Epoxy Coating: The Ideal Treatment for Your Garage’s Concrete Floors

Guest Post by Elisaveta Doncheva

More often than not, focusing on finding ways to increase a home’s resale value leads to obvious alterations and upgrades, such as furnishings that freshen up the interior and landscaping that gives the outdoors a nice finishing touch.

And yet, something as simple as treating the concrete floor of the garage with a little TLC could be the change that brings about the biggest impact.

In addition to the functional purpose this home’s feature has, which is handling the pressures from heavy-duty use from your vehicles or machinery, it also has an undeniable aesthetic role which may be somewhat understated.

To avoid deterring future buyers, or even an eyesore for yourself that could also be dangerous and risky for you, your vehicles, your machinery, tools, and what is not present in the space, it’s time to make some improvements.

Don’t worry, it’s as simple as adding durable epoxy coating for concrete to get the desired makeover.

You’ve got a range of versatility available, differing not only in price but carrier agents too, giving you the chance to choose from solvent, solid, and water based.

Is It a Good Idea to Put Epoxy On the Garage Floor?

It’s a type of coating that’s meant to last for years and years, and it truly can with proper floor maintenance.

If it’s good for commercial purposes in industrial applications that require the best of the best in terms of floor protection, why should it be any different from residential applications?

When applied, there’s a specific permanant chemical reaction happening which gives this material some exceptional qualities for the surface it’s added to.

To give you an idea, the following are just some of the benefits you can expect to reap once you treat your floors with the suitable resin and hardener mix.

The Smooth and Shiny Appearance

The floor can make or break the space’s appearance, and all it takes to get it from drab to fab is a nice layer of epoxy coating for concrete to get smooth and seamless elegance.

Even though elevated aesthetic may not be your goal, least of all for a utilitarian area like the garage which serves as a parking area, workshop, and storage for your seasonal equipment or home-brewing equipment, the sleek and elegant touch would surely increase the overall curb appeal.

And, you can have fun choosing the coating – for a polished ambience, why not pick one of the eye-catching metallic mixes?

A mixture with details from mica or quartz equally makes for a unique aesthetic that additionally doubles for better traction of the floor too, so you amp the look without sacrificing the function or convenience.

The Increase in Protection

Instead of serving as the base, the garage floor epoxy is a layer added over the already sturdy concrete floor, taking up the role of protector for the underlying surface, shielding it from impact as well as wear and tear that might result in cracking and crumbling.

Since there’s more than one layer added, usually you get a thick coating that covers your precious concrete flooring, giving it an increase in durability.

This explains why upon application the possible defects of the floor might have magically disappeared with each and every layer of the coating, offering a sleek and smooth finish.

It’s exactly this that gives you peace of mind since usually defects can be the opening points for moisture to make its way through and damage the concrete little by little.

The Increase in Strength

Impacts, shocks, extra weight – you name it, the coating can handle it all.

Unlike other coatings, epoxy stands out from the rest with its incredible tensile strength, and the secret lies in the addition of the hardener, specifically the polyamine material.

Depending on the type of epoxy and hardener you choose, you can significantly increase the concrete’s ability to stand up to all the pressure you’d put it through.

If the bonding with the underlay surface is good, you can expect there to be strength in the resistance to peeling and tearing too so you won’t have to worry about those heavy loads.

The Increase in Safety

The garage that doesn’t have windows or proper illumination can easily become a place that compromises the safety of anyone going inside, but this too could become a thing of the past with the simple addition of a few layers of an epoxy concrete floor coating of your choice.

This is due to the material’s ability to reflect the light, which results in the brightening up of the whole area.

Moreover, with certain mixes of epoxy and hardener, it’s possible to increase the safety to reduce the danger from slipping accidents.

If a slick surface isn’t your thing, and you wish to further boost the safety, you could add your own ingredients to the mix, including polymer grit, gravel or sand.

The Resistant Properties

It is more than resistance to water and moisture.

It is also resistance as well as heat, chemicals, and even impact, it’s an investment that more than pays off in the long run.

