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We'll walk you through everything from choosing the best vacuum to organizing your clutter.","relatedArticles":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles?category=33939&offset=0&size=5"}},"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"}},"relatedCategoriesLoadedStatus":"success"},"listState":{"list":{"count":10,"total":517,"items":[{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-28T14:39:16+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-21T13:53:32+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T18:01:07+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Walls & Painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"},"slug":"walls-painting","categoryId":33959}],"title":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","strippedTitle":"how to remove old wallpaper","slug":"how-to-remove-old-wallpaper","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This video shows you, step by step, how to remove wallpaper, including prep work, scoring the paper, and applying the solvent.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Audio Transcript</h2>\r\nTo remove ordinary wallpaper, you need to gather a few simple items.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A pre-tape drop cloth</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A bucket of water</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A paint roller and pan</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A perforator</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A scraper (which looks a lot like a putty knife but has a slot for replaceable blades)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wallpaper removing solvent</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">And a bucket full of patients</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The first step is to protect the floor and molding from water damage.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a pre-taped plastic drop cloth and tape it to the top of the baseboard floor molding.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Go all around the perimeter of the area and then unfold it into the room to cover the floor.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you skip this step, it can get messy, not to mention the damage that water can do to floors and baseboards.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The second step is to score the wallpaper with a razor scraper or perforating tool.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">It's a perfect gadget for removing wallpaper from walls made of wall board or<b> </b>drywall, because it won't damage the paper face of the wall board. And that means you won't have to spend time repairing the walls later. When you score the paper with holes or slits it allows the moisture, when applied, to break down the adhesive.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If at any time you notice the razor is getting dull, be sure to change it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The next step is to mix the wallpaper removing solvent with water.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The solvent breaks down the adhesive, so that the wall covering loosens and can easily be scraped off. Use either a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water or a 25/75 solution of liquid laundry softener and water.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The fourth step is to apply the wallpaper solvent with a paint roller or a liquid sprayer.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Start with a three foot section of wallpaper. After a few applications of moisture and a little time to let it soak in, you'll be ready for the next step.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Now peel and scrape off the wet paper. Work on a three foot wide section of the wall at a time and then move on to the next area. As you scrape off the old wallpaper, let it fall onto the plastic drop cloth.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When all the wallpaper is removed, use a sponge and some warm water to remove any excess paste from the walls.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Then just roll up the entire mess — wallpaper, drop cloth and all.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Audio Transcript</h2>\r\nTo remove ordinary wallpaper, you need to gather a few simple items.\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A pre-tape drop cloth</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A bucket of water</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A paint roller and pan</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A perforator</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">A scraper (which looks a lot like a putty knife but has a slot for replaceable blades)</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wallpaper removing solvent</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">And a bucket full of patients</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The first step is to protect the floor and molding from water damage.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a pre-taped plastic drop cloth and tape it to the top of the baseboard floor molding.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Go all around the perimeter of the area and then unfold it into the room to cover the floor.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If you skip this step, it can get messy, not to mention the damage that water can do to floors and baseboards.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The second step is to score the wallpaper with a razor scraper or perforating tool.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">It's a perfect gadget for removing wallpaper from walls made of wall board or<b> </b>drywall, because it won't damage the paper face of the wall board. And that means you won't have to spend time repairing the walls later. When you score the paper with holes or slits it allows the moisture, when applied, to break down the adhesive.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">If at any time you notice the razor is getting dull, be sure to change it.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The next step is to mix the wallpaper removing solvent with water.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The solvent breaks down the adhesive, so that the wall covering loosens and can easily be scraped off. Use either a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water or a 25/75 solution of liquid laundry softener and water.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">The fourth step is to apply the wallpaper solvent with a paint roller or a liquid sprayer.</p>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Start with a three foot section of wallpaper. After a few applications of moisture and a little time to let it soak in, you'll be ready for the next step.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Now peel and scrape off the wet paper. Work on a three foot wide section of the wall at a time and then move on to the next area. As you scrape off the old wallpaper, let it fall onto the plastic drop cloth.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">When all the wallpaper is removed, use a sponge and some warm water to remove any excess paste from the walls.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Then just roll up the entire mess — wallpaper, drop cloth and all.