Decorating Your Kitchen with Recycled Materials

If you are thinking about changing the aesthetics of your kitchen try decorating it with recycled materials.  In this article, we propose different ideas to show you an original and ecological kitchen.

Reusing pallets, cutlery or ladders is a perfect idea to ensure that your kitchen is decorated with good taste and in a very original way. Below are ideas on how to decorate the kitchen with recycled material so that you give a new and different touch to your home.

Reuse the containers

A very good way to decorate the kitchen with recycled materials is to reuse containers that you use on a daily basis such as plastic bottles, metal cans or glass bottles.

In the kitchen you can give many uses to these type of objects, for example, use them to store your kitchen utensils: wooden spoons, sharp knives, soup spoons, and so on.

Pallets in your kitchen

Another way you have to decorate the kitchen with recycled materials is to use pallets, one of the most used materials for recycled decoration. In the case of the kitchen you can use one of these elements to create a small multi-purpose shelf where you can hang different utensils and even enable a space to store your recipes.

Creativity with old cutlery

To decorate with recycled material it is important that you unleash your imagination and give new uses to your everyday objects in an original and unique way. For example, in one way, we suggest you take advantage of the cutlery that you no longer use, the doubles and the hooks to a wooden board; In this way you will be able to create an original rack where you can hang your coffee cups or whatever you want.

The long life of the stairs

The stairs are one of the objects that you can use the most: as a wardrobe, as an improvised bookcase or as a decorative element, there are many possibilities to decorate with stairs! We suggest you decorate your kitchen with a recycled staircase giving you shelving where you can store bags, wicker baskets or even put a nice plant.

Coffee cups as funny lamps

Another idea that we propose to you is that you reuse coffee cups and hang them as if they were kitchen lamps. You will have to stick with an extra strong tail the plate of the coffee with the cup to avoid them falling; then, you will have to pierce the upper part of the set to put the bulb inside. The result: an original lamp perfect for your kitchen.

How to Improve Acoustics in Your Home

Absorb sound

Often the acoustics are not the first thing to pay attention to when buying a house. It is only after the house has been moved in to that the reflection of the sound begins to stand out. The extra loud sounds of children running around, reverberating music and an echo behind your own voice will eventually become apparent. In particular, flat surfaces and smooth materials, which are often used in modern interiors, absorb the sound poorly. The reflection of the sound is stimulated and an echo or reverberation are the logical consequence. The solution? You will find that in the insulation!

Four tips for improving acoustics

Fortunately, there is enough that you can do to improve the acoustics in a room. Isolation is the magic word here. Think of your floor, window coverings, furniture and furnishings.

Damping floors

Choosing the right floor or floor covering can make a world of difference. A deep pile carpet, a cork floor or a vinyl floor springs somewhat, so your footsteps sound less loud. Moreover, the sound reflects less. Do you still opt for a tight floor, such as parquet, tiles, natural stone or laminate? By choosing a sound-insulating underlay you still work on good acoustics. If that is not enough, or if the floor is already there, a rug or carpet can help.

Full window coverings

You can also give the acoustics a hand by providing windows with upholstery. Think of curtains (the heavier, the better), and whether or not you want to use in combination with blinds or roller blinds. Double layers work well anyway.

Furniture of rich fabrics

The choice of furniture plays a major role in the regulation of acoustics. A concrete chair in your living room will not help you. An upholstered one, however, is. A sofa with rich cloth upholstery, a number of sturdy plants and large paintings reduce the reflection and therefore the reverberation.

Think in corners

Splitting a large space into different smaller spaces will immediately reduce the reverberation. For this you do not have to take drastic measures, for example by placing room dividers or placing a bookcase at right angles to the wall. You can separate rooms by working with panel curtains.

 

Other possibility: Insulating ceiling plates: Do you prefer to keep your interior tight and are you not waiting for dusty carpets and breaking free spaces? Nowadays you can cover ceilings with sound-absorbing ceiling panels]. This reduces the noise by as much as 80%. The sound-absorbing ceiling panels, which have recently been on the market, are placed completely seamlessly against the ceiling, making them ultimately invisible. The plates are made of a fire-resistant and biodegradable mineral.

