VideoJug: How To Organize A Kitchen Pantry
Is your kitchen pantry a disaster? Are there cans in the back that have been there for years? Is it impossible to find what youneed to make a simple meal? Let us show you how to put your pantry in order.
Home improvement expert Lou Manfredini shares a few easy steps to make your home more energy efficient. For more information, visit www.marvin.com/energy
Tim Carter, of AsktheBuilder.com, demonstrates how to position crown molding in a miter saw for perfect cuts every time.
Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com explains the techniques for making the perfect miter cut when trimming out interior doors and windows.
Doorknobs may not be on the cutting edge of decoration, but they certainly contribute to the look of your home. Update shabby doors and closets by replacing your old doorknobs.
Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com reviews Laser Levels and how they can be used for hanging pictures, installing chair rail, or mounting electrical outlets and switches.
They say the kitchen is the most used room in the house, but if you were to sit down and tally up all the waking hours you spend in your home, you’d likely find the majority of them are spent in the entertainment room.
After all, that’s where the TV, movie player, stereo, bar and most of the kids’ toys are kept. It’s also the room where you bring guests when you entertain; but how efficient is the lighting you have in that room? Probably not very.
“Most people just have overhead lighting or maybe a couple of recessed cans in the ceiling in their entertainment rooms, but with so much going on in there, you really need a better plan,” says Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the American Lighting Association (ALA) and associate professor at the University of Kentucky.
He recommends that people start the process by making a list of the activities they plan to do in their entertainment room. These would likely include watching TV, sitting on the couch and reading a book, playing pool, hosting a party or playing with the kids. “With so many activities going on, you need to layer the light so you’ll have it where you need it,” says Rey-Barreau.
And here’s how to do it:
1. Start with general room lighting in the ceiling, which can be achieved either through a large fixture in the center of the room or recessed cans, and put them on a dimmer.
“Having the ability to dim the lights is critical for a lot of reasons,” says Henry Scott, general manager of Meletio Lighting and Electric in Dallas. “When you’re watching TV, you don’t want the light from above to contrast with what’s happening on the screen. Plus it gives you the ability to create ambiance in the room.”
2. Light the sitting areas with floor and table lamps.
When you’re sitting on the couch talking to someone or reading a book, you want the lighting to be bright and focused. You need to supplement the light from above that will be soft and scattered.
3. Add task and accent lighting to the bar and game table area.
For the bar area, you can do this by hanging two or three mini pendants from the ceiling, adding toe-kick lighting under the cabinets and below the bar stools, and illuminating the inside of cabinets to show off glassware and collectibles inside. “All three applications require similar low voltage, so you can put them all on a single transformer, which is nice,” says Rey-Barreau.
Over game tables, a popular option is to hang a special pool table lamp with three light sources that will work together to eliminate shadows. Toe-kick lighting under the table itself is also a popular addition.
4. Planning to do a lot of entertaining in the space? Phil Scheetz of Lutron Electronics in Coopersburg, Pa., recommends you put your lighting on a remote control system. “This will allow you to set the lighting in the room just right for any activity from the comfort of your easy chair,” says Scheetz. “With the click of a button you can turn on the wall scones or lights over the pool table, shine lights on photographs on the bookcase, or dim them for a movie; and at the same time, by going with a system like this, you’re reducing energy use and extending the life of your light bulbs.”
For more ideas on how to decorate the entertainment room, or any other room in the house with light, log on to the American Lighting Association’s Web site: http://www.americanlightingassoc.com/ or call (800) BRIGHT-IDEAS, that’s (800) 274-4484.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Learn the basics of woodworking joinery from the editors of Fine Woodworking magazine.
In this video, learn when you need to winterize your watergarden and what you need to do to winterize it.
Karen Schmidt shows you a tile to carpet transition for an entryway. If you're interested in tile, this is an easy first project.
Learn some simple hinge adjustment techniques to fix loose kitchen or bathroom cabinet doors.