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33959,"title":"Walls & Painting","slug":"walls-painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Audio Transcript","target":"#tab1"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":219245,"title":"Using Wax When Chalk Painting","slug":"using-wax-when-chalk-painting","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/219245"}},{"articleId":210314,"title":"How to Hang Things on Hollow Walls","slug":"how-to-hang-things-on-hollow-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210314"}},{"articleId":209905,"title":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","slug":"painting-a-room-apply-a-base-coat-of-paint-with-a-roller","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209905"}},{"articleId":209904,"title":"Three Tips for Keeping Paint Cans Clean","slug":"three-tips-for-keeping-paint-cans-clean","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209904"}},{"articleId":209903,"title":"Three Tips for Cleaning Paint Spills and Spatters","slug":"three-tips-for-cleaning-paint-spills-and-spatters","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209903"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62619be32762d\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62619be327fc8\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Videos","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":"694591626001","name":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","accountId":"622696558001","playerId":"default","thumbnailUrl":"http://f1.media.brightcove.com/8/622696558001/622696558001_5436726134001_694591626001-th.jpg?pubId=622696558001&videoId=694591626001","description":"Stripping wallpaper is a serious home-improvement project. Removing old glue from walls before you paint is a must. These tips show how to strip old wallpaper from your walls and remodel like a professional.","uploadDate":"2017-05-05T15:31:04.639Z"}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-21T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":210316},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T09:12:35+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-21T13:47:35+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T18:01:06+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Walls & Painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"},"slug":"walls-painting","categoryId":33959}],"title":"How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint","strippedTitle":"how to paint furniture with chalk paint","slug":"how-to-paint-furniture-with-chalk-paint","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to use chalk paint to give furniture a new look. The article also includes a video with step-by-step instructions.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<div style=\"position: relative; display: block; max-width: 100%;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding-top: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"//players.brightcove.net/622696558001/NykUaUEpl_default/index.html?videoId=5799829606001\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe></div>\r\n</div>\r\nChalk paint can be used to paint almost anything — walls, kitchen cabinets, metal, wood, and even fabric — but the most common use is to give new life to old furniture or to make newer pieces look old. The great thing about <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/home-painting/3-ways-to-create-your-own-chalk-paint/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">chalk paint</a> is that there isn't a huge learning curve or a lot of prep work. You can just dive right in.","description":"<div style=\"position: relative; display: block; max-width: 100%;\">\r\n<div style=\"padding-top: 56.25%;\"><iframe style=\"position: absolute; top: 0px; right: 0px; bottom: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%;\" src=\"//players.brightcove.net/622696558001/NykUaUEpl_default/index.html?videoId=5799829606001\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"></iframe></div>\r\n</div>\r\nChalk paint can be used to paint almost anything — walls, kitchen cabinets, metal, wood, and even fabric — but the most common use is to give new life to old furniture or to make newer pieces look old. The great thing about <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/home-painting/3-ways-to-create-your-own-chalk-paint/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">chalk paint</a> is that there isn't a huge learning curve or a lot of prep work. You can just dive right in.","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9268,"name":"Kelly Dobbs Henthorne, Abshier House","slug":"kelly-dobbs-henthorne-abshier-house","description":"","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9268"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33959,"title":"Walls & Painting","slug":"walls-painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":219245,"title":"Using Wax When Chalk Painting","slug":"using-wax-when-chalk-painting","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/219245"}},{"articleId":210316,"title":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","slug":"how-to-remove-old-wallpaper","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210316"}},{"articleId":210314,"title":"How to Hang Things on Hollow Walls","slug":"how-to-hang-things-on-hollow-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210314"}},{"articleId":209904,"title":"Three Tips for Keeping Paint Cans Clean","slug":"three-tips-for-keeping-paint-cans-clean","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209904"}},{"articleId":209905,"title":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","slug":"painting-a-room-apply-a-base-coat-of-paint-with-a-roller","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209905"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62619be2c5bb0\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62619be2c6e44\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Pick your paintable piece and gather supplies.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470713.image0.jpg","width":533,"height":400},"content":"<p>In the photo above, a vintage bookshelf/hall table that has seen better days has been selected for painting. Yes, you could choose to strip the finish and restain the wood, but that&#8217;s much more hassle than using chalk paint.</p>\n<p>Because the natural wood that&#8217;s left has a lovely reddish color, the paint color chosen is a darker blue (when distressed later, the red will come through in places, making a nice contrast). The paint used here is Annie Sloan Napoleonic Blue chalk paint.</p>\n<p>Annie Sloan chalk paint is sold in pints and quarts and is the original and still most popular chalk paint on the market. You can purchase chalk paint at some craft and hobby stores, online, or at your local vintage/antique/repurpose shop. You also can <a href=\"https://dummies-wp-content.dummies.com/how-to/content/3-ways-to-create-your-own-chalk-paint.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">make your own chalk paint</a> with a few simple ingredients.</p>\n<p>Also seen in the photo above is a can of wax and a wax brush (for use in a later step), some sandpaper (for use in a later step), a simple chip brush (no fancy brushes needed for the paint), some shop towels (any lint-free cloth or towel works), and a piece of aluminum foil for wrapping your wet paint brush (if you need to take a break and don&#8217;t want your brush to dry out).</p>\n"},{"title":"Clean the furniture.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470714.image1.jpg","width":469,"height":400},"content":"<p>You don&#8217;t need to strip anything off your furniture, which includes old paint or old finishes, but you do need to make sure that it&#8217;s clean and dry. Simple soapy water is the best option. <i>Don&#8217;t use furniture wax to clean it!