Monday, December 26, 2011

Bannisters - Staining or Painting First

We received a inquiry about painting bannisters.   When you are working with painting and staining, which do you do first?    
  • Stain first, assuming the top railing will be stained and the spindles will be painted a solid color.   When all the desired area are stained and completed, cover those areas   with masking paper.
  • Paint the spindles. 

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Painting Rewards

Throughout my thirty years of painting, I have experienced many types of painting jobs.   Among the most rewarding are those that are done to help others; the labor, donated.   


The first job that comes to mind occurred while involved in course work to attain an associate degree in painting & decorating.  Several painters attaining this degree  were involved in helping in the restoration work of "The Cathedral of the Madeline."  The project we worked on continued for two months.  The labor was free but the rewards of working on that magnificent edifice were innumerable.


Another opportunity came when a man fell off his roof while shoveling snow in the dark.   He was paralyzed from the neck down.   Family and friends worked together to transform his home to be wheel chair accessible.
We were involved in the drywall and painting part.   This happened at a time when no seasonal work was available.   The rewards of working and focusing on another's need proved a great blessing in disguise.  

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Lifting Others

Today we met as Lions and Kiwanis organizations to put together our holiday food boxes.  As we delivered them, we realized that none of us are exempt from life's challenges. The opportunity to lift others burdens  with food or service is a feeling that cannot be described. 
 A few days later we helped deliver gifts to over ten families.  Again the opportunity to help brought indescribable feeling of gratitude for small things; life, health and strength, family,  and friends.
Take the time to be kinder and  more thoughtful. You never know how those simple actions will  give others the courage they need for one more day. You may find a new purpose in life.  

Monday, December 12, 2011

Gratitude and Serving In the Holidays

A favorite tradition for the holidays is joining with our Lions Club and Kiwanis Club to donate food baskets to community members.   We learn of those  who could use help from community and ecclesiastical organizations. We try to include commodities that would provide meals for two or three days. One way to develop gratitude is looking outward and not inward. Our own problems seem smaller when we extend ourselves  with a little more with kindness.  


Sometimes  we receive calls from individuals who received helped in the  past  and are wanting to pay it forward. 
  
Bless your own holiday season by serving your family and friends and strangers.  Continue with gratitude and kindness when the holidays are over and you will be surprised how rich your own life will be.  

Friday, December 9, 2011

Painting, Faux Finishing/Woodgraining/ Shutters


Painting  or woodgraining/faux finishing shutters around your windows is an another way to add beauty and continuity to the exterior of your home.   Matching the colors in your wood, metal, or fiberglass exterior doors will help your home standout as a showpiece. Custom color matching the shutters to a solid color is a way to draw attention to the unique features of your home.

 

This picture shows a woodgrained garage door and shutters that have 
been matched to the wood knotty alder wood door.


This picture shows a close up of the woodgrained shutter.