What is Chrome Paint?

The painting Chrome lets you give an article chrome finish without having to send him to ask you the expensive plating process. There are different types of chrome paint, which cost from US $ 10 for a can up to US $ 1000 for a large container enough to paint a car. Painting chrome paint is complicated and requires a clean environment, special varnishes, the right temperature and the right equipment, including a mask to protect you from fumes. When using chrome paint, you can apply as many coats as you want to control how much of the background color will look through it.

Definition

Chrome paint is designed to produce a mirror effect when applied on several surfaces. There are many types of chrome paint and they all have different effects that may be different depending on how the sconces. Most chrome paints are used in automobiles and motorcycles. Although sometimes the chrome paint is done by a professional on cars or accessories like rims.

Types

Chromed paint is usually achieved by aerosol or buckets. With a spray you can place the chrome finish directly, while with the buckets you must first place the paint on a spray gun or an airbrush. Because of the delicate finish of this painting, it is not stored in the same type of cans as ordinary paint.

Materials

Some types of chrome paint are for use only in vehicles or in metal. Most popular brands can be used on a wide variety of objects, including wood, plastic and synthetic foam. It is important to keep in mind that the paint will not give a mirror effect immediately to any object, but will partly reflect the background color, depending on the number of layers of chrome plating. This means that you can apply the chrome to objects that are already silver, red, and black or other colors.

Process

Chrome paint is more detailed than common paint. You will need special equipment to apply it, such as an airbrush, as well as a mask to protect you from inhaling fumes. To achieve the best results, cover the material with a very precise layer and even termination, using several layers of chromium and a special varnish that creates a glass effect. This finish should then be washed with distilled water to remove dust particles and placed in a clean, dust-free environment.

The painting itself can be applied in several steps. You can place one layer, wait until it dries and then decide to add another. The heavier you apply the coats, the less you will see the original color of the object. Professionals say that you should use several thin coats. When each layer dries, you can remove the paint that has been left loose with a brush and then place the next layer.

Alternatives – Chrome plating

If you prefer to be more authentic, you can choose to have your vehicle professionally chromed, a process known as chrome plating. This process applies only to metals and results last throughout the life of the part of the vehicle where they are applied. Chromium plating is a much more expensive process than chrome plating and requires you to leave the vehicle to a professional for several days.

Tips for Choosing a Residential Plumber

The internet is full of local plumbing sites in your area. Newspapers are full of announcements of hydraulic solutions. All of them claim to be the best plumbing company, with the best service and the best prices. The fact is, however, that not every plumbing service provider advertising in one way or another is a good decision for you and your family. The quality of the health care services you receive should be excellent and for this you may have to spend some of your time finding the right plumber in your area.

Because there are so many local plumbing companies, you have the option of hiring one that suits your needs the best. Needless to say, do you prefer to spend as little as possible for the best service provided. You will also probably want a local plumber so that can act quickly for any emergency problems you may have. Understanding what others thought of a company is the best source of information. If someone is not happy with the services they received, they will most likely be more than happy to be able to say why.

You also have to think about what kind of plumbing needs you are seeking. Major concerns with your central heating or boiler system, new installations or repairs will require a local plumber with great skill and experience. Dealing with a dripping faucet or kitchen sink does not mean much, so you can go with just about any local plumber. It is better to talk with the company about the amount of experience that the plumbing services have requested. For example, for a central heating system, you want a gas engineer. You must have someone who is authorized to deal with gas appliances.

You will also want a company that offers estimates and warranties in writing, and one that is fully insured. After all, the plumber will be inside your house and if something breaks, you want to know that the problem will be solved. Keep in mind that many times, the less expensive plumber may delay the completion of the job if he does not do the job well the first time. It is simply worth your time to make sure you have a fantastic local plumber to do with any plumbing problem that you may have.