</i> The wax component of most furniture polishes does not mix well with chalk paint.</p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re a sloppy painter, you might place a drop cloth or old sheet below your item. If you&#8217;re neat, don&#8217;t worry about it. If you do get chalk paint on the carpet or floor, you can remove it easily with dish soap or laundry detergent, water, and a little elbow grease.</p>\n"},{"title":"Use the chip brush to paint your furniture.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470715.image2.jpg","width":535,"height":340},"content":"<p>Here&#8217;s the real beauty of using chalk paint. You don&#8217;t have to be careful to get all your brush strokes going in the same direction; you don&#8217;t have to make sure that coverage is even; you don&#8217;t even have to paint every nook and cranny if you don&#8217;t want to.</p>\n<p>For this particular piece, two coats are required on the table top, because the existing finish has already disappeared. The unfinished wood will take more paint to cover.</p>\n"},{"title":"Lightly sand to create the perfect distressed look.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470716.image3.jpg","width":436,"height":400},"content":"<p>Make sure you are using a fine-grit sandpaper. The rougher the sandpaper, the deeper the grooves created in the furniture. You&#8217;re not trying to sand through to the wood (usually), just to the finish beneath that layer of paint.</p>\n<p>Where and how much paint you sand off is strictly a personal preference. If you go crazy and sand off too much, don&#8217;t sweat it. You can always go back and paint another coat of color. On this piece, no sanding is done in the center of the top, where the existing finish was already missing.</p>\n"},{"title":"Wipe off the sanding dust.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470717.image4.jpg","width":533,"height":400},"content":"<p>Dampen one of the shop towels and run the damp towel all over the furniture. You are trying to pick up any dust that you generated with the sandpaper.</p>\n"},{"title":"Apply the wax.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470718.image5.jpg","width":533,"height":400},"content":"<p>Chalk paint lacks a sealer, which most paint has, so, it requires a wax to seal the color and keep water or other debris from getting into the finish. First, make sure the paint is completely dry.</p>\n<p>You need to use a separate brush for applying wax. Several types of brushes specific to wax application are available; they usually have a slightly rounded tip and are a bit heavier in the handle. These brushes are somewhat expensive, but the good news is that you can use the same brush multiple times to apply wax; however, once you&#8217;ve used a brush for wax, you cannot use it for painting.</p>\n<p>Purchase your wax when you purchase your paint. For this piece, clear wax is being used.</p>\n<p><a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/home-auto-hobbies/home-improvement-appliances/walls-painting/using-wax-when-chalk-painting-219245\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apply the wax </a>generously in small sections at a time. Use the shop towels to wipe off the excess wax as you go. For this piece, for example, wax one of the outer legs and wipe off the excess wax, wax the other outer leg and wipe off the excess wax, wax the inner legs one at a time and wipe off the excess, and so on.</p>\n<p>Note that for outdoor pieces, you do not apply wax; the piece will age and fade more rapidly, but the wax will not set outdoors.</p>\n"},{"title":"(Optional) Apply dark wax.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470719.image6.jpg","width":535,"height":243},"content":"<p>Note that you have a choice between regular wax and dark wax. The dark wax, as you probably have figured out, darkens the color and really does make a piece seem more aged. If you choose to use dark wax, note that you will need a separate brush; after you use a brush with the dark wax, you cannot reuse the brush with the regular wax or with any paint.</p>\n<p>The coffee table shown was painted in <i>La Chaux</i> Candied Yam (two coats), waxed with clear wax, and then waxed with the dark wax.</p>\n"},{"title":"Let dry and enjoy your new, old furniture.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470720.image7.jpg","width":535,"height":400},"content":"<p>For furniture that will be heavily used (such as coffee tables), the setting time for the wax is two to three weeks. If you get overeager, though, and you find a water ring on your chalk-painted item, you can clean it with soapy water and easily repaint or buff it out with some more wax.</p>\n"},{"title":"(Optional) Create a more modern finish with chalk paint.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470721.image8.jpg","width":518,"height":400},"content":"<p>If you aren&#8217;t going to <a href=\"https://www.dummies.com/article/academics-the-arts/art-architecture/painting/dry-brushing-with-chalk-paint-219368\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">distress the piece</a> or let it show its age by having some of the old colors show through, you will want to give the piece at least two complete coats with lots of drying time in between. This is a more modern look for painted furniture. Make sure that you are generous when applying the wax to give the piece a nice sheen.</p>\n<p>The dresser shown was painted with Annie Sloan Paris Grey and Old White, given three coats of color, and waxed.</p>\n"},{"title":"(Optional) Create a two-toned distressed look with chalk paint.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/470722.image9.jpg","width":535,"height":302},"content":"<p>If you want a piece to have two colors (one showing through the other), make sure that the first coat is completely dry before painting the second coat of the (usually lighter) top coat. This technique is commonly used for that shabby chic look.</p>\n<p>The table shown was originally a dark brown wood with lots of stains. It was painted with Annie Sloan Florence and Provence, given two coats of the darker Florence, given one coat of the lighter Provence, sanded, and waxed.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":203283},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-28T14:34:46+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T20:59:06+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T00:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Walls & Painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"},"slug":"walls-painting","categoryId":33959}],"title":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","strippedTitle":"painting a room: apply a base coat of paint with a roller","slug":"painting-a-room-apply-a-base-coat-of-paint-with-a-roller","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn how to correctly use a roller to paint a wall, including using the tray, and applying paint in a smooth, even manner.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nPainting the corners and edges on a wall is the meticulous part; once you've done that, you're ready to paint the main part of the wall. Be sure you have the right tools — having the right roller for the surface of your walls is critical.","description":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nPainting the corners and edges on a wall is the meticulous part; once you've done that, you're ready to paint the main part of the wall. Be sure you have the right tools — having the right roller for the surface of your walls is critical.