The thicker the layer of coverage, the more of these incredible properties you can expect.

The Long-Lasting Result

As mentioned, this is a covering option that keeps on giving time and time again if we keep its resistance properties, strength, and durability in mind.

As such, it’s a much more reliable and convenient option than other covers in the likes of concrete paint, or tiles, especially if we consider the lack of need to redo the epoxy layering for many years.

The Eco-Friendliness

Sure, it’s a chemical, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be eco-friendly in its own way.

As it’s not that difficult to install, needing only a few essentials, and it doesn’t need to be recoated that often, it’s more helpful for the environment than other alternatives.

If you think about it, it’s quite cost-effective too so your budget won’t be significantly impacted once you take care of the proper installation.

How Do You Take Care of Epoxy Floors?

We’ve already discussed the outstanding properties of epoxy, including its durability, but it wouldn’t hurt to get in the habit of maintaining it to ensure it lasts as long as you expect it to, or even more.

Sweeping to get rid of dirt, dust, and debris is the basic step you should implement, followed by mopping.

Getting rid of stains should be done immediately after they occur, with an emphasis on using epoxy-suitable products, from cleaners to the right tools for the job, to avoid scratching the coating yourself.

Also, remember that prevention is better than cure, and in the case of the coating, it’s advisable to protect it from heavy objects by using the appropriate mats and furniture pads. A little care goes a long way!

Nail Pops

‘Nail Pops’ are those irritating little bumps that can occur on your flat walls and ceilings after you have moved in.

Why Nail Pops Occur

Basically either the nail moves and the plasterboard doesn’t, or the plasterboard moves and the nail doesn’t.

There are a few reasons why pops occurs Including:

  • Movement of the wall frame.
  • Flexing of the plasterboard (particularly near junctions between walls and ceilings and wall corners)
  • Damage to the plasterboard when the nail was hammered in.
  • Too much adhesive when the plasterboard was installed. (As the adhesive cures it shrinks pulling the board towards the frame.

But what about the Builders 25 year Warranty?

As you will see in the above link it only covers the first 3 months

What You Can Do

If it is a single nail pop it can be easiest to remove the nail and fill the hole.

If there is a number of nail pops I would install plasterboard screws at least 50mm from the existing nails, then use a punch to knock the nail heads through the plasterboard, Unfortunately it does mean that you are going to do more filling, on top of the screws and also the nail holes.

 

How do I take care of my wooden floors?

Guest Post by Trent Anderson

Wooden floors are becoming an increasingly popular choice today.

The reason is simple.

A wooden floor which is looked after will last for many years.

Spills and other damage can be absorbed or even removed and the floor provides an extra layer on insulation.

The better the quality of the flooring the longer it will last. That’s why you should consider French oak flooring.

But, you need to know how to take care of your floor properly or it will soon look just like any other floor:

Clean It Properly

The first step is to ensure you clean the floor regularly and properly.

Wooden floors need to dusted everyday instead of being swept.

You need to use a microfiber cloth which will attract and trap the dirt through a static electric charge.

The cloth will not scratch the floor where a stiff broom can.

It is important to keep the cloth on the floor as much as possible as you clean; this will maximize the dust and dirt removed.

Please note you don’t need to do this on your hands and knees. You can get a microfiber cloth to go on your mop head.

Vacuum

The next step is to vacuum your wooden floors at least once a week.

This will remove any of the dirt and dust that has been missed by the microfiber cloth. but, it is important that you use a soft bristle vacuum head; this will prevent it from scratching the floor.

It is a good idea to use the microfiber cloth first and then the vacuum.

However, you do need to keep an eye on the vacuum cleaner wheels; they could scratch your hardwood floor.

Mopping

You do need to mop your floor once a week with a damp mop. but, you should never use a wet mop.

It is important to get a product that is designed to clean wooden floors.

You’ll then need to follow the guidelines on the product to ensure you use just enough of the substance to get the floors clean.

