures that your garage cannot be accessed from the outside.
Other garage door locking systems include the T-Handle lock, which gets its name from the T-shaped handle used to operate the lock. It has two bolts that have to go into slots for the garage to be fully secured. There are also electronic door locks that use biometrics such as fingerprints to lock and unlock the garage door. Electronic types of locks, however, tend to be more expensive than their manual counterparts.
From garage doors to openers to locking systems there are so many ways to make your garage a secure, efficient yet attractive one. You just have to explore your various options, and choose the best one that suits your needs and your budget.

by Laertes under CC BY  with wpseopix.com

Elastomeric paint

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As much as we want to keep the exterior paint of our homes as polished and flawless as possible, it is the part of house that is most exposed to the harshest elements. They expand and contract with the burning heat of the sun and the freezing cold. As a result, cracks appear on the surface of the external coating. Moisture and other harmful substances also tend to corrode the paint and even undermine the integrity of a structure.

Elastomeric Paints Have Been Used For Years

The use of elastomeric paint can provide the solution to all these problems concerning home exteriors. This paint was developed in Europe way back in the 1940s, and was introduced to the United States only in the mid-1980s. This type of paint is currently the choice among owners of residential and commercial properties because of its superior benefits. It is especially designed to be applied on exterior surfaces such as concrete blocks, tilt-up, stucco, brick and exterior insulation finishing systems.

What exactly separates an elastomeric exterior paint from other ordinary paints? It is the presence of elastic large molecules in the substance called elastomers. These large molecules, usually made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and silicon, give the paint a thick and high fill property which is responsible for most of its great uses and advantages.

Benefits Of Elastomeric Paints

Among these benefits is its unmatched durability. Elastomeric paint produces a long-lasting, strong film on any surface which makes it resistant to extreme cold and harsh sunlight, natural elements that usually cause damage to wall coatings. The acrylic binder found in this polymer coating also makes it water-proof, so you don’t have to worry about your exterior coating being washed off by heavy, wind-driven rain. An elastomeric roof paint is also considered to be the best coating you can use for your home’s roof because it is constantly exposed to these harmful substances.

Because of its thickness, elastomeric paints also do not require multiple coats when applied to surfaces. Two coats of elastomeric paint over an excellent primer will be enough to ensure that water will not penetrate existing cracks on your wall or roof. It can even be used to repair these cracks because of the elastomeric paint’s flexibility and good elongation characteristic. If used properly, an elastomeric acrylic paint can coat an exterior surface for more than ten years, much longer than a 100-percent acrylic paint.

Another advantage of using elastomeric paint is that it works well with almost any kind of exterior surface and applications. An elastomeric stucco paint, for example, can even bridge and repair non-structural hairline cracks due to its tremendous elongation capabilities. There are also elastomeric paints for concrete, wood, masonry and even T-111 panel sidings. Certainly, only a high performing paint can exhibit this kind of versatility and durability on all kinds of surfaces.

Is Elastomeric Paint Expensive

Having familiarized yourself with the pluses of using elastomeric paint for your home, the next question in your mind will most probably be, “How much will this cost me?” Well, truth be told, the elastomeric paints cost is a little higher compared to other ordinary types of paints. This is because it has lower coverage per square foot or meter compared to other products. However, as you very well know by now, every penny you will shell out for a gallon of elastomeric paint will be all worth it, because of the excellent quality and benefits this product can offer.

Before buying an elastomeric paint, you also need to be aware of its limitations. Since it has a composition specially tailored for external surfaces, this type of paint does not work well and does not have much use inside the house. Another downside of the elastomeric paint is that it is eclipsed in quality by average paints when applied on surfaces with smooth finish. Also, elastomeric coatings do not work well with non-elastomeric paints, so do not try applying the latter on top of the former.

Painting With Elastomeric Paint

Once you have acquired the right amount of elastomeric paint you need for you home, it is important that you apply it properly on your home exterior’s surface to avoid possible wastage. In applying this kind of paint, you can use a roller, a brush or an airless paint sprayer. If you opt to use a sprayer, you will need a powerful one with a spray pump, to be able to uniformly spread the paint on the surface. You can also occasionally use water to thin the paint, if at all necessary, since elastomeric paints are water-based. For better results, you can also use acrylic binders together with the elastomeric paint.