Painting kitchen cabinets is an inexpensive way to make your kitchen cabinets look like new. Tim Carter from AsktheBuilder.com shares some tips for kitchen cabinet refinishing to save you frustration and give you professional results.
Certain colors innately evoke different memories, thoughts or moods, according to a study conducted by Miami University. If your home is laced with walls that are too white or overbearingly dark, details in your décor can change everything. By recognizing this, it is easy to brighten up or give any room a little extra personality with accent colors.
Barbara Schmidt, a nationally recognized interior style consultant whose work has appeared in “Architectural Digest,” “In Style,” “Elle Décor,” and “Metropolitan Home,” suggests when adding color to a room the use of pillows, throw blankets and, most importantly, art helps to brighten any space. “People are more and more sophisticated when it comes to color and decoration,” she says. “You can’t just hang up plain artwork anymore and have it look like it’s a finished room. You really need to look at your color scheme and bring complementary or blended colors into your framed art.”
The executive director of the Pantone Color Institute and founder of the Eiseman Center for Color, Leatrice Eiseman, agrees. “Specific colors have the ability to bring out excitement, happiness, relaxation and even aggression,” says Eiseman. “That is why the colors you use in your home are so important. They should represent your personality while creating an environment that inspires you.”
“There is a reason that when people see yellow they think happy. Green is automatically fresh, and red is romantic, hot or appetizing,” says Schmidt. “Depending on the colors you use, your room will have a different vibe.”
Consider these tips from Schmidt when adding color accents to any room.
* “Primary colors on a white wall can make a room look juvenile; subdued colors always end up looking more sophisticated and calm,” she says. “When having a piece professionally custom framed, remember that less contrast between the art and wall provides a more classic look.”
* “If you are dealing with a plain white or beige wall, consider matting all artwork using the same accent color. Even if the art isn’t related, a gallery is created through the matboard.”
* “Hang art in white lacquered frames with white matboard against a brightly colored wall. There will be a nice contrast while creating a cohesive focal point. For a bright color, kelly green is very trendy right now,” says Schmidt.
Schmidt reminds consumers to use professional custom framing to help art keep its integrity. “Guaranteed safe next to any piece of artwork, Crescent’s 100 percent cotton RagMat matboard makes the art larger, more colorful and adds a visual pop of color,” she says.
Lastly, Schmidt recommends custom framing for more than just artwork. “Taking any meaningful item to your professional custom framer can enhance not only that item, but bring new color and life into any room.”
For more information about professional custom framing, visit www.crescentcardboard.com or contact a professional custom framer in your area.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Bob Schmidt shows you how to use a newer product where any homeowner can fix most common hair clogs in sinks and tubs without taking anything apart and not causing damage to metal parts of sink or tub.
Brisk mornings and crisp evenings, long shadows and a quicker-to-fade sun all say it’s time to store garden tools and hoses, tidy up the shrubs -- and winterize your home’s wooden outdoor structures.
Caring for decks, gazebos and pergolas, often made of Western red cedar, should be a regular part of the fall checklist. Routine maintenance like removing seasonal and ornamental pots and plants, cleaning the wood of dirt and other debris, and getting rid of mold and mildew can be done easily in a weekend.
“Many people choose Western red cedar because of the natural durability and beauty of the wood,” says Paul Mackie, or “Mr. Cedar” as he’s known in the Western Red Cedar Lumber Association. “Preparing your outdoor living structure for winter is an important step to help maintain that beauty.”
Properly preparing wooden yard structures for winter protects them in much the same way as winterizing plants and water features and helps maintain their original appearance. Western red cedar contains natural preservatives that make the wood very durable and basic maintenance relatively simple. A broom and a garden sprayer, a little bleach and a hose are all that are needed.
Winterizing the deck
Start with the deck. Inspect it for buildups of dirt, water and pollen, and sweep it clean of debris the way you would with any wood, plastics, composite or cement surface. Take special care to clean between the planks and boards of horizontal surfaces so water can drain and air can flow between the boards. Reducing standing water and increasing airflow will limit the amount of moisture that can collect and stay on the surface of the plank.