The mop must only be damp; wet mopping a hardwood floor can damage its finish and the wood.

Polish It Up

To keep the shine on your wooden floor you’ll need to give the floor a polish every 2 or 3 months.

Again you’ll need to use a product that is specifically designed for it and follow the instructions given on the product.

The aim is to get a shiny floor and you should be able to remove any small scratches with the polish; helping your wooden floor to look like new.

It is also a good idea to consider the amount of sunshine that hits your wooden floors. The UV rays and the heat can damage the wood. If you’re not using a room you may prefer to draw the drapes or close the shutters; this will help to protect your floor.

Picturesque Potential

A Guide to Framing Your Holiday Photos

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight

From static.pexels.com

The holidays are a time of love, fun and creating memories to last a lifetime.

Displaying these memories can make our house feel like a home and remind us of these times and what better way to display your holiday memories than hanging them on the wall?

Though framing pictures can seem rather daunting, there are many ways to make it simpler and fun.

Placement

Placement is key when hanging photos.

You don’t want them to be hidden away in a dark corner, rather, you want them placed to compliment the room.

Try hanging the photo in a well-lit area without much clutter, as we don’t want to overpower the room, just accessories it whilst displaying happy memories.

Frame choice

You want to pick a frame that compliments the room and the photo, whether that is large or small, simple or ornate,  etc.

Make sure the frame is the right size for each photo. For example, get an A3 frame for an A3 photo.

You have the choice of a ready made frame, or a custom picture frame.

There are so many options and choices to choose from, so just have fun!

Complement it, don’t overpower it

The photograph itself is where you want the focus to be, not the frame.

If you do choose to go a more complex route with your frame, you can find subtle ways to complement the photo.

For example, you might choose a textured frame that works to complement (but not detract from) the work.

A textured frame can provide a room and the work with more personality without overwhelming and add can accentuate the feel and style of a room.

From www.pexels.com

Colour

Depending on whether your pictures are in colour or black and white, there are different frames and choices for each.

Colour photos give you a lot more to work with in terms of frame design – you can keep it simple, or you choose to play up the colour scheme of your photos with a complementary framing colour scheme.

With black and white photos, however, you’re limited to a greyscale colour palette.

That is, generally speaking, black and white photos work well with either black, white or silver frames

Matboards

Matboards are cardboard surrounds for your photographs that come in an array of colours and can be as slim or as wide as you choose.

Photos are usually full of detail, and a matboard can provide a visual “breathing space” between the photo and the frame, this helps the frame design look balanced.

They also provide protection from the glass.

In humid environments picture frame glass can experience condensation which  can cause your photographs to stick to the glass permanently.

How to frame them

The holidays can sometimes mean a lot of photos and you have the choice of framing them all singularly or in a multi-window frame.

Whilst framing them all in a multi window frame is very convenient and perfect for larger rooms such as living rooms, they aren’t as moveable as singular window frames.

 

With so many creative options to choose from, you can really express yourself and display your holiday photos with style.

Framing these holidays memories should be fun and enjoyable but when in doubt, you can always ask professionals for help.

Meter Box Paintings

I have been in Florence this week and one day we visited the small town of Fiesole.

In this town meter box painting seems particularly popular, with the fashion being local scenes.

You can compare the painting with a photograph taken from a similar point.

If you look at the bottom right of the photo you can just see the actual meter box that the painting is on.

I have included a few more paintings below.

Looks like I am going to have to get busy when I get home.

I particularly like the morning view over Florence with the Duomo and other towers showing above the clouds.

Ravishing Renovations – 5 Important Décor Elements to Consider When Redesigning Your Home

Guest Post by Hubert Dwight


Redesigning your home is an exciting project that can snowball very, very quickly.

It can begin with simply changing the colour of the walls or cabinets and can end up in a complete overhaul of your entire home.

Ideas can grow and develop quickly, until before you know it, you’re pulling up the carpet, reupholstering the furniture and knocking down walls between rooms without any real plan.