There are a lot of commercial brands of elastomeric paint available in the market today which you can choose from. One of the more popular brands is Sherwin Williams elastomeric paint. Two of its varieties, the ConFlex XL High Building Coating and the Sherlastic Elastomeric Coating, are known for their waterproofing capabilities. Both are ideal for masonry and concrete construction, and are available in a wide range of different colors. Another popular brand is the Behr elastomeric paint. Relatively new to the American market, this brand offers premium elastomeric coating for masonry and stucco surfaces. This can be applied directly on the material to heal small cracks and to provide a sleek, waterproof finish. The brands are readily available in local paint stores, so good elastomeric paints are literally within your reach.

For exterior coating for your house that is built to last and offers a myriad of benefits, elastomeric paint should be every home owner’s choice. It provides the superior quality and unmatched care for any surface, making it an investment your house truly deserves.

Most people think that paint spills are impossible to remove from concrete surfaces. After all, we apply paint on surfaces with the expectation that they will last for years. However, there are a lot of methods which can be used to remove paint from concrete. They are very easy to use which is good news for do-it-yourself enthusiasts. While these processes for getting paint off concrete may involve several steps and may sometimes be time-consuming, they are very easy to follow, especially with the right products and a little perseverance.

Some paints, particularly latex paint, are even pretty easy to remove. Latex does not bond well to concrete, so paints made of this substance are considered to be the most convenient to strip off from concrete surfaces. Simply using a pressure washer on the concrete surface can solve your question of how to remove paint from concrete. The latex paint conveniently lifts, bubbles and peels from the surface in no time.

Another problem with removing paint from concrete that can be solved without much effort is that involving small paint spots or paint splatter. These little blemishes are fairly easy to remove from concrete surfaces, regardless of the type of paint used. Be it latex paint, oil paint or even the stubborn epoxy paint, splatters can be addressed in a breeze.

To remove paint splatters from a concrete surface, use a rag and soak it in paint thinner. This substance is effective in stripping off paint, but it must be used in a well ventilated area to make sure that it will not pose threat to your health. Lay the rag soaked in paint thinner over the small drops of paint. Let it sit there for three to four hours. After waiting for this length of time, remove the rag from the stained areas. You may now scrape the paint away from the concrete surface because the spots will have become softened. If necessary, use a wire brush to loosen the remaining paint and reapply the paint thinner. To make sure that there is no more paint thinner residues, rinse the area thoroughly with soap and water.

Using Paint Strippers To Remove Paint From Concrete

The most popular technique employed for removing paint from concrete is the use of commercially sold chemical strippers. These products work well on almost all kinds of paints, including the water resistant ones. A wide variety of these stripping agents are available in home supplies stores. Some come in gel forms, which can be applied directly on the stained concrete surface. There are even non-toxic varieties such as soy-based paint strippers.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove paint from concrete using paint strippers.

1. Clean the concrete surface with the use of a broom or a shop vacuum. Make sure that all dirt and debris are removed from the concrete surface. If necessary, use a scraper or brush to remove any loose paint.
2. Apply the paint stripper on the concrete surface. Remember to choose the appropriate type of product for your purpose. Also, carefully read the manufacturer’s instruction and follow all safety directions.
3. Leave the paint stripper on the concrete surface for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer. Some paint strippers only require minutes to set, while others need as much as eight hours to work on the paint.
4. After allowing the paint stripper to set, use a wire scrub brush or a scraper to strip the loosened paint off the concrete surface. A pressure washer can also be used for outdoor concrete surfaces like patios and driveways. If necessary, use a floor grinder or a sandblaster for hard-to-remove paint on outdoor surfaces.
5. Apply the paint stripper for a second or third time if needed to thoroughly remove the paint from the concrete surface.
6. Clean the concrete surface with water to get rid of traces of the paint stripper.

Using A Shot Blaster To Remove Paint From Concrete

To get rid of hard-to-remove paint from concrete surfaces, shot blasting equipment can also be used. This equipment is a bit pricey, but some local home improvement stores make them available for rent. This device throws out tiny metal beads under high pressure on the stained spot to help remove the paint. It also has a vacuum attachment, which can be used to clean up the released beads, as well as the paint debris.

When using a shot blaster to remove paint from a concrete surface, be careful not to strip off any concrete. This equipment has the tendency to damage the surface of the concrete when used in a wrong way, so make sure that you move it on the concrete at the right pace. Remember that a shot blaster is only recommended for use for stubborn paint stains, and must not also be utilized for concrete that is already cracked or chipped since it may just worsen the damage.