Get rid of mold, mildew
Killing mold and mildew is another important piece of deck maintenance in wetter climates, particularly for materials that have rough textures such as composite decks. Mackie recommends a simple solution of three parts water and one part oxygen bleach applied with a simple garden sprayer. Rinsing the treated areas with clean water once the solution is applied should eliminate mold and mildew.
Don’t pressure-wash
Don’t pressure-wash wood, says Mackie, because “you can make it look like your grandfather’s corduroy pants.” Pressure-washing also can disrupt Western red cedar’s natural moisture resistance by forcibly pushing water into the wood. If you just can’t resist using your pressure-washer, keep it below 800 pounds per square inch.
Empty and store planters
Many outdoor living spaces are decorated with planter pots and boxes. Setting and leaving planters directly on surfaces can stain the wood. Moisture accumulates below the planter, leaving insufficient airflow for the moisture to dry.
The Web site realcedar.org, recommends people remove dirt from pots and planter boxes in early fall and store them in a covered area until spring. If moving the planters is not possible, it is especially important during the cold, wet months to elevate them from the surface with planks that will allow moisture to more easily evaporate without the benefit of the hot summer sun. Adequate airflow keeps the area drier and allows Western red cedar’s natural preservatives to preserve the wood.
Care for gazebos, siding
Check gazebos and pergolas, as well as any wooden siding on the house itself, for dirt, mold and mildew. Clean away any dirt, and treat the siding or structures with the oxygenated bleach solution if needed.
Water, pollen and mold tend to collect and sit on horizontal surfaces throughout the spring and summer. Left over the winter, they become a harmful cocktail that can speed up the deterioration of otherwise healthy lumber.
Preparing an outdoor structure is simple and well worth the minimal time invested. Following the easy steps is a sure formula to protect your wooden structures during the winter and maintaining their natural beauty for years to come.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Frustrated with your shower's water pressure or leakage? Replace your shower head and make the shower spray exactly as you'd like.
Don't spend a ton of money on a box joint jig. Master Craftsman Chuch Hedlund shows you how to create this simple box joint jig from scraps, then demonstrates its use.
The reclaimed wood movement has been building momentum for years, and now it’s gone “extreme.” Once, old barns and dilapidated factories served as primary sources for reclaimed woods. Now, flooring manufacturers are ranging farther afield – in distance and time – to find exotic and exciting sources of wood.
Reclaimed wood appeals to homeowners on many levels. First, there is its unique beauty and character, imparted by its age and uses. Second, homeowners often feel they are saving living trees by reusing wood cut decades or centuries ago. And, in the latest trend, rescued wood draws devotees who want to feel they have a piece of history in their own homes.
“With so many choices now available in reclaimed wood floors, homeowners are looking at the history of the wood to really differentiate the product – and their homes – from the rest of the pack,” says Willie Drake, owner and chief buyer of Mountain Lumber, a company that has rescued more than 20 million board feet of pine and other woods.
Domestic sources of reclaimed lumber are now dwindling - and becoming almost routine in the eyes of buyers. A wealth of products can be found in regions like Asia, where ancient structures are commonplace and often viewed as standing in the way of modern progress. Drake’s Mountain Lumber is pioneering the exploration of overseas sources for rescued wood.
Drake has found wood from such exotic sources as:
* A Guinness brewery in Dublin, Ireland – Centuries-old oak Guinness brewery vats have yielded over 25,000 board feet of English Brown Oak. Drake plans to mill the wood into pre-finished European Cooper’s Oak Flooring. “This wood is beautifully preserved and exceptionally durable,” he says. “In the 1940s, Guinness switched to metal vats and many of these enormous wooden vats remained unused until now. They still bear the marks of their history, including the wedges coopers hammered into knots to strengthen them, and impressions left by the iron bands that once wrapped the vats.”
