Saturday, May 26, 2018

PAINTING A NEW, FRESH LOOK FOR YOUR FRONT DOORS WITH SPAR VARNISH

PAINTING A NEW, FRESH LOOK FOR YOUR FRONT DOORS WITH SPAR VARNISH

Mary is getting her home ready to put on the market for sale.
 She asked me to make her beautiful front doors look better.  The finish was really dull, probably from all of the oak pollen that recently spread everywhere and just normal wear.  
Several years ago, I sealed these doors with oil based spar varnish.
You can find it at most paint stores.
It is a very hard drying sealer.  
I took a picture of before and after I applied the varnish.
Look at the dull finish just under the door handles.
The door panels have been varnished.  See the difference and how nice the varnish looks?
If you want to varnish your doors, first clean them really well. 
I applied the varnish with a paint brush. 
You do have to use paint thinner to clean your brushes.
 It's always best to ask your paint store how to use the spar varnish. 
They can give you pointers to make your job easier.
I think you will be very happy with the new, fresh look of your doors.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

USING GEL STAIN TO MAKE AN OLD MIRROR FRAME LOOK NEW AGAIN

USING GEL STAIN TO MAKE AN OLD MIRROR FRAME LOOK NEW AGAIN

The finish on this mirror frame was old, scratched and very dull.
I told my friend I could make it better.
I sanded lightly.  Brushed a gel stain over the frame and wiped off with a rag.
After that dried, I sealed the finish with a water based satin clear coat.
(before I worked on it...still dull)

Monday, May 21, 2018

PAINTING AN OLD GOLD LEAF PICTURE FRAME TO HANG MY ARTWORK DOOR KNOB PILLOWS

PAINTING AN OLD GOLD LEAF PICTURE FRAME TO HANG MY ARTWORK DOOR KNOB PILLOWS
Recently, I was invited to show my pillows and artwork at a pre-Mother's Day event.
I made little door knob/bed post/hang anywhere pillows.  They are my artwork on fabric.
They needed a way to display, so I used one of my old frames.  The frame has a beautiful metallic gold/gold leaf finish.  I knew it would look so beautiful with yellow apple green.
I removed the old print that was in the frame.  Cut a piece of very thin lauan plywood and glued it to the back so it would be sturdy enough to hold door knobs and pillows.
 Painted it green.
I found these glass door knobs.  Drilled holes in the lauan and attached them from the back.
Found the little crown finial, painted it green.
I was so busy talking to people I forgot to take good pictures.
 This distorted picture is the only one I could find.
 I'm sure you get the idea, though.  (For your projects)
I will be adding more pillows to my Etsy Shop today or tomorrow.
~
FOR MORE PILLOWS VISIT MY ETSY SHOP

Saturday, May 19, 2018

PAINTING A DARK WOOD PANELING WALL ~ SO MUCH LIGHTER, NOW!

PAINTING A DARK WOOD PANELING WALL ~ SO MUCH LIGHTER, NOW!

I went to a client's home for a paint bid for her kitchen.  While I was there she said her house seemed really dark.  I suggested that she paint the paneling behind her stair rail.  She did paint that wall and sent this picture to me.  She said she couldn't believe the difference.
 The room was so much lighter, now.
Doesn't it look nice!!  And, she did the painting.