Removing Epoxy Paint From Concrete

An epoxy paint is the most difficult paint to remove from a concrete floor, patio or other concrete surface. There are several methods that are quite effective, some are more difficult and complicated than others, but all are effective.

When removing epoxy paint from concrete surfaces: Wear protective goggles, respirator, gloves, protective shoes and long pants. Work in a well ventilated area. Do not removal paint with children and pets present.

Use a sand blaster or shot blaster to remove the epoxy paint from the concrete. Sand blasters can be rented at hardware stores and home improvement stores. You can also rent a floor sander and use that to remove the epoxy. Be sure you tell the rental company what kind of sanding you are going to do so they can provide you with the proper sanding disks. You do not want to use a hardwood floor sander on epoxy.

OR

Mix diatomaceous earth with paint stripper to form a slightly watery paste.
Apply the mixture to the floor in smaller more manageable sections, approximately 3′ x 3’.
Allow the mixture to sit for 20 to 30 minutes.
Use a plastic putty knife to scrape the old paint away.
Wash the area well with detergent and water. Use a stiff broom to scrub the concrete surface.
Rinse thoroughly.
Reapply the paste if any paint remains.

OR

Use an acid based etching product or a floor grinder to strip the epoxy paint off of the concrete. If you use an acid etching solution or a floor grinder, the concrete will need to be repainted or sealed as soon as possible. Etch or grind the surface of the garage floor in smaller more manageable sections. Floor grinders can be rented from hardware stores and home improvement stores.

Acid based etching products are dangerous to work with and are best left in the hands of an experienced person. If you are not familiar with working with acids leave this option off of your list.

When your concrete floor is accidentally stained with paint, you fear that the mark will be permanent. However, the fact is most paints can be removed if you use the right techniques.

Paint removal from a concrete surface is undoubtedly a challenging task. It is slightly easier if the paint stains are still fresh. In such cases, you can try to clean up water based paint by soaking it in water for some time and then scrub it with harsh detergent and a hard bristled brush. If it is an oil based paint, then you can apply solvents like turpentine or acetone on it to dissolve the paint. However, removing dried paint from concrete requires a lot of effort and is time-consuming too as the paint has already entered into the porous surface of the concrete. Therefore, you have to use special techniques to pull out the paint accumulated in those pores.

by Pink Sherbet Photography under CC BY  with wpseopix.com

Floor Heating Mats

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If having nice warm floors to walk on sounds good to you, and honestly how many people would say no they prefer ice-cold tile, then heated floor mats are the perfect choice. The only challenge you will face is picking out the floor heat mats, there are so many different ones to choose from. The perfect floor heat mats for your tile or stone floor is going to depend on a variety of factors, not every style will work for every house.

Installation of Floor Heating Mats

One of the best things about heated floor mats is that no matter what style you choose they are relatively easy to install. However, while installation might be rather simple, where you plan to install them is going to decide what style of heat mats you select.

If you are trying to warm up the floors without having to remodel the room, you will want to select heat mats that can be installed between the floor joists. Installing between the floor joists eliminates the need to rip out the tile or stone, saving you both time and money. However, if you are in the middle of a remodel or just ready for a new floor you can opt for heat mats that are installed directly on the sub-floor. Once you have installed the heated floor mats simply install your new floor directly on top of the mats and you are done.

Choosing A Floor Heating Mat Size

When picking out a heated floor mat you want to ensure that you get the right size. Too small and you will not be able to properly heat your floors, but too big and you can damage the heat mat by cutting it. To ensure you get the proper size you will need to determine the area of the room you wish to install it in. Based on the area of the room you will want to pick heat mats that are closest to fitting that size. In some cases, you might need to cut the mat down a bit, which is fine just as long as you are not cutting too much.

Location
Where you plan to put the heated floor mats is also important when picking them out. Most heated floor mats can be installed under just about any type of floor without any worries or difficulties. However, what you might not be aware of is that certain heat mats can also be installed in showers.

Heat Output of Floor Heating Mats
Another big factor to take into consideration is how much heat they floor mats are going to put out. If you are simply look for heated floor mats that will warm up the floors you can select mats that have a lower heat output. However, if you want the heat mats to help warm up the entire room you are going to need mats that put out quite a bit of heat.