* French and Russian railroad cars – In France, railroad cars dating from the 1920s were scrapped and the lumber, mostly French Oak, recycled. Railcars that once carried passengers in turn-of-the-century St. Petersburg yielded Russian Oak.
* Ming Dynasty Chinese temples – China’s architectural and religious heritage is represented by the numerous temples throughout the country. Sadly, many have been torn down to make way for China’s modernization. “We couldn’t save these temples, but by reclaiming the lumber from them we are able to preserve a piece of their history and rich cultural heritage,” Drake says.
Drake’s company has collected wood from factories, mills, warehouses, barns, piers, cider vats and many other structures. The reclaimed wood has been used in the restoration of major historic sites, including Mount Vernon, home of George Washington; Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; and Blair House, the official guest residence for the President.
“Preserving the history of wood is as important as the environmental reasons for reclaiming it,” Drake says. “Every piece of rescued wood has a story to tell and many homeowners enjoy being a part of preserving those histories."
To learn more about reclaimed wood, visit www.mountainlumber.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Have you ever wanted to build quality wood projects, but just don't want to spend the money/time it would normally take? With Pocket-Screw Joinery and a Kreg Jig, absolutely ANYONE can build amazing projects in their spare time. All you need to get started is a drill, a jig, and a saw.
Pocket-Screw Joinery is the "FASTEST AND EASIEST WAY TO JOIN WOOD" and build amazing wood projects. Woodworking is now easier (and faster) than ever.
For more information on the Kreg Jig and Pocket-Screw Joinery, visit www.kregtool.com/psj.
The hint of winter is in the air and late-autumn leaves blanket the ground. The holidays are on the way, lifting your spirits and also inspiring you to give your home a little seasonal lift. Updating rooms with color is a quick and easy way to embrace this time of year, and will put you in the mood to enjoy all the bounties the holiday season offers.
Begin your project by taking a look at what surrounds you. Note the colors you see in everything from the fashions at your favorite store to the cars whizzing past you on the street. Which colors appeal to you? Which make you feel calm? Which energize you? Which give you a cozy feeling that’s just right for the holidays? Let the wheels start turning and see which shades your inner designer is drawn to -- there’s no right or wrong answer.
Color inspiration comes from just about anywhere and everywhere, experts agree. The latest lifestyle collections from Sherwin-Williams, for example, reflect four travel themes that exhibit the power of color and the fun of allowing your imagination to run free. The destinations include: Around the World, Fork in the Road, No Place Like Home and Expand Your Horizons.
“No matter where you’re traveling to this winter, you can easily bring home the colors you experience by incorporating new hues into your living space in paint and other home accessories,” says Becky Ralich Spak, senior designer for Sherwin-Williams.
Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, who partnered with Sherwin-Williams for her fall 2007 fashion show, lets her journeys guide her color selections. “I find inspiration in adventure, and these colors from Sherwin-Williams remind me of places I have traveled,” she says. “Colors such as Evening Shadow, Marquis Orange and Iron Ore remind me of the desert; Real Red, Cocoon and Liberty Blue bring me back to a New England road trip; and Aquarium and Frank Blue remind me of architecture in southern Spain and Morocco.”
Deep and dashing, bright and bold, many of the opulent shades that are perfect for winter decorating might seem a bit intimidating at first, but fear not; there are many ways to dive into the wonderful world of color. Consider the following approaches:
* Saturated browns impart a toasty vibe on a living room accent wall.
* Plum hues spark great energy in the foyer.
* Deep purples are both soothing and interesting in a powder room.
* Warm neutrals are a timeless update for all rooms and let vibrant accessories take center stage.
It’s easy to refresh your home with these and other hues, thanks to color selection tools such as the new, larger 3-inch by 5-inch paint swatches from the Sherwin-Williams Concepts in Color palette. These paint chips feature a perforated “window” opening that can be removed to see how coordinating colors will look together and work with the fabrics and accessories in your room. The company has also simplified color coordination by listing designer-recommended combinations on the back of each swatch.
