painting radiators

Giving an old radiator a fresh coat of paint can often give what was once an eyesore, a whole new lease of life. If you are going to paint an old radiator, then you will need suitable solvent-based radiator paint, a chunky paint brush and a dust sheet to avoid getting paint on your carpet or flooring.
Before painting a radiator it is important to turn it off and allow it to cool down. Rub the surface down with 'wet and dry' abrasive paper and warm water with a little detergent added. Rinse, clean and dry. Any bare areas should be primed. This will provide protection from rust and provide excellent adhesion for subsequent coats. You can then paint the radiator with solvent-based paints. Special radiator brushes that have a long handle and angled bristles are very handy for painting any hard-to-reach areas.
Once painted you should allow the paint to fully dry before turning the radiator on again. When you do so for the first time you may experience a paint smell - this is normal and will quickly disappear.

Decking treatments

UV light causes the greatest degree of breakdown in wood products. Failure to treat your deck will result in deterioration to the appearance. Ultra Violet (UV light) is a form of high energy, which is of a particular wavelength that is able to penetrate the surface of wood. Because it is high energy it actually breaks down and destroys the cellulose structure of timber. Over a period of time depending on how long the exposure is and how concentrated the UV is, wood turns grey and eventually you will find the surface powders.
Depending on traffic volumes and weathering you will need to apply a maintenance coat which will involve washing down the surface with a light detergent soap and then re-coating.

Water based decking stain are formulated to colour and protect pre-treated, pressure treated or preservative impregnated timber. It may also be used over wax pre-treated decking. The combination of acrylic and polyurethane alkyd resins provide the ultimate protection for decking timber. Stain waterproofs and protects the decking, whilst providing a durable scuff resistant surface which will resist cracking, peeling and blistering. The stains would have darker pigments than the oils. The advantage of a stain and seal decking product over a straight stain is that your wood is coloured and protected in one single treatment.

Oils tend to preserve wood better as they penetrate & strengthen, whereas stains do not. The oil would be a clear material with no pigments added, they would enhance the natural grain without adding colour. A good quality decking oil will protect your deck at the same time as reviving and restoring its colour. Decking oils can also come in a range of colours, including clear. The colours can dramatically change the colour of your decking if you’re not careful.

Depending on the condition of your deck and your desired look, with a bit of planning, decking paint can be a good solution. The main issue with painting a deck is keeping it looking good as weather and time take their toll. If not properly finished, a painted deck has a tendency to peel and look worn quicker

Decking preservative is the generic term used to describe any specialist decking product which is designed to protect the wood. Generally speaking the list will include oils and seals. Which you choose will depend to a large extent on the final finish you’re hoping for and the condition of your deck.

www.homeimprovementsdirect.co.uk is the quickest way to have decking installed and protected.

wood or laminate flooring

One of the most sought after amenities in a home is wood flooring. From its natural appearance and warmth underfoot, wood is beautiful and timeless. Older traditional homes with their original hardwood floors are one of the pros of buying older homes. Assess the traffic load and wear and tear on flooring in your home. How durable your wood flooring is will help with maintenance and keep it looking great for years to come.
Take into consideration the cost of laminate and hardwood flooring to determine what is best for you.
Laminate wood flooring is made from composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. Since laminate wood flooring is made from pressed wood it is more durable and resists scratches, moisture and wear and tear better than hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring is also easier to clean on a routine basis. Even though laminate is more durable it is not as visually appealing and lower qualities of laminate may have artificial looking wood grain textures. Laminate flooring doesn’t repair easily. If you buy flooring that comes in individual pieces and snapped together, you may be able to replace. Although, depending on sunlight and age, the new piece may not match properly.
Hardwood flooring is made from harvested trees and depending on how exotic the trees are will depict the pricing. Hardwood is considerably higher to buy and to install. Hardwood is susceptible to scratching, can get damaged from excessive moisture and will show wear, especially in heavy trafficked areas in your home. Hardwood is the ‘real deal’. It is gorgeous to look at and depending on the variety can add considerable value to your home. Hardwood can be repaired by sanding and refinishing out imperfections. This advantage gives hardwood a plus over laminate, in that it will last for years into the future.