Thermostats For Floor Heating Mats
Majority of the heated floor mats available today come with a thermostat. Thermostats allow you to control how the amount of heat coming from the floor mats, but they also allow you to turn the unit on or off. Even though majority of heat mats come with thermostat controls not all of them do. The ones without thermostats that you can control should be avoided because it takes away your control. Heated floor mats are not cheap to run, so you want to be able to have total control.

Not only do you need to look at the individual features of heated floor mats, but you also have to look at the company itself. You want to choose a manufacturer that is going to stand behind their product. One way to determine if the manufacturer stands behind their product is to look at the warranty; most reputable companies will offer a full warranty for a set amount of time. However, a lifetime warranty does not guarantee an amazing product. Do your research on the product as well as the manufacturer before making any kind of purchase!

by some of rebecca’s photos under CC BY-SA

Brazillion Hardwood Flooring

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Like other hardwood floor types Brazilian hardwood floors come in many choices, among the most popular are Cherry, Walnut, Teak, and Koa. With the different choices, it can be rather daunting to pick the right flooring for your home. Knowing a bit more about the specific type of floor can help you make the right decision.

Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floors

When it comes to exotic flooring Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors are the most popular choice mainly because of how thick they are, but there are many other benefits that you as a homeowner will experience. Compared to other hardwood floor types Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors are thicker. What this means for you as a homeowner is you can sand the floor more times than you can with other hardwood floor types. Something else to keep in mind is that the thicker the floor the more energy efficient it is, making Brazilian Cherry floors the highest ranked.

Another reason homeowners choose Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors is because of beautiful they are, as well as how durable they are. Brazilian cherry floors are a reddish-brown color with black streaks. When they are first installed, these floors are among the most eye-catching, but over time as the floor wears out the black streaks fade. One of the best things about the color and texture of this flooring type is that it can be used in both formal and informal rooms, so installing this style in your entire house is a viable option. Brazilian cherry floors are among the most durable, they rank higher on the hardness scale than any other hardwood flooring type and they are resistant to most scuffs and dents, but that does not mean your floor will never be damaged.

Brazilian Walnut Hardwood Floors

While Brazilian Walnut hardwood floors are not the most popular choice, they do come in a close second. One of the biggest reasons homeowners opt for Brazilian Walnut hardwood floors is because of how stable they are. When opting for hardwood floors you want to choose a type that is what professionals call stable, meaning that there is a minimal chance that the wood will warp or change color after treatment and drying.

Like Brazilian cherry, Brazilian Walnut hardwood floors are extremely durable, they are resistant to just about every scuff and dent you can imagine. Many offices opt for Brazilian Walnut hardwood floors due to their hardness, high heels and handcarts can repeatedly cross the surface without leaving behind any kind of marks. However, this does not mean that you can go and scrape a key or knife across your newly installed floors; they can become dammed just not as easily as other hardwood floors. As an added bonus, Brazilian Walnut floors do not sliver as easily as other types, so no longer do you have to worry about going barefoot across the house.

Something else that really stands out with Brazilian Walnut hardwood floors is the natural beauty. Many people fall in love with its darker color, which allows it to work well in a variety of rooms. The darker color is great in formal rooms because it adds a touch of elegance, but at the same time, it can be placed in an informal room because the darker color makes the room feel cozy and warm.

Brazilian Teak Hardwood Floors

Brazilian teak floors are a popular choice in homes because of their looks, the colors range from a golden to amber color. One of the great things about the colors of this wood is how well they work in a room. You can pick the perfect shade and texture for just about every furniture style around. The various colors and textures also make it a perfect fit for any room in the house.

However, just like other Brazilian hardwood options Brazilian Teak is one of the hardest woods you will find. On the Janka scale it rates at a 3500. With a rating this high you can rest assured the flooring is going to stand up to some of the toughest abuse. Not only will it stand up to a lot of abuse, getting it to look its best does not require a lot of work. Simply wiping the floor with a soft, clean cloth will restore the woods natural shine, no chemicals needed!

One thing that allows Brazilian teak to stand out from other Brazilian woods is its ability to resist stains. Not only is it highly resistant to stains, but it also repels water quite well. The reason behind both of these facts is the oil content in the wood, Brazilian teak has a high oil content so the oil naturally repels water and stains. As they say, oil and water do not mix!