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33959,"title":"Walls & Painting","slug":"walls-painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":219245,"title":"Using Wax When Chalk Painting","slug":"using-wax-when-chalk-painting","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/219245"}},{"articleId":210316,"title":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","slug":"how-to-remove-old-wallpaper","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210316"}},{"articleId":210314,"title":"How to Hang Things on Hollow Walls","slug":"how-to-hang-things-on-hollow-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210314"}},{"articleId":209904,"title":"Three Tips for Keeping Paint Cans Clean","slug":"three-tips-for-keeping-paint-cans-clean","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209904"}},{"articleId":209903,"title":"Three Tips for Cleaning Paint Spills and Spatters","slug":"three-tips-for-cleaning-paint-spills-and-spatters","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209903"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ec07c93b\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ec07d48a\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Videos","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":"1880200962001","name":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","accountId":"622696558001","playerId":"default","thumbnailUrl":"http://f1.media.brightcove.com/8/622696558001/622696558001_1880262466001_th-506ee6da95afb0e46c32e144-1592194046001.jpg?pubId=622696558001&videoId=1880200962001","description":"Painting the corners and edges on a wall is the meticulous part; once you've done that, you're ready to paint the main part of the wall. Be sure you have the right tools -- having the right roller for the surface of your walls is critical.","uploadDate":"2017-05-04T20:36:23.557Z"}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209905},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-28T14:34:30+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T20:45:29+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T00:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Walls & Painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"},"slug":"walls-painting","categoryId":33959}],"title":"Painting Projects: How Much Paint Should You Buy?","strippedTitle":"painting projects: how much paint should you buy?","slug":"how-to-know-how-much-paint-you-need-to-paint-your-walls","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This video discusses how to determine how much paint you should buy to cover the walls, ceiling, and floor in a room.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nYou don't want to run out of paint midway through painting a room. Use simple math the determine how much paint you need, and you're good to start painting.","description":"<div class=\"x2 x2-top\">\r\n\r\n<div class=\"video-player-organism\"></div>\r\n\r\n</div>\r\nYou don't want to run out of paint midway through painting a room. Use simple math the determine how much paint you need, and you're good to start painting.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33959,"title":"Walls & Painting","slug":"walls-painting","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33959"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":219245,"title":"Using Wax When Chalk Painting","slug":"using-wax-when-chalk-painting","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/219245"}},{"articleId":210316,"title":"How to Remove Old Wallpaper","slug":"how-to-remove-old-wallpaper","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210316"}},{"articleId":210314,"title":"How to Hang Things on Hollow Walls","slug":"how-to-hang-things-on-hollow-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210314"}},{"articleId":209904,"title":"Three Tips for Keeping Paint Cans Clean","slug":"three-tips-for-keeping-paint-cans-clean","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209904"}},{"articleId":209905,"title":"Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller","slug":"painting-a-room-apply-a-base-coat-of-paint-with-a-roller","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","walls-painting"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209905"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ec05789c\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;walls-painting&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ec05840f\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Videos","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":"1875296750001","name":"How to Know How Much Paint You Need to Paint Your Walls","accountId":"622696558001","playerId":"default","thumbnailUrl":"http://f1.media.brightcove.com/8/622696558001/622696558001_1875375520001_th-506c54a333b5b0e4e36ee383-590065940001.jpg?pubId=622696558001&videoId=1875296750001","description":"You don't want to run out of paint midway through painting a room. Use simple math the determine how much paint you need, and you're good to start painting.","uploadDate":"2017-05-05T17:41:02.389Z"}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209874},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T16:58:19+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T20:10:05+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T00:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"General (Home Improvement & Appliances)","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33961"},"slug":"general-home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33961}],"title":"How to Fix Everything For Dummies Cheat Sheet","strippedTitle":"how to fix everything for dummies cheat sheet","slug":"how-to-fix-everything-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"You may not have bought a fixer-upper, but chances are something in your home will need fixing. Learn how to do some easy repairs yourself.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"It's a good idea to be prepared for things going wrong in your home, whether it's something relatively simple that you can fix yourself, or a more complex problem requiring a qualified professional.\r\n\r\nFollowing is advice for both situations. First, we list some <em>non-tool</em> items you'll want to have around for DIY home repair. We also suggest questions you should ask before hiring a professional to make a repair or renovation in your home.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_289055\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-289055 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/shutterstock_748171426.jpg\" alt=\"Man fixing window\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> © Andrey Popov / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","description":"It's a good idea to be prepared for things going wrong in your home, whether it's something relatively simple that you can fix yourself, or a more complex problem requiring a qualified professional.\r\n\r\nFollowing is advice for both situations. First, we list some <em>non-tool</em> items you'll want to have around for DIY home repair. We also suggest questions you should ask before hiring a professional to make a repair or renovation in your home.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_289055\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"wp-image-289055 size-full\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/shutterstock_748171426.jpg\" alt=\"Man fixing window\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> © Andrey Popov / Shutterstock.com[/caption]","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9214,"name":"Gary Hedstrom","slug":"gary-hedstrom","description":"Gary Hedstrom is a self-taught repair master with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. He has constructed two houses with his wife, Peg.