Tricks of my Jack of all Trades

 

As you know I've been painting away these past two weeks. I thought I'd show you some of my favorite and super easy tricks for finishing off details.

So to this (above)...

 

... from this. Paint encrusted hardware horror. I am to blame to begin with. Was in a hurry last time I painted (eleven years ago when I wanted it all done at once)...

 

... but a simple over night dip in washing up liquid loosens the oil based paint so it can be scraped off with a dull knife and a bit of steel wool. No harsh chemicals needed.

 

Here's another one. When caulking the caulk doesn't always come out of the gun in the even smooth manner you wish for...

 

... but by dragging a damp sponge along the caulk several times it evens it out AND removes the excess.

Comments

[Kari]

Ant advice for the best way to remove latex paint from shellacked woodwork? OUr 1929 (US) house has original woodwork and finish that we don't want to destroy, but the people who lived here before us were the wold's worst painters. Any advice from anyone will be welcome.

The hardware looks particularly good--thanks for the tip about dealing with oil paint on hardware!

Kari--who repainted our TV room and rearranged furniture oevr the holiday weekend--inspired by Benita!

[Sandra Yeon]

Thanks Benita.. This is good tips. I normally just dip the hardware into the thinner. And the caulk part is cool, cause I am about to ask you to share more tips on all your project.

[Carlos]

I would try to scrape it off with a blunt knife. If it dulls the finish underneath I'd try to apply some furniture polish after. Try this or any method in a small spot that's not so visible in case it doesn't turn ot the way you want.

[Hanna]

Hej Hej! Men jisses så mycket du pysslar på och massor av bra tips och ideér bjuder du på. Kanonis!!
Må gott Hannah

[Linda]

I really like the idea of using the dish washing soap to remove the old paint. It's great to not use chemicals.

[Jan Scott]

I love the tip for the caulking...thanks for that!

[Kari]

I'll give it a go this weekend. The hubster is off to a conference tomorrow and I have several days to make a mess at my own pace. Like you, I tend to do a lot of projects when he is out of town, although we also have some we do together.

[Tommy Bahama Bedding]

Good caulking tip :)

[dan]

thanks so much for the caulking tip! I'm terrified of caulking after making way to many messes of it-- I'll try this for sure!

[Franziska]

great tips - thanks for sharing!