And once you’ve narrowed down your favorite shade, it’s a breeze to experiment with your top choices before your final painting project begins. For example, an online color visualizer allows you to preview your color selections in a room, and the company’s Color to Go program allows you to purchase a quart-size paint sample for less than five dollars.
In the end, no matter which colors you select, just remember that paint is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to the change the atmosphere of a room, so “don’t be afraid to try new colors and patterns and to play with contrasts,” Rowley recommends. By following your instincts and personal fashion sense, both you and your home will feel warm and toasty this winter.
For more color inspiration, visit sherwin-williams.com or your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Are you doing everything you can to preserve water? You may be thinking to yourself, "Sure, I only water the grass on my assigned day and wash dishes when the machine is full." But if you run the water while brushing your teeth, flush tissue and bugs down the toilet instead of throwing them in the trash, and still have an old toilet in operation in your home, you are actually part of the problem.
Did you know that if you have a toilet from 1994 or before, it can use as much as seven gallons for a single flush? That’s a lot compared to today’s 1.6-gallon per flush (gfp) toilets -- the maximum allowable flush volume by law. Older toilets can also waste water through leaks, which are often undetectable. Worn rubber flappers degrade and warp and can leak up to 200 gallons of water a day. You can check for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the coloring has trickled into the bowl over the course of 15 minutes, you’ve got a leak. (If you try this test, don’t leave the food coloring in the tank more than 15 minutes or it could permanently stain your fixture.)
A relatively inexpensive way to conserve is to purchase a new low-consumption toilet. The American Standard FloWise toilet was the first gravity-fed toilet to reduce water consumption by more than 20 percent from 1.6-gallons to a 1.28-gallon flow rate. Many people are afraid to let go of their old water-guzzling toilets because they think the newer low-flow models don’t work. But the FloWise can deliver high-efficiency performance because it uses American Standard’s proprietary Champion 4 flushing technology, which forces the water into the bowl three times faster than a standard toilet. The FloWise gets a lot of power out of less water.
Now the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is helping consumers choose the right products by marking them with the new WaterSense label. WaterSense works much like the ENERGY STAR program for appliances. By prominently designating products and services that conserve water and perform as intended, the labeling program makes it easy for consumers to identify and select high-performance water-efficient products for their homes.
American Standard’s FloWise toilet carries the WaterSense label. FloWise uses 1.28 gpf, so it qualifies as a “high-efficiency toilet,” or an HET. To earn the WaterSense label, a toilet must use only 1.28 gpf. American Standard is a partner in the EPA’s program to promote water efficiency and market efficient products, programs and practices.
Make Easy Changes
According to an EPA expert on water conservation, if there’s one change homeowners can do, it is to get rid of every rain head in their showers because it is the single greatest water waster in American bathrooms today.
The good news is that fixture manufacturers are offering new showerhead technology to solve the problem without compromising on performance. Replacing showerheads is also a simple and quick change. The new American Standard FloWise showerheads, for example, have a small turbine-like mechanism that spins the water stream through the head, creating an energizing spray just like the standard 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) showerheads.
The best part is that these new showerheads use only 1.5 gpm -- that’s 40 percent less than the current code requirements for showerheads without sacrificing performance.
Get Smart
Anyone can check the Internet and local Department of Natural Resources for specific information about how to conserve water. The EPA also helps consumers locate their local watershed information and provides water conservation tips.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Transparent acrylic door inserts let light into your home while maintaining privacy.
Easy-to-Make and Fun-to-Give Projects for the Holidays.
The clever yet simple technique of compound cutting on the scroll saw yields impressive results, especially when guided by expertly crafted patterns. Holiday-themed projects include snowmen, candy canes, tree-topping ornaments, Christmas napkin rings, Santa and his sleigh, and many more intricate and beautiful designs. Each project contains a list of necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, and how-to photos. General scroll saw advice and troubleshooting is also featured.