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9214"}},{"authorId":9215,"name":"Peg Hedstrom","slug":"peg-hedstrom","description":"Peg Hedstrom is a self-taught repair master with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. She has constructed two houses with her husband, Gary.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9215"}},{"authorId":9216,"name":"Judy Ondrla Tremore","slug":"judy-ondrla-tremore","description":"Judy Ondrla Tremore is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9216"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33961,"title":"General (Home Improvement & Appliances)","slug":"general-home-improvement-appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33961"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":206815,"title":"How to Fix a Squeaky Floor That’s Carpeted","slug":"how-to-fix-a-squeaky-floor-thats-carpeted","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206815"}},{"articleId":206814,"title":"How to Fix Loose Ceramic Floor Tiles","slug":"how-to-fix-loose-ceramic-floor-tiles","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206814"}},{"articleId":206813,"title":"How to Fix Ripped or Torn Carpet","slug":"how-to-fix-ripped-or-torn-carpet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206813"}},{"articleId":206812,"title":"How to Fix Wallpaper Bubbles","slug":"how-to-fix-wallpaper-bubbles","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206812"}},{"articleId":206811,"title":"How to Patch Mortar on Brick Walls","slug":"how-to-patch-mortar-on-brick-walls","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206811"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":210315,"title":"How to Install Weather Stripping","slug":"how-to-install-weather-stripping","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/210315"}},{"articleId":209356,"title":"Home Maintenance For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"home-maintenance-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209356"}},{"articleId":209317,"title":"DIY and Home Maintenance All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"diy-and-home-maintenance-all-in-one-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209317"}},{"articleId":207269,"title":"Fixing Holes in Carpets","slug":"fixing-holes-in-carpets","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/207269"}},{"articleId":206815,"title":"How to Fix a Squeaky Floor That’s Carpeted","slug":"how-to-fix-a-squeaky-floor-thats-carpeted","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206815"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282289,"slug":"how-to-fix-everything-for-dummies","isbn":"9780764572098","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764572091/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0764572091/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0764572091-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0764572091/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0764572091/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/how-to-fix-everything-for-dummies-cover-9780764572098-203x255.jpg","width":203,"height":255},"title":"How to Fix Everything For Dummies","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <p><b data-author-id=\"9214\">Gary</b> and <b data-author-id=\"9215\">Peg Hedstrom</b> are self-taught repair masters with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. <b data-author-id=\"9216\">Judy Ondrla Tremore</b> is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. </p>","authors":[{"authorId":9214,"name":"Gary Hedstrom","slug":"gary-hedstrom","description":"Gary Hedstrom is a self-taught repair master with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. He has constructed two houses with his wife, Peg.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9214"}},{"authorId":9215,"name":"Peg Hedstrom","slug":"peg-hedstrom","description":"Peg Hedstrom is a self-taught repair master with experience in carpentry, plumbing, appliance repair, and more. She has constructed two houses with her husband, Gary.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9215"}},{"authorId":9216,"name":"Judy Ondrla Tremore","slug":"judy-ondrla-tremore","description":"Judy Ondrla Tremore is a writer and editor for various newspapers and magazines. ","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9216"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;general-home-improvement-appliances&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764572098&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ec04ad9e\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;general-home-improvement-appliances&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764572098&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ec04b743\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","articleList":[{"articleId":195428,"title":"Non-Tools You Need for Home Repairs","slug":"non-tools-you-need-for-home-repairs","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195428"}},{"articleId":195426,"title":"Questions for a Contractor or Home Repair Specialist","slug":"questions-for-a-contractor-or-home-repair-specialist","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","general-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195426"}}],"content":[{"title":"Non-tools you need for home repairs","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>Sometimes, home repair jobs call for everyday items and not just tools. This shopping list has <em>non-tool</em> items you should have around for home repairs:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>All-purpose utility knife:</b> It has many uses and it&#8217;s handy when you’re doing a fix-it project.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Bin or Klitz</b> <b>sealer:</b> These are the only two primer/sealers that seal water-stained drywall or cover crayon, ink, and felt-pen marks on walls. Nothing else can match them.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Bleach:</b> Not just for laundry, it works great on grout, mildew, stains, and minor drain blockages. Never mix it with ammonia; the two make a toxic gas that’s dangerous to inhale.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Brushes:</b> Get soft-bristle brushes to remove dust and small particles.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Clamps:</b> Ratchet straps, a variety of plastic or metal clip-type clamps, and one or two C-clamps of different sizes come in handy for a variety of fix-it projects. Ratchet straps are also great for securing mattresses on the roof of a car and maneuvering large appliances.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Duct tape:</b> Okay, you can laugh, but once you have it around you’ll find ingenious ways to use it — and probably never for wrapping air ducts!</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Dum Dum toy putty:</b> This putty never hardens and although developed for puttying windows, it’s great for keeping pictures and mirrors level and temporarily securing photos and posters. It doesn’t damage paint or paper.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Masking tape:</b><i> </i>Don’t settle for one width; you’ll inevitably wish you had the other as well.