Brazilian Koa Hardwood Floors

Brazilian Koa floors are a reddish-brown color, so they are similar to Brazilian Cherry floors. The biggest difference between the two is that the Brazilian Koa has dark brown markings rather than black like the Brazilian Cherry floors. Something else that adds to the beauty of Brazilian Koa floors is the irregular grain, which along with the amazing colors screams for attention!

Like other Brazilian hardwood floors, Koa is one of the most durable options. Brazilian Koa has a hardness rating of 1850, making it more durable than red oak floors. With a rating that high, you can rest assured that the floor will stand up to everyday wear and tear. Dropped toys or even books often leave dents and dings in softer wood, such as red oak, but Brazilian Koa will not only withstand the hardest of toys, your pets nails will not be able to scratch it!

No matter what type of Brazilian hardwood flooring option you choose you will want to allow the wood to sit in the room it will be installed in for several days. The reason for this is so the wood can adjust to the humidity ion the room. Brazilian wood is used to a higher humidity than most houses provide, so letting it adjust on its own lowers the chance of the floor warping or shrinking after it has been installed.

The techniques for how to remove varnish from wood, however, require a certain amount of time, skill and loads of patience. The varnish needs to be stripped off the wood in the proper manner to avoid destroying the quality of the wood, especially aged ones. Carefully follow these suggestions to get the best results for your wooden furniture.

by Wonderlane under CC

How To Remove Varnish From Wood

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One of the most common methods employed for removing varnish from wood is through sanding by hand. This procedure works well for two stages of stripping off varnish from surfaces of wooden furniture. First, you can use sandpaper, particularly the ruff type with an 80 grit, for surfaces with a thick coat of varnish. This also works well when trying to rough up the surface of the varnished surface, to allow a paint remover to work faster and to better penetrate the wood surface.

Sanding by hand can also be employed after removing paint with a chemical remover. For this purpose, a finer grit paper, perhaps a 180 grit, can be used to smooth the wooden surface and clean up any leftover varnish. This stage of sanding is done before refinishing the wooden surface of the furniture. A word of caution, though: control your sanding and be careful not to sand too much or the wooden surface may be damaged.

Manual sanding is not a recommended procedure to employ when trying to strip off varnish from antiques, because doing so may lessen the value of the piece. The use of sandpaper destroys the patina of aged wood, thus causing damage. Sanding is also not suitable for pieces that have intricate designs because it may ruin the lines of the carvings. It is still best to use sandpaper for wooden furniture with mostly flat surface areas.

Using Paint Removers To Get Rid Of Varnish

Another method used to remove varnish from wood that is convenient to employ, especially among do-it-yourself enthusiasts, is through the use of paint removers. Although they are labeled as ?paint removers? in home supply stores, they can very well be used to strip off varnish from wooden fixtures. These products are available in different forms in the market, such as spray on, aerosol and brush on.

If you are after convenience in applying the paint remover, then buy the spray on or the aerosol type. If you really want a paint remover that can effectively aid in stripping the varnish from the wooden furniture, then choose the brush on removers, especially the marine type. This type of varnish remover works best and fastest in getting rid of varnish, being the harshest of its kind. For those who want to go ?green? while doing this home improvement task, there are also environmentally safe paint removers available on the market.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove varnish from wood using paint removers:

1. Before everything else, clean the wooden surface by washing it with water. Use a rag with laundry detergent or dishwashing liquid if necessary. Dry thoroughly before applying any remover product.
2. Wear personal protective equipment to ensure safety while working with these chemicals. Use a respirator, some gloves and wear a long-sleeved shirt to cover up your skin. It is also advisable to open all the windows, turn on fans inside the house and let the air flow before removing varnish in a closed area.
3. Pour the paint remover onto the wooden surface. After doing so, brush the product liberally all around the area.
4. Wait until the paint remover sets appropriately on the wooden surface. You might need to read the instructions that come with the paint remover to determine the length of time it takes to set. This is done to ease up the process of removing the varnish from the wooden surface.
5. Start scraping off the varnish from the wooden surface. A rounded scraper is best to use, since other types may leave scrapes and cause damage to the original surface.
6. Once done, use a small piece of steel wool to remove any left over varnish. This has to be done before the surface dries up. Also bear in mind that the steel wool may have to be replaced often while doing this chore.
7. After scraping off all the varnish from the wood, gently sand the surface. As mentioned earlier, a fine grade type of sand paper is best for this purpose.
8. Repeat the entire process if necessary.