Before things get out of control, set attainable goals for your renovation, consider the scale of what you are undertaking and start putting together a realistic plan regarding your timeframe and budget.

Consider the important décor elements of each room in your home and make sure you reach your redesign goals.

Follow our advice and ensure that your home renovations go smoothly and you get the results you’re looking for.

1. Curtains and Blinds Should Complement The Decor

Choosing the right pattern, colour and material for your curtains can go along way to tying a room together.

According to the team at Quickfit Curtains and Blinds, full-length curtains can add a refreshing splash of colour to any space, while a set of well-appointed blinds can add a real sense of sophistication.

Timeless sheer curtains can be an excellent choice for tying together mismatched windows or also work very well in rooms with a lot of patterns, providing some much needed visual relief from busy prints.

2. Fitting Furniture

One element of your new décor that is overlooked far too often is your selection in furniture.

Find furniture that fits the space well and is in keeping with your new décor.

Consider repainting or reupholstering furniture you already own, visit antique shops or try upcycling furniture from second-hand stores.

A unique piece of furniture serves as a new focal point of your space and can give a room a whole new feeling.

3. Light it Up

Each room in your home serves a different purpose and the lighting you choose should reflect this.

In living rooms, incorporate the light into the overall décor, using a combination of table lights, floor lamps and track lighting.

Bathrooms are best lit either very brightly, especially in the vanity area, while bedrooms should feature soft reading lights and a bright light for getting dressed.

Remember, nobody notices excellent lighting, but everyone notices bad lighting, take your time and get it right.

4. Choose the Right Colour Scheme

In conjunction with lighting, both natural and artificial, colours are an integral design element of any redesign.

Your choice of colours can transform any space; give it a different feel and a new lease of life.

Adding bright colours to walls, cabinets or accents can brighten up even the smallest of rooms, giving the illusion of space and light.

Soothing colours like powdery blues look great in a bathroom, while light colours such as pinks, soft yellows and lavenders give an air of tranquillity and restfulness making them fantastic choices for the bedroom.

From elegant to vibrant, soothing to moody, your choice of paint colour is a crucial one in any redesign.

5. Incorporate Mirrors in Your Design

Mirrors can be a fantastic addition to any space as they add an extra element to any room.

A gilded mirror, for example, can easily function as a standout, feature piece of furniture that easily changes the dynamic of a room.

They can be a beautiful addition to any living room, dining room, bedroom and of course bathroom.

Get creative with your mirrors and add some bespoke mirror art to your home and give people something to really look at!

Tying it all Together

There’s no denying that every home renovation comes with its own set of challenges and difficulties.

Depending on your time-frame, budget, space and style, the possibilities of what you can achieve are endless.

Get your project off to the right start by focusing on the five important décor elements discussed above and your redesign will come together more effortlessly than you ever thought possible.

The Essentials Of Picking Tile Patterns For Your New Home

Guest post from Paul (from Tile Home Guide)

A new house requires a lot of planning and many decisions.

While some homeowners know they want to use tile as a covering for floors and walls they don’t often know just what tile pattern to pick or how important it can be.

That being said here are some of the basics you’ll want to consider before you choose any layout.

Why Tile?

Tile is often the go to choice for certain areas of the home.

Its ability to add striking colors and beauty is of course undeniable.

With an endless array of materials to pick from it offers protection to your floors and walls from water and heat damage.

Many materials can even offer grip to make slippery steps or bathroom floors much safer.     

Layout Matters

Most homeowners don’t realise that the layout you pick is extremely important.

Some of them typically look their best when used on the wall while others tend to look more impressive as floor tile patterns.

There are a few which look stunning no matter where you choose to use them.

Also not all layouts work in every space.

For example some patterns will look much more impressive when used in large open spaces than ones that are confined.

So you will need to take a look at your space and the pattern you are considering to see if they will be a good fit.   

Always Make The Process Fun

While picking the right pattern is important there’s no reason not to make the process enjoyable.

You can start to do some research and look around from the comfort of your own home by using the internet or home design magazines.