Building an Outdoor Shower

After a long day, nothing feels better than a fresh and relaxing shower. A private outdoor shower is an ideal option for people who want to clean up before entering their home or for those who enjoy the experience of bathing in nature. A simple outdoor shower with privacy can be attractive and practical. This project requires minimal plumbing experience to complete. Plan to get help from a friend and spend a weekend working on this outdoor shower structure.

Instructions

  1. Dig a hole with an auger or zoom digger. Dig the hole 1 1/2 feet deep. Place an 8-foot pole in the hole and keep it perfectly vertical. Pour quick drying concrete around the post and let it dry.
  2. Install the shower head arm, then the arm of the shower to an elbow. Use nylon tape on each joint.
  3. Connect the elbow to one of the long tubes. Fix the long tube to the faucet with a 1 1/2 inch threaded gate valve. This is the lever to turn on the water and turn off. Place the second long tube at the end of the faucet piece. Use nylon plumbing tape on each joint.
  4. Fix the second elbow to the other end of the long pipe. Connect the shortest pipe to the elbow. This should form a perfect right angle at the end of the pipe.
  5. Connect the coupling hose to the end of the short pipe. This will allow the easy connection of the hose.
  6. Use pipe hangers to secure the shower pipe to the post. Connect the hose to the coupling and turn in the water. Examine for leaks and seal with nylon plumbing tape, if needed.
  7. Place a flat metal piece of metal in the work area. Horizontally align a 2-by-4-inch table on top of the roofing sheet that is even with the bottom edge.
  8. Repeat step 1 with the other piece of roof and the other board. These will be the privacy panels for the simple outdoor shower.
  9. Ask an assistant to hold one of the panels against the post with the plumbing. Place the side of the cover without the board against the post. Fix the metal roof to the post with metal screws.
  10. Repeat step 3 with the remaining panel. Sand all rough edges.

Actions to Take for Water Damage in a Mobile Home

Water damage in a mobile home is a horrible experience financially and personally trying to deal with it. Along with personal items and collectibles that may have been lost, structural repairs caused by water damage can be costly and time consuming to fix. While prevention is always the best action to take, not all cases are controllable. There are some things you can do after the fact to repair water damage in your mobile home.

Call your agent

If you have Mobile home coverage or even renters insurance, contact your insurance company before taking any action for water damage in your home. Depending on the cause of water damage, your coverage can help with home repairs or refund you for damaged or lost assets. Your agent will also provide advice for cleaning procedures that will not interfere with the investigations of any claim. If the damage is extensive, take photos for your personal reference.

Protect your valuables

Move personal and valuable items from the area with water damage. Immediately set clothes, furniture, fabrics and books out to dry. Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. If the water damage was recent, you should not have any issues drying your valuables; however, if your water has been sitting for a week or more, many of your items may be contaminated with mold spores and should be discarded if they are unable to be thoroughly cleaned. Do not use bleach or harmful chemicals to clean any organic material. Check with your agent or your local security department for safe chemicals and cleaning procedures.

Water Removal

Removing excess water is vital to restore space within your mobile home. Consider hiring a licensed professional to deal with water as well as killing any growth of mold that has produced due to the water damage. Put soggy or moldy materials in sturdy plastic trash bags to avoid contaminating the rest of the house as you haul it away. Start by pulling up the carpet and removing the waterlogged pad underneath. Remove damaged plaster and insulation. Do not attempt to reinstall old materials; instead, buy new items. Move furniture outside if possible and separate cushions and covers to allow maximum drying. Using a shop vac on the carpet is the easiest way to remove excess water from carpets and furniture. Never use the vacuum cleaner.

Repairs and restoration

It is important that each item is completely dry before proceeding with the restoration process. If the materials are still a bit wet, you will end up with a large mold colony that will result in costly repairs and cleaning. Install new insulation, drywall and carpet padding. Consider having your carpet professionally cleaned to prevent mold growth before reinstalling it. As everything is dry, repairs must move smoothly and can return to a normal state of life. Perform regular maintenance and repairs quickly to avoid future water problems.