Using Burlap To Remove Varnish From Wood

Aside from sandpaper, another material that can be used in procedures for removing varnish from wood is burlap. Yes, you can use just a small piece from a burlap sack to help remove varnish from a piece of furniture, particularly on wooden surfaces such as table legs.

The rough texture of the burlap makes it a suitable substitute for sandpaper in certain surfaces. Just let the paint remover soak into the surface and then use the burlap scrap to scrape off the paint remover and varnish. Do this in a rapid manner for better results.

Using A Varnish Remover Scraper

Some people also prefer to use a scraper, particularly a pull scraper, to remove varnish from wood with the help of paint removers. As mentioned earlier, use a rounded scraper to avoid damaging the wooden surface. A flat metal file or a bench grinder can be used to make the sharp corners of your available scraper round.

When using a pull scraper after allowing the paint remover to soak in, pull the tool towards you over the wooden surface to be able to remove the bulk of the varnish in one motion. You might need to do this process two to three times to completely remove the varnish from wood. As mentioned in the steps on how to remove varnish from wood using paint removers, thoroughly clean the surface after this process.

Although not an easy task, removing varnish from a wooden surface will be a lot more convenient if you follow these suggestions. Take some time to complete the project, and always be careful not to damage the wooden surface, lest you decrease its value. Being knowledgeable of these various ways to scrape off varnish from wood makes this task a lot easier and more effective in the comforts of your own home.

Despite all these, there is no need to fret. There are various possibilities on how to remove oil stains from driveway that are really easy to do and can be executed by an ordinary do-it-yourself enthusiast. Most of these methods utilize regular household items that are readily available in your own home, so there is no need to hire professionals and buy fancy chemicals to get the job done.

One of the most common substances used to remove oil from driveway is regular cola. Yes, your favorite carbonated drink can be used to clean this eyesore from your driveway. Just pour cola on the oil-stained areas and leave it overnight on the floor so that the substance can react with the oil stain. The morning after, make a good lather in a bucket using dishwashing liquid and water. Use this soapy water to rinse the stained area where the cola was poured. Rinse some more using a garden hose to fully clean the area.

Another method you can employ to remove stains from driveway is through the use of kitty litter. You may not be aware of it, but kitty litter is a good absorbent of grease and oil. This is because this substance contains an absorbent clay and deodorizer. To do this procedure with kitty litter pour the absorbant right out of the bag onto the oil stain. Use an old broom to push the kitty litter firmly onto the oil-stained ground for better absorption. Also use the broom to move the kitty litter in small circular motions or in back and forth motions so that the dry parts can soak up the remaining oil.

Once done, use a shovel to place the oil-soaked kitty litter inside a garbage bag. Make sure to tie it tight to prevent the kitty litter from spilling. After cleaning up the kitty litter, sprinkle some laundry detergent powder onto the stained floor. To further rid the surface of the oil blot, use a damp stiff-bristled cleaning brush and make small, circular strokes for more efficient cleaning. As a final step, use a garden hose to rinse the area with water.

Aside from these, there are a lot of other ways to remove oil stains from driveway. You can use other absorbent substance such as baking soda, cornmeal or sawdust to remove the pesky oil spot. If the stain is dry, dampen it first using a scouring paste to make cleaning easier. Scrub the oil stain using a stiff brush or push broom, and then rinse with water to completely remove the dirty portion.

Another common and easy method is through the use of a grease-cutting detergent such as Dawn. Sprinkle the detergent on the oily concrete and let it stay there for a few minutes. Next, pour boiling water on the stained area to further loosen up the oil. Once done, scrub the blot using a stiff brush or a push broom. Do not forget to rinse the area using a garden hose after doing this procedure.

You might also want to try commercially sold concrete cleaners such as those manufactured by Red Devil Co. to get the job done. You may also opt for grease solvents such as Benzine to clean the oil stains. Just always make sure to read the instructions on the packaging of these chemicals to be able to accomplish your task efficiently and safely. You can also use trisodium phosphate as a substance to rid your driveway of these stains. Take note that this substance involves some danger to handle, so wear rubber or latex gloves, safety googles and other protective clothing when using it.

For really hard-to-remove oil stains, you can use muriatic acid and pressure washer as a last resort. Follow the manufacturer’s directions when applying the acid onto the stained area, and let it soak for several seconds. After this, use a pressure washer set at 2,500 to 3,000 lbs. per square inch. Also use caution when using muriatic acid because it is a highly corrosive substance.

