Concrete normally comes in one color – grey – and after awhile, it can get pretty boring looking at the same old thing. If you want to increase the curb appeal of your home, or you just want something new to look at, staining concrete is one of the easiest solutions that you can implement. You won’t have to rip the concrete out and the staining process is actually pretty easy. Let’s get started!

Marble Effects

If you are looking for a marbled effect on your concrete and you don’t want a big change, one of the best ways to achieve this is with an acid based stain. These can be found at your hardware store, and are a little expensive. They can be very dangerous to use if you are not following the directions properly. If you do not have a lot of DIY experience or you tend to go your own way and then read the directions after the fact, this is not a good stain to use. However, if you are experienced and careful, this can be used to achieve a very subtle and nice effect for your concrete.

Basic Staining

Water based stains are highly recommended if you just want to refresh the look of your concrete and subtly change the color. These can be used by just about anyone and they are very safe. If you are looking for a quick change that is relatively inexpensive, these water based stains are very useful and easy to apply. Keep in mind however that the effect will not be very dramatic.

Big Changes

If you want to really change the look of your concrete, it will require some additional effort and the costs will be a little bit higher. You’ll have two main options if you really want to alter the appearance of your concrete: Darker stains that are a little more toxic to use, or epoxy coating. The darker stains are a little harder to apply, but give you more color options and a much more dramatic end result. They can be a little expensive, but the finished product is usually quite worth it.

Epoxy coating is another option that is becoming more popular. Most everyone can do this project and the costs are relatively low. It is very similar to painting, and you’ll need to get a sprayer to get the job done. You’ll have a wide selection of colors and finishes and the project can usually be completed in about a weekend. Before you apply epoxy coating, power wash the concrete and give it plenty of time to dry. This will ensure even coverage. If you are using a dark color, it is best to put one coat on, let it dry and then add more coats as necessary. This will help you spot any areas that may not have received enough coverage and you can match the entire surface much better. Remember – take your time and use an even hand for the best results.

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Overtime, our masonry can start to look a bit run down and dirty and can take away from the curb appeal of our homes. Power washing can help, but for those deep down stains, you’re going to need to get some serious help. There are a few main options that you can use to get that masonry looking like new.

Sandblasting -

This is the safest method of cleaning up your masonry and can be used by anyone. The results may not be as good as with other methods, but most home owners prefer to err on the side of caution and use this method if they are doing it themselves. You can rent a sand blaster from a lumber yard or a hardware store. Make sure you get instructions on how to use it properly before you begin. The clean up is a little tough afterward, but you should notice a significant change in the appearance of your masonry when you are done. If you will be sandblasting, it is vital to wear goggles and make sure that all of your limbs are covered. That grit can be very painful and has the potential to blind you if you are not wearing appropriate safety gear.

Phosphoric Acid -

This is a common acid that comes with most over the counter masonry cleaners. It is not as dangerous as some methods, but care should still be used when applying it. Always follow the directions exactly for the cleaner and make sure that you are wearing appropriate safety gear. If you do not feel comfortable messing with acids, and few people do, you may want to get some professional help.

TSP or Trisodium Phosphate -

This is a very good cleaner that does not actually etch the surface, and it can be very effective. However, it is vital that you do NOT mix this cleaner with any acid. The results are deadly. Special care must be used when using TSP to clean your masonry. When used properly and with the right safety gear it is safe, but you must follow the directions to the letter and avoid mixing it with any other chemicals.

Muriatic Acid -

This is the cleaner that is used by professionals and should really never be used by the average homeowner, unless they have prior experience in masonry cleaning. This acid will get the best results as it gets deep down into the “pores” of masonry and etches out all the dirt. It is however incredibly dangerous to use, especially if you do not know what you are doing. We do not recommend this masonry cleaner unless you have prior experience in using it safely. If you have masonry that is very badly stained, have a professional come out to use this product, but do not attempt to do it on your own.

The key to cleaning masonry safely is to use the right products and always follow directions to ensure that safety comes first.

