My old habit, working all weekend on home improvements, was in full force before I remembered my new habit, writing a new blog post for The Weekend DIY Guy. As a result, it wasn't until Sunday until I realized the errors of my way. This means my posting is only half as long as it would have been - a true disappointment for those of you who crave DIY knowledge.
Neato Door Trimming Hint
Speaking of disappointments, mine is that I didn't get a single picture of the trim work I did for the door between the kitchen and garage. This door was hung years ago, but it was only yesterday that I finished the interior installation. The problem to be solved was that the dimensions of the pre-hung door were slightly narrower than required by the drywall on the wall. This means that with the trim lying flat on the drywall, there was a small gap between the trim and the doorway.My original idea was to find something to fill the gap, hopefully something wooden. A trip to Lowe's revealed there is no such thing. I decided to wait (and wait...) for s knowledgeable salesman, one that may have installed doors himself. After waiting half an hour, I hit the jackpot!
His suggestion was to use a utility knife to score the paper on the drywall, under where the trim would lie. The purpose of scoring the paper is to prevent it from tearing when one reaches the next step. After completing the scoring, the drywall is shaved at at angle toward the edge of the door frame. This removes the material that forced the gap. The result is that the trim now sits flush against the door frame.Painting Tidbits
My biggest goal is to get the door to the bathroom hung, so I am working diligently on staining the door and painting the trim. Most of you know how to paint, so I won't bore you with details. Rather, I want to give you some advice from what I have learned over the years.I have found the key to successful painting is patience and having quality materials. Painting is one thing for which you get what you pay for.
For example, cheap paint doesn't cover as well as most expensive paints. Because it doesn't cover as well, you have to apply more coats. I have found that the number of coats required is inversely related to the price of the paint.I'd rather spend $50 for a gallon of paint than $25 because I'm going to have to use two coats of the $25 paint to have the same effect as one coat of $50 paint. $10 paint will take 5 coats to look as good. Since it's going to cost the same amount of money (or it's going to look bad...), I'd rather buy the $50 paint and spend a lot less time applying it.
The same holds true for paint brushes. I've tried many brands of paint brushes, tempted by the price. I always return to the Purdy brand because the results are so much better and so much faster. With an angled Purdy brush I can do work around edges without having to apply the painter's tape that always seems to disappoint. I save time and get a better job done.When painting flatter surfaces, the Purdy brushes simply hold and apply more paint. It's because of the gentle taper of the bristles. This taper allows more of the bristle to be in contact with the surface, so more paint is applied at any given moment.
When using an expensive brush, it is key to get it clean, clean, clean! You want this brush to last! I found the most effective tool is a brush comb. I know it sounds funny, but it really helps get the brush very clean much quicker. Just drag the comb through the brush repeated until it's so clean you'd consider licking it. Of course, don't, but it should be that clean. Then add a few drops of dish washing detergent, rub it in, and rinse. The brush should be squeaky clean. If it's not, keeping trying until it is.
For someone like me who is always short on time, having a $50 gallon of paint and a $15 Purdy brush really lets me get the trim done so that I can start the next project.
Next Week's Plans
Now that everything is ready, next weekend I should be able to get the door hung. I usually have numerous challenges when I do this. Hopefully you will be able to learn from my mistakes!
This week's Weekend DIY Guy Haiku
Is the circuit live?
Thought it was the right breaker
Gave myself a jolt!
See you next week!
Clint, the Weekend DIY Guy
