Thought for Today: "“Life is a matter of choices, and every choice we make makes us.” ~ John C. Maxwel

 
 

How to Thoroughly Clean a Paint Brush

How to Thoroughly Clean a Paint Brush - screenshot

When painting, especially wooden trim or furniture, there are two secrets getting outstanding results:  use good quality paint and choose a first-rate brush.  Good brushes cost more but they’re worth it.  They leave fewer brush marks, hold more paint and don’t deposit unwanted bristles in your otherwise perfect job.  The key to keeping a high-quality brush in top form, and to extending its life, is thoroughly cleaning it after each use.  Here are some useful tips to help you do just that.

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Make a Tool to Reach and Grip Stubborn Finish Nails

Make a Tool to Reach and Grip Stubborn Finish Nails - screenshot

Removing an unwanted finish nail whose head is flush with the surface can be a tricky proposition, especially if you want to minimize the damage to the surrounding surface.  I used to face this problem quite often when I was doing a lot of furniture restoration.  I finally discovered that one way to solve this problem was to make a tool just for the purpose.  Here’s what I did.

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Custom Sanding Blocks You Can Make Yourself

Custom Sanding Blocks You Can Make Yourself - screenshot

Sanding the intricate details in architectural woodwork such as moldings, casings, railings, etc. can often be a tricky proposition.   New moldings can sometimes have milling marks that become more visible with higher gloss finishes and stripping older molding can often raise the grain – in both cases, some sanding is advisable.  A custom made sanding block, matched to the molding profile, can make the job faster and easier.  Here are two ways to make your own from inexpensive materials.

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