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Tile floors can be gorgeous and they are great in climates where it gets a little hot. However, the one main downside of tile floors is that the grout can get pretty yucky after a few years. No amount of scrubbing can return it to its previously pristine state and after awhile, it can make the whole floor look badly. There are a few tricks that you can use to make that grout look a lot better, and thankfully, they are all pretty easy.

One of the best ways to get rid of yucky colored grout is to stain it.

If you go to your hardware store, you should find several different types of grout stain available. The colors range from different shades of white to colors that will blend in with your tile. If you have a tile flour in a high traffic area, it is best to try to match the grout to the color of the tile. This will give you several more years of wear and it will not look so run down.

Once you pick your stain, you’ll need to prep the grout before you get started. We recommend inspecting each tile square and looking for any holes or divots that may be present in the grout. If you find any, patch them up and let them dry before proceeding. This will help extend the life of your grout and the stain will look a lot better.

Different grout stains will have different directions, and it is important to make sure that you follow them to the letter. However, there are some general guidelines that can help make the application process a lot easier. After you’ve fixed any grout that needed repairs, completely clean the floor. Little bits of dust and grit will make the stain appear uneven and it is vital to really polish that floor until it shines. We recommend getting a soft cloth and buffing each tile area before you apply the stain for the best results.

Once the floor is completely clean, you’ll be ready to get started. Since you’ll be kneeling for this process, it’s a good idea to have a mat or some kneepads to take the stress off your knees. You’ll need to find a paint brush that is sized correctly for your grout. If in doubt, go a bit smaller to avoid getting the stain on the tile. Empty out a little of the stain into another container to make it easier to get to.

Start brushing the stain on using even strokes. If you overlap a little, use that soft cloth to wipe away any excess before continuing. Make sure that you don’t smear the stain as you move to the next few squares. This is a time consuming process, but it is well worth it. To speed up the drying time, you can put a large fan on the floor. If necessary, you can use more than one coat until the stain reaches your desired color.

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Your deck is subject to all kinds of weather, and within a few years, it’s easy to end up looking like you need a completely new one. If you want to keep your deck looking brand new for years to come, there are a few techniques that you can use. Some should be applied when you first install the deck, but the rest can be implemented as simple maintenance chores.

Let’s start with picking the right kind of wood for your deck. If you love redwood or cedar, keep in mind that these woods are going to need to be sealed more often. Pine is the most durable, but then again, it will end up looking the roughest over time. The key is finding the right kind of sealant that is rated for your area. If you get a lot of rain, look for a heavy duty waterproofing sealant. If sun is the main issue, look for a sealant that is fade resistant. When you apply the sealant to your deck, make sure that you use enough and let it dry completely between coats for the best effect.

Now, let’s move onto maintenance. The first step you’re going to need is powerwashing on a regular basis. Don’t blast off your sealant with too much pressure, but make sure that you do keep your deck clean. Light woods in particular will need some extra care to make sure they don’t end up looking dingy. Aim for washing it at least once a month and more often in areas that are prone to more wind and dirt.

If your deck is already in trouble, don’t worry! Fixing it is a snap. Most people can do this on their own and will not need the help of a professional. First, you’ll need to completely clean off your deck and then sweep it to make sure that all dust and debris has been removed. If the wood is cracked, misshapen or overly rough, you’re going to need to sand down these spots. This has the added benefit of revealing the healthy wood under the surface.

Once you’re ready with either clean or sanded wood, you can either restain your deck or add new sealant and keep it the same color as it already is. Once again, allow for enough drying time in between coats and do it on a day where there is no wind to avoid bubbles in the finish. After the stain is dry, apply a least a few coats of sealant to give it a great shine and protect it from water.

If your deck never got these benefits in the first place, it’s not too late to seal it for the first time. Clean it, sand it, stain it and then seal it. It will look like new in just a few hours. Decks do best when they are regularly cared for, so make sure that you schedule more than enough time in to do your part.

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When it comes to exteriors for your home, stucco is one of the best to have. It’s insulating, easy to take care of and compared to other materials, very cost effective. However, after a few months in some areas or years, it can tend to look a bit dingy. Here are some tips to help keep your stucco looking fresh for many years to come.

