Archive for the 'Home Improvement Parlor' Category

The Right Tool - Venetian Plasters

It has been said that for every job there is a tool. That is the case with the tools used to apply the product commercially known as Venetian Plaster. At a seminar on Marmorino hosted by Rivesto-Marmorino© several months ago, there was an old plasterer from New Castle, Penn., that looked at these trowels and said, “What are these things?” He couldn’t understand their shape or why they where so flexible and the end was curved.

At a seminar on Marmorino hosted by Rivesto-Marmorino© several months ago, there was an old plasterer from New Castle, Penn., that looked at these trowels and said, “What are these things?” He couldn’t understand their shape or why they where so flexible and the end was curved.

Facts

But in a conversation with him recently, he sounded like a changed man; he loves these Venetian plaster trowels designed for use with Rivesto-Marmorino©. Altthoug he mentioned that he couldn’t use them with regular plaster, he said they where well-suited for Marmorino. Marmorino is a marble product with a lime base that needs to be worked very gently. With traditional plastering, you are required to put on a lot of material very quickly and a rigid style trowel is desirable, whereas with Rivesto-Marmorino©, a flexible trowel is required.

No one before us had asked for a trowel like this one, designed for use with a full mineral product. If you work with synthetic or half-synthetic material you do not need trowels like these; rigid stainless steel is sufficient.

In further speaking with this plaster, he did not get dark stripes. With a lot of trowels these days, if there is any rust on the trowel or the steel isn’t of good quality it can leave discoloration on your wall. This never occurs with these new trowels. If you accidentally leave them in water or with material drying on them, the blade will not discolor.

The reason for this is not found by looking at the trowel; it’s found in what you can see on the trowel. The manufacture tempers the sheet steel in the raw material stage and again at the trowel factory, when they form the trowels. It is this procedure that takes the rigidity from the blade so that they become flexible. Then, they are delicately polished; witch is expensive because is done by hand.

Trowel Shape

Now the shape of the trowel raises a lot of eyebrows because it is in the shape of a trapezoid. If you see and old workman’s trowel in Italy, it starts off in a rectangular shape and after several years it start taking a trapezoid shape. This is because you work on the full length of the blade the whole time and one end becomes more narrow as a result. Many craftsmen in Italy would prefer to work with old trowels they inherited, as opposed to working with a new tool because it actually becomes better with age. For this reason, it was decided in a joint effort with Rivesto-Marmorino© and the manufacturer of the trowels to design the Venetian Plaster trowel with this shape to begin with. One of the most experienced toolmakers in Europe manufactured this trowel. The only thing that could not be manufactures was the worn edge on the blade that has to come over time with use. The trowel also has round corners to protect the finished Marmorino.

Ligth Weigth

Last but not least, these special trowels have a light weight handle assembly; the manufacturing procedure holds an international patent. The handgrip is made of wood witch makes it more expensive, but the craftsmen appreciate it because it is extremely comfortable to hold. The original trowel designed with Rivesto-Marmorino© has been emulated by other manufacturers; witch is tribute to the inspired design of the original.

To complete the Rivesto-Marmorino© we use a smaller trowel; witch never touches the raw product. At just the right time this “polishing trowel” is worked over the product to give it that lustrous shine and feel of marble. This is important because in its natural state, marble is not polished.
When an artist picks up a brush or pen or sculpting tool, the object becomes an extension of his hand, his arm, his eye and his mind. In creating truly beautiful decorative finishes with Marmorino, choosing the right tool for that extension is crucial. For every job there is the right tool.

Paul Hoafat is president of Firenze Enterprises Inc., exclusive distributor of Rivesto-Marmorino© Paul Hoafat

Screw for Peace of Mind!

Are you plagued with squeaks as you walk across your hardwood flooring? As a wood floor ages it warps and shrinks, causing the floor to separate from the sub floor. If you’re experiencing squeaks in your floor, they are caused by loose boards rubbing against nails or each other. Probably one of the most difficult tasks is trying to narrow down the exact board that is squeaking! Once you’ve located the squeaky board, go down to the basement and predrill up through the joist and into the sub floor directly into the squeaky spot, if possible.

Carefully measure the depth and put a piece of masking tape on the drill bit so you don’t drill up through the top of the floor. Remember, of course, if you have finish on the ceiling on lower level beneath where the wood flooring is squeaky, it will have to be removed first. After you have accomplished this, then shoot a deck or drywall screw up into the floor. After contact is made with the squeaky plank, it will pull it down tight to the sub floor, thus eliminating your annoying squeak!

If there isn’t a joist near the area of your squeak, all you have to do is screw up through the sub floor into the plank. This may not be as effective, but it could very possibly eliminate that annoying squeak. If you are having difficulty getting under the squeaky spot, locate the squeak and drill a trim screw at an angle into the spot by using finishing nails. They will hold as well as trim screws do. For that finishing touch, always remember to countersink the screw head and fill any holes with putty. You will love what a few small screws can do for your peace of mind, especially if you are getting ready to sell your home blemish free hardwood flooring makes all the difference in the world!

By Terry Price- Remember to visit- http://www.hardwood-flooring-discount.com/sitemap.html -for some more information on repairing hardwood flooring. Need some discount hardwood flooring? http://www.hardwood-flooring-discount.com/126-discount-hardwood-flooring-charlotte-nc.html

Eliminate Carpet Chemical Stains and Spots

Your carpet adds to the beauty and value of your home. With
proper maintenance, such as regular vacuuming and periodic
cleaning, your home’s carpet can last between 15 and 20 years.
Unfortunately, due to carpet stains and carpet spots, most
homeowners replace their carpet long before it’s worn.