These are several options on how to remove oil stains from driveway. Choose which one you will employ based on the materials you have, and the intensity of the oil stain. The best way, however, to remove these irritating spots from your driveway is to prevent them from happening in the first place. It helps to do some maintenance work on your vehicle such as making sure your coolant system is not leaking, your transmission and engine are clean, and your rear end is free of drips. When changing oil, also be sure to have a drip pan than is large enough to accommodate every drop and prevent spillage. We all want a tidy and appealing driveway, and you can definitely achieve it now with an idea on how to remove oil from driveway.

by cote under CC BY

Solid Bamboo Floor

 

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Bamboo wood floors are only one of the choices you have when it comes to flooring choices. Many homeowners who choose bamboo wood floors do so because they love the look of hardwood flooring, but they do not like the idea of how damaging hardwood floors are to the environment. Bamboo wood flooring provides homeowners with an environmental friendly hardwood floor option.

One of the best things about using bamboo is that the bamboo plant grows back within a few weeks. The trees that are harvested for hardwood floors can take over forty to sixty years to grow back. Another benefit of bamboo wood floors is how hard and durable they are, sure wood floors are hard and durable too, but with softer woods, you have to worry about dings and dents from objects being dropped.

If you do decide to go with bamboo wood floors, you are going to need to decide between a solid bamboo floor or a floating bamboo floor. Many people have a hard time making this decision because they are both great floors. However, the decision has to be made. To help make the decision the best thing that you can do is educate yourself about the two types of floors. Knowing what they are as well as the pros and cons of each type will enable you to choose the right flooring for your needs.

Solid Bamboo Floor

A solid bamboo floor is made up of nothing but bamboo. If you decide to go with solid then currently there are three different types to choose from. The two most popular types of solid bamboo floors are vertical and horizontal. These types of floors are made up of several layers of thin bamboo that are held together with adhesive or resin. The difference between the horizontal and vertical floors is how the sheets of bamboo are stacked on top of each other, with a horizontal floor the sheets are stacked flat directly on top of each other, while a vertical floor has the sheets stacked together on their sides. The third type of bamboo floor is known as strand woven. This type of flooring is made up of bamboo that has been pressed together so that blocks of wood are formed. Once the blocks have been formed the wood is cut just like hardwood.

Solid Bamboo Floor Pros and Cons

One of the benefits to solid bamboo floors is that they are installed just like any other type of hardwood flooring. Solid bamboo floors are adhered to the subfloor using nails or some type of adhesive. Another great thing about solid bamboo flooring is the number of choices that you have when it comes to using it. Like regular hardwood flooring, solid flooring can be stained and sanded. What this means for homeowners is that if you decide a few years down the road that you do not like the color of your floors you can sand them down and refinish them to get the look they want.

One of the drawbacks to this type of flooring is installing it, it is not as easy to install as a floating bamboo floor. Imperfections in the subfloor can also make it more difficult to install. While bamboo flooring is a hard and durable flooring option, a solid bamboo floor is not as hard or as durable as a floating bamboo floor.

Floating Bamboo Floors Pros and Cons

A floating bamboo floor is also referred to as an engineered bamboo floor and is quite different from the solid flooring option. A floating bamboo floor is not made up entirely of bamboo. How these floors are made is with composite and bamboo both. The bottom of the floor is a composite and the top of the floor is a layer of bamboo, usually a thin layer. The composite used to construct the base of the floor varies; some are made from plywood, sawdust or other wood scraps. The bamboo is then adhered to the composite with a resin-based adhesive. It is because of this construction that these floors are harder and more durable than a solid bamboo floor.

One of the best things about a floating bamboo floor is how easy it is to install. With the floating option you do not need to use any type of adhesive or nails to keep the floor in place, each piece of bamboo locks into another piece, nothing is secured to the subfloor. Being that the floor itself is not adhered to the subfloor a floating bamboo floor works better on subfloors with imperfections because nothing will show through, the floor will still lay flat.

Perhaps the biggest drawback to a floating bamboo floor is that you do not have as many options. This type of flooring is horizontally stacked; you do not have the option of vertical or strand woven. You also cannot refinish these floors, once you have installed them and stained them you are stuck with that decision. The thin layer of bamboo makes it impossible to sand. Something else to think about when it comes to a floating bamboo floor is that it is not as environmentally friendly because it is not made up entirely of bamboo. But this is often times mitigated by the fact that the sub-base material is scrap wood that would be burned or turned into chips for paper anyway.