You’ll want to look for images of not only tile layout patterns that you find attractive, but ones that are installed in areas that look like yours.

This can help to give you an idea of what your preferences are and what will work well in the area you are upgrading.

Of course reading up on that specific pattern will help as well.  

You can also go to visit friends, family members or locations that already have the patterns you are interested in installed for a firsthand look.

It can sometimes really help to see things with your own eyes.  

Get The Right Advice

While it’s always fun and extra rewarding to complete any upgrade or installation, you may want to get some advice from a professional if you are doing the job on your own.

A pro will know from experience what will help your space to look its bests.

So while you may be stuck on what backsplash tile patterns you prefer for your bathroom or kitchen, with a quick look he or she can give you advice not just on layouts but other things like size, shape, color, and material too.

This can mean the difference between succeeding and failing so whether it’s a contractor or interior designer asking for some advice even when going the DIY route, can be a game changer.  

Each of the many tile patterns available has its own special function at which it truly shines.

By knowing the basics, with a little planning, and by consulting a pro you’ll be sure to be able to use them to achieve your goals to make your new a home a sight to behold.  

 

For more info and tips on all types of tiles and tile projects be sure to check out: http://www.tilehomeguide.com/

Pretty & Practical:

Guest post by Hubert Dwight

5 Stylishly Sensible Tips For Reinventing Your Abode

When it comes to spending money on home decor, you want to know that your investment will be worth it.

Instead of splurging on the latest trendy throw pillows, try spending the bulk of your budget on items that serve a practical purpose while also making an impact on refreshing your space.

Investing in one or two sensible household items will add something new and different to your home that will be worth the price because you will reap the benefits of your choice for years to come.

An outdoor space for all seasons

When you take the time to create your own little outdoor oasis, you want to be able to make the most of it.

Outdoor spaces are great for entertaining, and the fun doesn’t have to stop just because summer’s over.

Installing subtle and stylish electric outdoor heaters allows you to use your outdoor space all year long.

Enjoy a crisp winter day reading on your deck or throw an outdoor dinner party without cool nighttime temperatures making you shiver.

Having an outdoor heater opens up all kinds of options for you, because you aren’t restricted by the temperature or the seasons.

Designing a perfect outdoor space is an investment, but adding an outdoor heater only makes that investment more worth it.

Future friendly microwave

Have you ever noticed that most people keep their microwaves at eye or chest level so when you pull out your hot food it’s headed straight for your face?

If you install your microwave under the countertop instead, you are pulling the food up, minimising the risk of a dangerous splash of hot soup coming at you.

Microwaves are also bulky items that either take up too much space on your countertop or get installed level with your cabinets, disrupting whatever style tone you’re trying to set.

With an under the counter microwave, you remove it from your line of sight and hide it away like the dishwasher.

Timeless flooring

Wood floors are hands down the most practical choice for any home.

They have so many benefits from improved air quality to just being easy to clean.  

They are also a great investment because they last a long time and are always pretty universally appealing should you one day sell your home.

There are many choices for wood flooring so you can still make it fit your individual needs or tastes.

There are all different color stains to choose from and there are even types of wood flooring that purify the air for you to get rid of chemicals and smells.

Indoor air circulation

Ceiling fans are a great example of practical style.

Many ceiling fans include both a fan and a light, giving them even more practical purpose. Like light fixtures, ceiling fans come in all types of styles so there are infinite possibilities to suit any room.

The cool breeze is a welcome relief in the summer time, making a ceiling fan the perfect choice to update any room in your house.

Ceiling fans can also be used in winter to circulate warm air.

A breath of fresh air

Indoor plants are such a simple yet impactful way bring new life into any room in your home.

They’re low maintenance, inexpensive and, on top of looking amazing, they’re good for you too!

With all shapes and sizes to choose from, you can fit plants in pretty much anywhere whether it’s a large potted plant in a corner or an elegantly draped vine on top of a shelf.

When updating your home, the practical purchases are going to be the ones that have a positive impact on your day to day life.

