Graining is a very old technique that is used to give painted woodwork the appearance of a high-quality wood, such as mahogany. It has the advantage that you do not have to strip off the existing finish, but it is definitely a difficult technique -one to leave until you have gained some experience of the other finishes. You will need to use a special glaze called ‘scumble’, which is available from specialist paint and decorators’ suppliers.

First, apply a coat of wood-colour eggshell oil-base paint to match the lightest colour of the wood effect that you wish to achieve.

Next, apply a coat of wood-colour scumble glaze thinned with an equal amount of white spirit and rub this on to the surface. Use a brush on the wet glaze to form a light basic grain pattern. Leave this for 24 hours to dry thoroughly.

Next the swirling heart-grain can be applied. Use black gloss paint in oil glaze thinned with white spirit. Apply this very lightly to the panel in semi-elliptical brushstrokes and then, with a long, soft-bristled brush, soften these grain lines, working out from the centre.

When you are satisfied with the result, let the panel dry before giving it a protecting coat of clear varnish.

Antique wood: Dust regularly and store properly — keep out of direct sunlight and turn down the central heating to avoid over-dry air. A little furniture cream can be applied occasionally — but the treatment of antique furniture should be left to the experts.

Oiled wood: Dust regularly and rub twice a year with a cloth and a little teak or Danish oil. Apply sparingly.

Waxed wood: Dust regularly and rub occasionally with wax polish.

Varnished wood: Dust regularly and polish occasionally with furniture cream or a silicone-based liquid polish. A range of spray polishes is available.
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Cornering Tools are used to round off sharp edges. Each end has different size opening. They are made in 1/16 – to 3/8-in sizes.
Plug Cutters make plugs out of wood for covering recessed screws. Cutter is installed in a drill press to cut the plugs.

COLD CHISELS AND THEIR USES:
The four general types of cold chisels are the flat chisel, cape chisel, round nose chisel, and a diamond point chisel. Use a ball peen hammer to drive any of them, and always wear goggles when doing this kind of work.

Use the FLAT CHISEL to cut rods or small chain by driving a V cut into one or both sides, then bending the metal to break it off. You can use a flat chisel also to shear metal, starting from one end, at the top of the vise jaws.

Use a CAPE CHISEL to shear off rivet heads, by driving a groove through the center of the head and chipping off the rest. Use this chisel to deform threads so that nuts will not shake loose. Read the rest of this entry…

Why is using solar power at home said to be so environmentally-friendly and what are the benefits of it?

Basically, when solar power is used at home, electric bills go down, compared to other types of home energy available to people, and the oil guys lose money. Why would you pay for such expensive bills when all you need to do is to introduce solar power to your home?

One of the biggest advantages of using solar power in your home is the ease of setup and installation because there is no complicated and dangerous wiring setups. It is vey basic. Read the rest of this entry…

Contemporary design means clean lines, striking colors and abstract touches without intricate details. One may also refer to contemporary as “modern” design.

Color

It’s best to start with a neutral base; taupes, creams, soft browns, or even white should be on the walls. The trick then, is to use splashes of color with accessories.

• Spa inspired dishes with candles in bright contrasting colors is a great way to create a contemporary bathroom.
• Organic rocks and stones with vibrant flowers or dried flowers.
• Towels in neutral tones with hand or face cloths in dramatic colors
• Wood or dark framed photos of bright things; flowers, balloons, beach or water photos
• Another idea is to have a feature wall: select one of your highlight colors and use it on a main wall in the bathroom

Metal Accents

Contemporary design is known for sleek metal accents such as chrome, knickel or stainless steel fixtures. To make your modern bathroom look elegant, feature choice metal accents around the room:

• faucets and door pulls, toilet lever
• light fixtures
• towel bar, curtain rod
• robe hook on back of door
• metal stands for magazines or rolled towels
• soap, toothbrush dishes
• trash bin

Textures

To offset your sleek and elegant metal accessories, use luxurious fabrics such as silk, crushed velvet, wool or linen. But stay away from elaborate patterns and intricate detailed prints.

• curtains and window treatments
• shower curtain
• towels
• rugs or mats

Wood

Contemporary designed bathrooms should have very light or very dark wood tones.

• cabinets
• accessories such as trash bin, cups and soap dishes
• picture frames
• flower pots

Lighting

As with all rooms in your home, lighting is very important in contemporary design. Be sure to continue with a wood or metal theme when you choose:

• track lighting
• floor lamps

Contemporary design does not have to be cold and calculated. Be sure to use vibrant splashes of color, textures and accessories you love, and you’ll be sure to create a stunningly elegant and modern looking bathroom that remains warm and inviting.