Creating an Antique Paint Finish

Antiques have aged, attractive look you want but do not always have the structural integrity of modern furniture. Through some creative painting and finishing, however, you can make a piece of new furniture structurally look antique. Light colored paint shows the wear of age faster than darker pieces of furniture, so stick to the brightest when you seek to achieve its antique finish.

Instructions

  1. Sand the entire shelf to remove excess paint and smooth it to make it suitable for paint scratches. Start with 60-grit sandpaper and up to 120 grits. Remove the leftover sawdust with tack cloth (sticky).
  2. Apply a cream or white oil-based primer to the wood and let it dry. Apply a second coat if the first coat does not cover the surface of the wood completely. Allow the second layer to dry.
  3. Use satin paint on the piece of furniture and brush using strokes that create the aged look you want. This should be a completely solid layer. Allow the paint to dry.
  4. Place 3 cups of white paint in a bucket and 1 cup brown. Mix the two together with a paint stick until glaze is light brown.
  5. Dip a clean, lint-free enamel in the mixture and wipe the entire piece of cloth art. Rubbing stripes on just overlap each other to create an aged appearance. Brown enamel creates a bleaching effect of the underlying paint, which usually occurs over time.
  6. Spray the furniture with polyurethane sealant to protect the finish. Allow the polyurethane to dry before moving the piece.

Solar Chimneys and How They Work

It is fairly common in buildings today to forgo the fireplace and chimney all together.  Modern heating and air conditioning technology fill the void of heating a room.  If installed at all, a fireplace and chimney are put in place for aesthetic reasons.  But in the commercial building world, the chimney could be making a comeback via the solar chimney.

During a Sustainable Architecture panel, Ken Lewis, President and Sustainability Leader at architecture firm AC Martin, described the solar chimney as part of a strategy to design a more sustainable office building.  The panel was part of the SET Series, a set (pun not intended) of monthly events leading up to the SET 2011 Exhibition and Conference on March 31-April 1, 2011.  SET stands for Sustainable Environment Technologies.

When we think of chimneys we usually think the output is smoke.  Put some logs in the fireplace, light a fire, and viola, we not only get heat for the room, but carbon filled smoke through the chimney.  Suffice it to say, not too sustainable.

The Solar Chimney of Today and Tomorrow Rather than heating a room, the solar chimney is intended to ventilate air from a commercial building.  The solar chimney works in similar fashion as a traditional chimney, but rather than outputting smoke, it outputs air, clean air.

The solar chimney is made of black painted concrete, with a layer of glass.  Passive heat from the sun heats the concrete on the solar chimney, thus heating the air inside the chimney to about 120-140 degrees.  As we learned in our science classes, hot air rises.

As the hot air rises, it draws with it the air behind it.  The solar chimney is connected to a web of duct-work throughout the building, in turn ventilating air from the various rooms of the building.  The solar chimney sucks the air out of the building, thus creating the output of good clean air.  I bet you won’t even be able to see anything coming out of it.

All this is done with little to no mechanical assist.  Just the laws of physics and a clever sustainable design.  Interestingly enough, this works at night as well, even without the sun.  The concrete is a good store of heat, and continually releases heat throughout the night to keep the flow of air through the solar chimney.

While it is a clever sustainable design, there still needs to be a redundant mechanical heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems put in to account for the hottest days of the year.

Furthermore, the solar chimney will only work if the rest of the building is designed accordingly.  A building made with glass windows in the direct path of the sun with no shade probably would not be a candidate for a solar chimney.  A building taking into account orientation to the sun, water and energy inputs and outputs, may be suited.

Overall, the solar chimney is a great thing to consider when creating a sustainable building.  Perhaps these ideas will be implemented beyond commercial, office, and academic buildings, into our homes.