Even when these practical purchases feel like a splurge, they’re worth what you spend on them because they will never go out of style.

Blind and Curtain Cords

Have you ever thought about the risk posed by Blind and Curtain Cords?

Until recently I hadn’t. . . even though I have put up many sets of blinds over the years.

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading, have reported that since 2000 in Australia at least 12 children have died from strangulation by blind or curtain cord.

Some Installation Advice

  1. When buying blinds look for products that use ‘wands’ instead of cords to operate the blinds
  2. Make sure your children cannot reach any blind or curtain cord (the loops should be at least 1.60 m above the floor.
  3. Move any beds, cots, chairs or playpens away from windows with blind or curtain cordsto prevent your child climbing on furniture to reach blind or curtain cords.
  4. Wrap blind cords securely around a hook attached as high as possible on the wall.
  5. Install a securely fixed cord tensioning device for vertical blinds. (see photo)
  6. Use ‘Safety Tassels’, to join the ends of blind cords together as they split when pressure is applied,

For More Information

For information from Government websites follow the following links:

 

Using Fabrics to Give your Hallway a Striking First Impression

A guest post by Hubert Dwight

An entrance way or hallway of a house often gives an immediate impression of your home to anyone stopping by.

For that reason alone, it’s important that your hallway is decorated in a way that expresses your unique personality, and sets the tone for the overall style of your home.

It’s also important to remember that this area should feel as if the house is welcoming your friends and company, not overwhelming them.

Your hallway should convey a gracious and friendly feeling, not blast visitors with an outlandish design.  We’ve gathered a few tips for using fabric as a way to enhance the hallway of your home.

To Paper or Not to Paper

Adding colour and design to the walls is one of the first things that people think of when it comes to decorating their house or apartment, and if they want to add a pattern or design to the walls, wallpaper is often the first choice.

Wallpaper can be used to easily add colour and pizazz to bare walls, but fabric can add so much more.

There’s a reason that the most beautiful palaces in the world used fabric to line their walls.

Fabric adds a texture and sensory delight that wallpaper just can’t provide.

Whether the fabric is a woven pattern of plaid, checks, or stripes, or a beautifully delicate weave of flower blossoms floating on air, fabric fills your walls with personality.

It’s one of the best ways to enrich the hallway of your home.

Fabric as Art

Another way to use fabric in your hallway is to display it as an art piece.

Again, let’s take a look at those castles in Europe.Fabric hangings were a way of life in castles or palaces made of stone.

Wall hangings not only acted as a minimal form of insulation on those cold stone walls, they also provided visual interest to walls that were difficult to decorate.

Although you probably don’t live in a castle, framing and hanging beautiful curtain fabrics is a wonderful way to add impact to your hallway.

The fabric you choose to hang doesn’t have to be an ornate pattern or a pictorial weave, but it should be something that adds a definite statement to your walls.

For example, if your hallway is lined with a deep aubergine solid fabric, a framed square of a lime-coloured pattern of leaves, plants and grapes can create a gorgeous contrast that calls attention to both the wall and fabric hanging.

Cool and quiet

Another way to add impact is to actually downplay the colour of your hallway walls.

A cool grey or beige burlap-type weave is a great choice for your walls if you want to highlight a certain object or piece of art.

Your hallway will still have impact but in a different way. For instance, if you have an original Warhol print, you would want that to have centre stage on the wall.

And what if you don’t have a Warhol original to hang on your wall?

The focal piece of your wall doesn’t have to be expensive, but it does have to make a statement.

Something as simple as a large mirror with a dramatic frame can be your objet d’art.

Antique tools and saws, framed book covers, and Edwardian table linens are just as notable and amazing as a print or painting.

Make Your Hallway Welcoming

The most important thing to remember is that whatever you feature in your hallway should reflect an aspect of you or your family.

After all, when someone comes to your home, they’re there to see you.

However you decorate it, just make sure that when people walk into your hallway they receive a charming message of “welcome to my home.”

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