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Old toothbrushes:</b> Use them to clean the gaskets sealing refrigerators, freezers, and ovens, scour around faucets, and get paint and dirt out of crevices.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Plunger:</b> Use it to unblock drains and toilets.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Putty knife:</b> Use this non-tool tool for fix-its, scraping wallpaper, stripping furniture, getting under surfaces. You’ll use it a lot.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Rulers and yardsticks:</b><i> </i>These are an absolute necessity if you want to cut wood, drywall, or anything else. If you splurge just a little, you can get metal rulers that won’t snap or break.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Sandpaper:</b> Buy an assortment from very fine grit to coarse grit and you’ll have them available when you’re working on a project.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Single-edge razor blades:</b> One small package will last a long time because they’re reusable, especially after scraping paint splatters off glass.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Steel wool:</b> You don’t need a lot, just fine, medium, and coarse grades.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Stud finder:</b> Stop guessing where to drive a nail into the wall. It locates nails in your drywall, and thus, the stud.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>Double-sided tape:</b> Also called carpet tape, this holds down throw rugs and, temporarily, loose carpeting and vinyl. You’ll find other uses as well.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>WD-40:</b> Use one or two drops on hinges, locks, and anything else needing lubrication.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b>White vinegar:</b> Use it on rugs and tablecloths when someone spills red wine.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"},{"title":"Questions for a contractor or home repair specialist","thumb":null,"image":null,"content":"<p>When getting bids from a professional for a home repair project, make sure you know exactly what the job entails. Research your contractor, like checking with the <a href=\"https://www.bbb.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Better Business Bureau</a> to see if any complaints are filed, before you sign a contract. Before hiring anyone for your home repairs, make sure you ask these questions:</p>\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Do you have a list of referrals? </b>Ask for<b> </b>names and phone numbers of people that had similar work that the contractor or specialist completed.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>How long have you been in business?</b> Sometimes contractors want to retire and sell an established business with a good reputation, but there’s no guarantee that the new owner will know as much or be as good.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Can I see your certificates of insurance?</b> You want to know that the contractor is licensed and bonded, and that they carry workers compensation insurance.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Who will do the actual work, the contractor, an employee, or an independent contractor retained by the company?</b> If the contractor outsources the job, that might entail potential risk on your part if that person is injured.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Can I have a detailed contract?</b> It should describe the project in detail and what materials and products will be used, as well as labor costs, and the contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license numbers with the city and state.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Can I buy the materials myself and have them delivered to my home? </b>You might save money that way.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>How long will the project take? </b>Get a specific date for starting and ending the project.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Who is responsible for cleaning up after the project is completed?</b> If it’s the contractor, make sure you have it in writing.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Is a building permit needed for the work?</b> Make sure the contractor will get it.</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Can I have a warranty on work and materials?</b> Is it a full warranty on repair or replacement of the product and for how long — 90 days or a year?</p>\n</li>\n<li>\n<p class=\"first-para\"><i></i><b><i></i>Can I establish a payment schedule for work that will take some time to complete? </b>Never agree to pay all costs up front because if you’re dissatisfied with the work, you’ll never be able to get the contractor back to your home.</p>\n</li>\n</ul>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Two years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2021-10-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":209416},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:44:51+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T19:45:39+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T00:01:04+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Floors","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33950"},"slug":"floors","categoryId":33950}],"title":"How to Install a Ceramic Tile Floor","strippedTitle":"how to install a ceramic tile floor","slug":"how-to-install-a-ceramic-tile-floor","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn the steps for installing ceramic tiles on a floor, including laying out lines, spreading mortar, and cutting tiles.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Installing a ceramic tile floor may appear to be beyond the abilities of some homeowners, but most DIYers can handle it. Just don’t rush it — have a little patience! The materials are relatively easy to work with, and you can rent the tools, even the big ones.\r\n\r\nInstall ceramic tile over a subfloor that’s no less than 1 1/8 inches thick. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout — and a lot of headaches. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment, such as plywood. The boards come in 3-by-5-foot sheets and are available where tile and grout are sold.\r\n\r\nAfter you establish your guidelines or layout lines, it’s time to install the tile:\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/291634.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"399\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Before you think about setting the tile in place with mortar, make sure that the layout is even from side to side in both directions. To do so, dry-fit the tiles along the layout lines in both directions and make sure that the finished layout looks good to you.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">One important measurement to note is the width of the tiles that meet the wall. Make sure you never have less than half of a tile’s width at the wall. If you do, adjust the layout until you get an adequate end tile size. After you establish this, snap a new layout line to follow.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pick up the loose tiles and set them aside.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a notched trowel to spread thin-set mortar over a 3-by-3-foot section at the intersection of the layout lines.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Trowels come with different-sized notches, so check the tile manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct size.