Removing Paint from Window Frames

Painting can change the character and appearance of your house. Removing paint, however, is not as fun as it is to apply. There are many ways to remove paint from the old method of sanding and scraping, heat guns and chemical solvents. Chemical solvents are, oddly enough, the safest way to remove paint from wood. Heat guns carry risks of fire, and if used with lead paint are dangerous to health. There are several chemical solvents to choose: the environmentally safe solvents take longer to take effect and need more applications; which are based solvents are flammable and volatile, but work quickly, based solvents methylene chloride or DCM remove latex paints, acrylic and oil-based, however, various applications are required to remove all paint and some are flammable. You can find chemical solvents in gel, liquid or paste form.

Instructions

Removing paint window frames

  1. Use dry paper towels or a lint free cloth to remove flakes of fresh paint window frames. Clean the paint with a single pass. Do not rub as it may cause staining.
  2. Use protective clothing, chemical resistant gloves, goggles and a mask before attempting to remove old paint from window frames. Open all doors and windows for ventilation.
  3. Place rags or newspapers on the floor below the area where you go to work.
  4. Work from the top down, apply chemical solvents with an old paint brush according to package instructions. Follow all safety instructions and read the warnings before opening the solvent.
  5. Use a flat blade scraper to remove paint from window frames, again working from the top down. For small cracks and areas use steel wool.
  6. Reapply the chemical solvent in areas with traces of paint and use the scraper to remove the paint.

Tips & Warnings

  • If you are concerned about lead paint, you can buy products tested for lead in most home stores.
  • For small rooms with only one or two windows, put a fan in the doorway, pointing away from the area where you’re working to help circulate the air.
  • Take frequent breaks while applying the chemical solvent, go outside or to another room.
  • Always wear protective clothing, goggles, gloves and masks when working with chemical solvents.
  • Heat guns cannot be used to remove lead-based paints. As the paint is heated and vaporized, lead can be inhaled.
  • Always follow the safety instructions, storage and use of chemical solvents.
  • Never use chemical solvents or heat guns if you are pregnant.
  • Keep children away from areas where chemical solvents are used.
  • If possible electricity off in rooms where flammable chemical solvents are used.

Storage Ideas for Sewing Patterns

When you organize your sewing patterns, it helps keep your craft area tidy, which gives you easy access to all your patterns. There are numerous options of storage for sewing patterns that fit your space and needs. Arrange patterns by type, size or style before placing them in the place of storage makes it easier to locate the pattern you need when you need it.

Plastic bags

Plastic boxes with lids come in a variety of sizes. This allows you to find one that will fit easily into your patterns. The caps keep dust and other debris away from patterns that remain in good condition. If your storage space is limited, look for plastic bags that fit under the bed. A label on the front of each bag will help identify specific patterns that are stored in each box. This is particularly useful if you have many patterns in different boxes.

Manila envelopes

A manila envelope is a good solution if the envelopes of your patterns are broken or damaged in any way. You can save all the pieces easily in a manila envelope without crumpling or try to bend it exactly straight to save it. Short and holds the images and information from the original pattern. Search manila envelopes with a metal closure in addition to an adhesive strip. This allows you to open and close several times.

File cabinets

A file cabinet gives you an easy way to organize your patterns by style, size or other categories. You will find a wide range of file cabinets that vary in the number of shelves and stability. If you have room for a large cabinet, many office supply stores sell file boxes. They are similar to the plastic boxes with lids. You can use hanging file folders to keep the patterns together.

Plastic bags

Plastic bags with zippers offer another solution for storing patterns. A gallon size (4.5 l) bag is the correct measure to keep the pattern in your envelope along with any notes you have for it. A permanent marker writes easily on the outside of the bag making it easy for you to write identifying information about the pattern found inside.

Boxes of photographs

Cardboard boxes for photographs are an ideal measure for saving patterns. Many stores sell decorative designs making them an attractive storage option sewing patterns. For a custom look, apply the decoupage technique to the outside of the box with decorative paper or pieces of old patterns. This allows you to mark the contents of each box based on the kinds of patterns that are inside. You can also make your own label and attach it to the cardboard box decorated.