1. Keep it clean.

Stucco’s bumpy nature means that it’s going to collect dirt and not uniformly. If you live in an area where there is a lot of wind, it can be even worse. It’s a good idea to powerwash your stucco at least once a year, and more often if necessary. A good wash can make your stucco look brand new, especially if it’s white.

2. Whitewash if necessary.

This is an old technique that dates back hundreds of years. In fact, there are entire villages in Europe that grind to a halt for a week out of the year so that everyone can whitewash their homes. If you’ve got a white stucco house you can give it a quick and cheap facelift with a whitewash. If you’re not familiar with the term, it’s basically watered down white paint that is used to refresh a surface every year. You may not need to whitewash your stucco every year, but it does give it a nice look if you do.

3. Pick a color that will wear well.

While you may like a dark color for your home, this may not be a good choice when you’re dealing with stucco. There’s a reason that so many stucco homes are white or light colored. This material is subject to a lot of abuse and it will show up pretty easily if you’re using a dark color. If you live where there is a lot of sand or blowing dirt the problem can be even worse. It’s best to pick a light color that will not fade as quickly and can be easily refreshed whenever necessary.

4. Watch out for holes.

As stucco ages, it can be apt to crack. You’ll need to keep an eye on your home, especially if it is already quite old. Luckily, cracked stucco is easy enough to fix and it won’t be very serious. However, you’ll need to make sure that the damage is only exterior and not structural before you get to patching the area.

5. Don’t put off repainting.

Stucco will need to be repainted every so often, and it’s best not to let it get out of hand. Check for spots of wear and address the issue right away so that your home doesn’t start to look rundown.

With proper care, stucco can last for several years and even though it does have some downsides, it’s still pretty easy to take care of. The key is stopping problems before they get out of hand. A simple preventative whitewash every year can help you cut down on a lot of issues.

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If you’re stuck with some aging appliances and replacing them isn’t in your budget, there are a few tricks that you can use to give them a facelift and make them more energy efficient, on the cheap. For this article, we’re going to focus on refreshing your refrigerator and dishwasher, but these tips will work for just about any large appliance you have in your home.

Let’s start with the refrigerator. Chances are it could use a top to bottom scrubbing and a defrost if it’s an older model. Completely remove all the food and scrub the entire surface inside and out with a good cleaner that’s safe to use around food. Get into every nook and cranny until it’s sparkling. If you’ve got a common refrigerator, you may be able to find replacement shelves that will make it easier to store your food. Before you shut those doors though, there are two more steps you’re going to need to take.

Grab an old toothbrush and dunk it in your cleaner. Locate the rubber gasket on the inside of the door and get scrubbing. It’s most likely pretty gunky unless you’ve been cleaning it on a regular basis. If your refrigerator is old, you should replace the gasket. This will make your appliance more efficient. These gaskets can be found at any hardware store. Measure the old one or take a section in to help make it easier to find the replacement. Replace both gaskets and shut the door.

Scrub the outside of the doors until they are sparkling clean. Now, you’ve got an option. You can leave it as is, or you can try a technique that will make it look like you’ve spent a couple thousand dollars on a new appliance. Get some stainless steel contact paper – yes, contact paper, and carefully apply it to your door. You’re going to want to make sure that there are no broken or crooked edges. Completely coat the appliance with the contact paper, smoothing out any bubbles as you go. When you’re done, your refrigerator will look fantastic. It’s important to find contact paper that’s meant for this type of use. You can usually find it in most home improvement stores or online.

Now, let’s move onto to the dishwasher. Repeat the same processes above, making sure that it is completely cleaned out. You can also add the same contact paper to this appliance so that you have a uniform look for your appliances. You may need to replace the gasket on the dishwasher if it is old and worn out. These wear out pretty quickly since the area inside is so hot and humid. Again, you’ll be saving money on energy costs by taking the time to install a new gasket.

Make sure that you follow the proper care instructions for your newly contact-papered appliances. Most come with special instructions, but you can use a damp cloth with dish soap to clean it. Make sure that the cloth is not too wet.

Your kitchen should now look brand new and you’ve only spent a few hours and a couple dollars!

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