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Working in small, square sections — say 3 feet by 3 feet — is important. If you work with a larger section, the mortar may harden (known as setting up) before you put the tiles in place. Be careful not to cover the layout lines.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Begin laying tiles at the center point of the two layout lines, setting each tile into the mortar by tapping it gently with a rubber mallet.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Use plastic spacers at each tile corner to maintain even grout lines between the tiles. Spacers are available where tile is sold.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue laying tiles until you’ve covered the mortared area.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue the process by applying mortar to another section and then laying tiles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fit the last tile in the row at the wall.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">This step usually requires that you measure and cut the tile. First, set a scrap tile against the wall — it allows space for grout. Next, place a loose tile directly over the last full tile you laid (this is the tile you’ll cut to size). Then place another tile on the loose one and up against the tile on the wall. Mark the loose tile and cut it to fit along the edge.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">After all the tiles are set in the mortar, mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and install it by using a rubber grout float.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Use a sweeping motion, pressing the grout into the gaps.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wipe away the excess grout with a grout sponge. Let the grout dry slightly and then wipe off the haze that appears.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Cutting the tiles</h2>\r\nFor most installations, you need a tile cutter, which you can rent. To make a straight cut with a tile cutter, simply place the tile face up in the cutter, adjust the cutter to the proper width, and score the tile by pulling the cutting wheel across the tile’s face. Then snap the tile along the scored line.\r\n\r\nIf you need to make a cutout, say to go around a corner, mark the area you plan to cut out. Secure the tile in a vise or clamps — just be sure to cushion the vise jaws to protect the tile from scratches. Cut along the marks with a tile saw, which is a hand saw that’s similar to a coping saw, except that it has a carbide saw blade designed for cutting ceramic tile.\r\n\r\nIf you need to make a round or circular cut, mark the area and then use a tile nipper to nip out small pieces of tile until you reach the line. A tile nipper is similar to a pair of pliers, but it has hardened cutting edges for cutting through ceramic tile.","description":"Installing a ceramic tile floor may appear to be beyond the abilities of some homeowners, but most DIYers can handle it. Just don’t rush it — have a little patience! The materials are relatively easy to work with, and you can rent the tools, even the big ones.\r\n\r\nInstall ceramic tile over a subfloor that’s no less than 1 1/8 inches thick. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout — and a lot of headaches. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment, such as plywood. The boards come in 3-by-5-foot sheets and are available where tile and grout are sold.\r\n\r\nAfter you establish your guidelines or layout lines, it’s time to install the tile:\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/291634.image0.jpg\" alt=\"image0.jpg\" width=\"399\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Before you think about setting the tile in place with mortar, make sure that the layout is even from side to side in both directions. To do so, dry-fit the tiles along the layout lines in both directions and make sure that the finished layout looks good to you.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">One important measurement to note is the width of the tiles that meet the wall. Make sure you never have less than half of a tile’s width at the wall. If you do, adjust the layout until you get an adequate end tile size. After you establish this, snap a new layout line to follow.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Pick up the loose tiles and set them aside.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Use a notched trowel to spread thin-set mortar over a 3-by-3-foot section at the intersection of the layout lines.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Trowels come with different-sized notches, so check the tile manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct size.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Working in small, square sections — say 3 feet by 3 feet — is important. If you work with a larger section, the mortar may harden (known as setting up) before you put the tiles in place. Be careful not to cover the layout lines.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Begin laying tiles at the center point of the two layout lines, setting each tile into the mortar by tapping it gently with a rubber mallet.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Use plastic spacers at each tile corner to maintain even grout lines between the tiles. Spacers are available where tile is sold.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue laying tiles until you’ve covered the mortared area.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Continue the process by applying mortar to another section and then laying tiles.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Fit the last tile in the row at the wall.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">This step usually requires that you measure and cut the tile. First, set a scrap tile against the wall — it allows space for grout. Next, place a loose tile directly over the last full tile you laid (this is the tile you’ll cut to size). Then place another tile on the loose one and up against the tile on the wall. Mark the loose tile and cut it to fit along the edge.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">After all the tiles are set in the mortar, mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and install it by using a rubber grout float.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Use a sweeping motion, pressing the grout into the gaps.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Wipe away the excess grout with a grout sponge. Let the grout dry slightly and then wipe off the haze that appears.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\n<h2 id=\"tab1\" >Cutting the tiles</h2>\r\nFor most installations, you need a tile cutter, which you can rent. To make a straight cut with a tile cutter, simply place the tile face up in the cutter, adjust the cutter to the proper width, and score the tile by pulling the cutting wheel across the tile’s face. Then snap the tile along the scored line.\r\n\r\nIf you need to make a cutout, say to go around a corner, mark the area you plan to cut out. Secure the tile in a vise or clamps — just be sure to cushion the vise jaws to protect the tile from scratches. Cut along the marks with a tile saw, which is a hand saw that’s similar to a coping saw, except that it has a carbide saw blade designed for cutting ceramic tile.\r\n\r\nIf you need to make a round or circular cut, mark the area and then use a tile nipper to nip out small pieces of tile until you reach the line. A tile nipper is similar to a pair of pliers, but it has hardened cutting edges for cutting through ceramic tile.