Available at Amazon.com.
Learn how to clean a portable thickness planer - free video clip.
Learn how to make a cutting board and learn how to safely use basic woodworking tools.
Learn about general safety rules when working with a portable thickness planer - free video.
With everyone shopping at the same time during the holidays, it can be a challenge to find something that people haven’t already seen. And if you do dream up a great gift idea, it’s hard to settle for less than what you had imagined. Now woodworkers are dealing with this problem with an easy homemade gift that presents endless opportunities for customization -- turned pens.
“Pens make a wonderful personalized gift,” says Jim Carroll, long-time pen turner and product manager at Rockler Woodworking and Hardware. “They’re not hard to make and it’s easy to personalize your pen so it’s specific to the individual.”
With dozens of domestic and exotic wood species to choose from, plus a huge selection of acrylics, there is no shortage of options for custom tailoring. “There are pen blanks in every shade, and the selection is always changing,” says Carroll. “Turners have used our pink blanks for Breast Cancer Awareness, and we even get special editions with team colors for the Super Bowl.”
Recently, pen blanks have also become available in a variety of alternative materials. “Some of them are really interesting,” says Carroll. “We have blanks made from cereal grains, rice, spaghetti -- even corncobs, which look amazing once they’re done.”
But is pen turning difficult?
“No,” says Carroll. “You’ll need a little patience, sharp tools and the desire to create something unique. Beyond that, it’s really pretty easy. Beginners will be more comfortable with hard, natural woods like Maple and Walnut. They’re inexpensive, readily available, and are easiest to turn.”
Pen turning has become popular among beginning woodworkers because it requires very limited equipment: a mini-lathe with some attachments and a set of turning tools. It also requires very little space; a mini-lathe can tuck into a small corner, using roughly the space of a sewing machine.
According to Carroll, “Once you have the initial equipment, a turned pen is pretty inexpensive. The materials for a basic hardware kit and blank cost anywhere from $7 to $15, depending on what it’s made of.”
Information on pen turning is also readily available. Numerous online forums are dedicated to the subject. “Rockler offers free demonstrations to people who want to try it out,” says Carroll. “We hand out free instructional booklets from the stores and offer free pen turning videos online. We even have periodic ‘Turn-A-Gift’ promotions where customers can come into the store and turn a pen from start to finish for only the cost of the materials.”
If desired, a variety of accessories can really round out the gift. Pen cases are available, which make a nice presentation with just a small card -- no need for wrapping paper. If your recipient spends a lot of time at the office, the components for a full desk set: pen funnels, business card holders and paperclip holders, are all readily available.
For more ideas and information on pen turning, including a tutorial and videos, visit “How To” at www.rockler.com or call toll-free at (800) 279-4441.
Courtesy of ARA Content
The Environmental Protection Agency says if every American changed just one light bulb to an Energy Star qualified bulb, we'd save enough energy to light 7 million homes. So what's the difference between a traditional incandescent bulb and an energy saving compact florescent?
Compact florescent light bulbs use 75 percent less energy than most standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. While the price of an Energy Star CFL may initially be greater, the EPA says the energy savings from the bulb more than makes up the difference. Using just one compact florescent can save you $30 on your energy bill over the course of a year. It's not just homeowners cashing in on the savings - corporations have begun getting in the act, as well.
The Bank of America Tower in Miami recently began switching to more efficient bulbs. When the town of Amherst, NY, updated some 100 buildings with - among other improvements - energy efficient lighting, the result was about three-quarters of a million dollars in savings each year.
This year, as part of Energy Star's annual "Change a Light, Change the World" campaign, Sylvania is encouraging 100,000 people to make a pledge to replace at least one incandescent bulb with an Energy Star rated one. Consumers can log onto www.sylvania.com to take the pledge.