Trying to decide between solid and floating bamboo flooring can be hard. There is no right or wrong answer, both floors offer amazing benefits and can instantly transform a room. What you need to do is figure out what type of flooring is going to work best for your home, as well as your budget.

by VeloBusDriver under CC BY-SA

Radiant Floor Heating System

 

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Radiant floor heating systems are one of the newest trends for in home heating; no longer do you have to rely on forced air heating systems or even old wall heaters. Many people are opting for radiant infloor heating because of how efficiently these systems work. With radiant infloor heating the heat comes up from the floor of the room rather than from the walls or ceiling. Having the heat rise from the floor is more efficient because hot air naturally rises, so there is no need to use a blower to force the air through the room.

While having a more efficient heating system sounds great to everybody, infloor radiant heating systems are not for everybody. Before you choose a radiant heating system, you are going to need to understand a few things about them. Understanding the different systems and how they work is vital to choosing radiant infloor heating, not all systems are designed to work with all floor types. For example, some radiant systems work better with hardwood or tile rather than carpet. Choosing the wrong system for your house will decrease the efficiency of the system, making it not worth the investment.

Another factor that you will need to take into consideration is cost. Radiant floor heating cost will vary based on a few different factors. The biggest factor in determining cost is what type of system you will be installing, costs will go up if you elect to have it professionally installed as well. The other factor that determines how much the system is going to cost is how big your house is, obviously the bigger the house the more the system will cost because more materials will be used when building the system.

Looking at the different types of radiant heating systems available is the best way to gain an understanding of what one to choose. By looking at the different systems, you will get an idea of how they work, what type of environment they work best in, and how much they will cost.

Hydronic Radiant Floor Heating

Hydronic radiant floor heating is perhaps the most popular type of system, it also happens to be the oldest style of system around. In most of these systems, PEX tubing is laid into “Gypcrete,” which is a concrete mass. In other cases, the PEX tubing is installed into the grooves of wooden panels. In both cases, the PEX tubing is used to transport hot water from the boiler across the entire floor allowing the heat from the water to heat the floors.

Hydronic radiant floor heating can be used for just about any type of construction project, just make sure you choose the right style of system for the project. PEX tubing laid into “Gypcrete” is best used on new construction because it requires less work to install, not having to tear up the subfloors to lay the “Gypcrete.” PEX tubing installed into wood panels can be used for any home remodeling project because you can set the wood panels over the subfloor and still receive the same benefits as the PEX tubing in “Gypcrete.” Not to mention using the wood paneling system is a lot more cost effective than ripping out the subfloors to install new subfloors with the radiant heating system.

Electric Radiant Floor Heating

An electric radiant floor heating system does not use water traveling through PEX tubing to heat the floors. An electric radiant floor heating system uses electric wires embedded into a mat to transfer heat through the floors. One of the biggest differences between a hydronic system and an electric system is that the electric one is not used to heat an entire house; hydronic systems are much more efficient for that purpose. Electric radiant floor heating systems are best used for one or two rooms, such as a bathroom or even a family room.

With an electric system the floor covering will need to be removed in order to lay out the mats, and depending on the type of flooring used it might not need to be replaced. For example, if you are laying out an electric system in a family room that is carpeted, the carpet can be lifted up and reinstalled after the mats have been laid out. However, with tile or stone the flooring might become damaged in the removal process requiring it to be replaced.

Solar Radiant Floor Heating

Solar radiant floor heating systems use the idea of heating floors with wooden fires that the Greeks and Romans first used, but today’s systems use solar energy rather than fire to heat the fluid that is running through the pipes. Solar power can be used with solar radiant air floors and solar hydronic radiant floors.

How Much Does It Cost To Run A Radiant Floor System?

Just like the cost to have the system installed running a radiant infloor heating system is going to vary. How much it costs to run the system is really going to depend on the type of system you had installed and how big of an area you are heating. Hydronic radiant heating systems often cost more to run than the electric systems because you have an increase in both water and gas or electric depending on how the boiler is set up. Something else too that makes the hydronic system cost more to run is it is usually used to heat an entire house, whereas your electric system is usually only used in one or two rooms. If you opt for a solar radiant floor heating system part of the cost to run the system will go down due to using the sun for the energy to run the system.