Indeed, carpet stains can be the bane of a homeowner’s
existence. Attempts at stain removal often serve as a temporary
fix, but over time, the carpet stains may reappear. The
resulting frustration often causes homeowners to prematurely
replace their carpeting.

Even more frustrating are the increasingly common carpet spots
that result from the spillage of household products. The same
ingredients that make many cleaning products so effective can
wreak havoc on a carpet. Carpet spots made by bleach stains and
other household chemicals will cause permanent discoloration of
the carpet. Unlike food carpet stains, chemical carpet spots
destroy the dye in the carpet, making carpet spots impossible to
clean using traditional methods.

The number and variety of chemical substances that can cause
carpet spots and carpet stains boggle the mind. Chlorine
bleaches, swimming pool chemicals, stomach acid, toilet bowl
cleaners, drain cleaners, oven cleaners, urine, insecticides,
fertilizers, and even certain types of medication and cosmetic
aids can damage carpets and render ordinary stain removal
methods ineffective.

When you’re faced with unsightly bleach stains and carpet spots,
what are your options? Many people feel that their only option
is to replace the carpet in their home, which is a very
expensive proposition. For 1,500 square feet, the cost of buying
and installing carpeting can cost $8,000 or more. If you have
some leftover original carpet, you can hire a professional to
cut out the carpet spots and insert plugs of leftover carpet.
This is also expensive, and will run several hundred dollars.
You can opt for professional carpet dyeing, but that can also
cost many hundreds of dollars.

Many people never consider an effective and inexpensive option
for repairing bleach stains and carpet spots: do-it-yourself
carpet dye. A do-it-yourself carpet dye kit is cost-effective
and can produce terrific results with very little effort. And,
since no appointments are needed and you don’t have to take time
off of work, there’s very little hassle involved in undertaking
stain removal yourself.

Most nylon and wool carpets are repairable using carpet dye, and
upwards of 90 percent of all carpets are nylon or wool.
According to ecarpetstains.com, a leader in do-it-yourself
carpet dye kits, you simply need to send in a carpet sample (cut
from leftover carpet or from the corner of a closet) and a
description of the carpet stains. They will send you a custom
do-it-yourself carpet spot dye kit that will match the color of
your existing carpet. With a few simple steps, you can eliminate
your carpet spots and treat your carpet to the long life it
deserves.

Adding A Shower Enclosure Can Transform Your Bathroom!

In these days of deadlines and time limits, shower enclosures are an increasingly popular option. Jumping in the shower is a time-saving alternative to a long soak in the tub, so having a shower enclosure fitted in your bathroom can transform your daily routine. As well as providing a practical function, a shower stall enclosure can look sleek and modern, adding a touch of style to your home.

To help create a feeling of openness and spaciousness, an all glass shower enclosure can be the perfect choice. Shower stall enclosures made from tempered safety glass can let the light shine through, brightening up your shower times! Clear glass is great if you have some decorative bathroom tiles you want to show off. Alternatively, for the more modest, there is a selection of colored, moldered and etched glass patterns. A frameless shower enclosure offers an up to date look, which also benefits from being easier to keep clean than the more traditional framed option. Simply use a squeegee to remove water droplets to prevent mold growth.

When looking at bathroom shower enclosures, do not be afraid to ask manufacturers for their advice on which style would fit in with your bathroom’s design and layout. Pay attention to all the details, such as the finish of your shower door hardware. Choices range from satin chrome to brushed nickel and brass, depending on the style of your existing bathroom fixtures. Look at a range of shower doors to find one that meets your needs and looks the part.

With a bit of thought you can find a shower enclosure that is ideal for your needs, which will provide many years of outstanding performance. As much as a relaxing bath is very pleasant, it’s always nice to have the option of a quick shower!

Simon Phillips is a successful freelance writer and regular contributor to http://www.showers-bathrooms.com, your one stop source for finding the best deals on shower enclosures, shower doors, bathroom fixtures and more!

Home Remodeling - Some Useful Tips

Home remodeling includes remodeling of various parts of your house such as kitchen, bathroom, lobby, sitting room, basement and all. Home remodeling is a complete package that gives a new and complete look to your home. With home remodeling, you also get to modify the exteriors and interiors of your home in a way that you want. Home modeling is now a common phenomenon amongst many home owners in many parts of the world. Home remodeling also lets you restructure your home and incorporate the latest trends and fashion.

However, there are a few things you need to consider before opting for home remodeling. First of all you need to hire a contractor to remodel your home (of course after you have done enough research find the best one; internet research is a good option). A contractor is a n expert and can also show you various options and designs. An expert will do a better job than you can do any day. Second, you need to have a budget for home remodeling. You need to keep some money aside for home remodeling. Also, keep in mind that during the process of home remolding, sometimes there are unanticipated expenditures. So, always have some funds aside for that.

You can choose either specialized contractor or general contractor for your tasks, depending on your requirements. Also, consult your friends and relatives when choosing a contractor. If possible, see their past works to get an idea of the quality of their work. Home renovation does not happen everyday, and when you get it done, ensure that you get the best.

For more tips and details please visit www.allremodel.com.

Natasha