Carvers will find this collection of 24 Santa and snowman designs especially delightful because they are both whimsical and classy. A step-by-step tutorial is included and detailed patterns with complete paint charts are supplied for each figure. Any incidental elements such as wooden eggs or cutouts are easily available at craft stores. With the help of this guide, even beginning carvers can create heirloom ornaments they will proudly display at Christmastime for many years to come.
Available at Amazon.com.
Add an outdoor kitchen to your patio from the AB Courtyard Collection by Allan Block. Watch from start to finish just how easy it is to build a surround around your BBQ grill. See detailed patterns, installation techniques and block modifications. Using this two sided system, its easy to complete in just a weekend. This can be adjusted to fit any size of grill. You can find the entire collection of videos, photos, literature, how-to sheets and instructions all at www.allanblock.com.
As we become more aware of the impact our choices have on the world around us, there are plenty of simple do-it-yourself projects to embrace that can beautify a home while still being kind to the environment.
Whether it’s adding energy-efficient lighting or appliances, upgrading to water-saving plumbing fixtures or painting walls with a fresh coat of environmentally friendly paint, a few smart home-improvement decisions can make it easier than ever to be “green.”
“Homeowners can easily incorporate ‘green’ elements into their living space,” says Dan Johnston, national director of the American Lung Association's Health House program, which aims to educate consumers about the importance of indoor air quality. "Products such as low-VOC paint are not only better for the environment, but can also improve air quality within the home.”
Paint is one of the quickest ways to “green” your home while sprucing up its appearance. What could be easier than refreshing a child’s room, kitchen or bath with colorful hues that not only look stunning, but will dazzle for years and are gentle to the environment and the well-being of the home’s residents?
No matter what color you choose to incorporate into your space, here is some expert advice to keep in mind when it comes to paint selection that is both good for your home and the environment:
VOCs: How Low Can You Go?
The buzzword (or initials) in paint these days is VOC, or volatile organic compound. Simply put, VOCs are vapors that can be detected by odors in the air -- such as gasoline emissions or even the smell of pizza -- that can affect a home’s indoor air quality.
When it comes to paint, look for products that have low to no VOCs. For example, Harmony Interior Latex from Sherwin-Williams is a zero-VOC, low-odor coating that allows for immediate use of newly painted spaces. That makes it an ideal selection for rooms such as nurseries or kids’ play areas.
“A low or no-VOC paint is a great ‘green’ option for any do-it-yourselfer,” says Steve Revnew, director of marketing, product development for Sherwin-Williams. “With a product like Harmony, you do not have to wait for paint fumes to dissipate before moving back into a space. This paint can even be applied with other family members in the room.”
Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff -- Or the Splatters
With advancements in environmentally friendly paint, you won’t have to worry about cooking splatters and spots in the kitchen; water marks in the steamy bath; or remnants of your kids’ murals on the family room walls. In other words, using “green” paint doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice quality or durability.
Products such as Duration Home Interior Latex from Sherwin-Williams, allow you to wipe away most smudges, spills and splatters with water or mild soap without scrubbing. And its antimicrobial properties resist mildew and mold, making it a good choice for high-traffic kitchens, baths, hallways and children’s rooms -- anywhere long-lasting stain resistance is essential. This paint also negates the worry of unsightly burnish marks -- the “shiny” spots that can appear when walls are cleaned or accidentally rubbed.
Confident In Color
Finally, you’ll want to look for an environmentally friendly paint that maintains its color without rubbing off. Ask the store representative how well the paint washes even in the deep, bold accent colors that are popular today for the home. In the past, a drawback to using these bright hues has been how poorly they wash, but new technology creates a smooth paint surface guaranteeing enduring results.
In the long run, a vast number of environmentally friendly products for your dwelling abound and refreshing your home with a splash of paint is a simple way to put a little “green” into your home – without compromising on quality or spending a lot of “green.”
For more information on environmentally friendly paint solutions, visit sherwin-williams.com or your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Karen Schmidt demonstrates how to hook up a water supply to a refridgerator where none exists.