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33950,"title":"Floors","slug":"floors","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33950"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[{"label":"Cutting the tiles","target":"#tab1"}],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":206748,"title":"How to Get Wood Floors Ready for Sanding","slug":"how-to-get-wood-floors-ready-for-sanding","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206748"}},{"articleId":204799,"title":"How to Stain and Seal Hardwood Floors","slug":"how-to-stain-and-seal-hardwood-floors","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204799"}},{"articleId":201693,"title":"Measuring to Buy Ceramic Floor Tiles","slug":"measuring-to-buy-ceramic-floor-tiles","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201693"}},{"articleId":195448,"title":"How Much Vinyl Flooring Do You Need?","slug":"how-much-vinyl-flooring-do-you-need","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195448"}},{"articleId":195440,"title":"How Much Ceramic Tile Do You Need?","slug":"how-much-ceramic-tile-do-you-need","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195440"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;floors&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ec0200c7\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;floors&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ec020acb\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184386},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:44:51+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T19:27:06+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T00:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Floors","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33950"},"slug":"floors","categoryId":33950}],"title":"How to Lay Out a Ceramic Tile Floor","strippedTitle":"how to lay out a ceramic tile floor","slug":"how-to-lay-out-a-ceramic-tile-floor","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"Learn the basic steps of laying out ceramic tile for your flooring project, including establishing reference lines.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Planning the layout of your tile floor is an essential step in guaranteeing the success of your project. Ever wonder how a professional tile layer always seems to get those tiles at a perfect 90- or 45-degree angle to the wall? You can do it, too, and here’s how.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_292152\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-292152\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/AdobeStock_205538505.jpeg\" alt=\"man installing tiles on the floor\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> ©Andrey Gonchar / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n\r\nInstall ceramic tile over a subfloor that’s no less than 1 1/8 inches thick. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout — and a lot of headaches. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment, such as plywood. The boards come in 3-by-5-foot sheets and are available where tile and grout are sold.\r\n\r\nBegin planning by using a pair of perpendicular reference lines for establishing your layout instead of relying on measurements from walls, which are neither straight nor square to each other. To ensure the reference lines are square, use a 3-4-5 triangle rule as follows:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Establish your first reference line by measuring across opposite sides of the room. Mark the center of each side and then snap a chalk line between the two marks.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Measure and mark the center of that line. Then use a pencil, a framing square, and a straightedge held against its shorter leg to mark a second 4-foot-long line perpendicular to the first line.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Before snapping a second line across the room, you want be sure the angle you formed is truly 90 degrees.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Measure out 3 feet from the intersection and mark the penciled line. Then measure out 4 feet from the intersection and mark the spot on the chalk line. Measure the distance between the 3-foot and 4-foot marks.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The distance should be 5 feet — the 3-4-5 rule. If it isn’t, make an adjustment and pencil a new line. Now snap a chalk line across the room that falls directly over the penciled line.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAfter you have reference lines, use them to establish layout lines, which actually guide tile placement. Dry-set two rows of tiles, extending from the center to adjacent walls. If the last tile in a row would be less than half a tile, plan to shift the first course to be centered on the reference line rather than next to it. Snap your layout line a half line away from the reference line. Repeat the procedure for the other row.\r\n\r\nLaying out your tiles at 45-degree angles instead of 90 isn’t that difficult. You need only a couple more layout lines. Mark the two layout lines as you would for a 90-degree job and then follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Measure out the same distance (for example, 4 feet) on the perpendicular lines.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">From these points, make marks 4 feet out at right angles to the original lines.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Snap a chalk line through these new marks and through the intersection of the two original layout lines.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The two lines are now your layout lines for a 45-degree pattern.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","description":"Planning the layout of your tile floor is an essential step in guaranteeing the success of your project. Ever wonder how a professional tile layer always seems to get those tiles at a perfect 90- or 45-degree angle to the wall? You can do it, too, and here’s how.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_292152\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"630\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-292152\" src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/AdobeStock_205538505.jpeg\" alt=\"man installing tiles on the floor\" width=\"630\" height=\"420\" /> ©Andrey Gonchar / Adobe Stock[/caption]\r\n\r\nInstall ceramic tile over a subfloor that’s no less than 1 1/8 inches thick. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout — and a lot of headaches. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment, such as plywood. The boards come in 3-by-5-foot sheets and are available where tile and grout are sold.\r\n\r\nBegin planning by using a pair of perpendicular reference lines for establishing your layout instead of relying on measurements from walls, which are neither straight nor square to each other. To ensure the reference lines are square, use a 3-4-5 triangle rule as follows:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Establish your first reference line by measuring across opposite sides of the room. Mark the center of each side and then snap a chalk line between the two marks.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Measure and mark the center of that line. Then use a pencil, a framing square, and a straightedge held against its shorter leg to mark a second 4-foot-long line perpendicular to the first line.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">Before snapping a second line across the room, you want be sure the angle you formed is truly 90 degrees.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Measure out 3 feet from the intersection and mark the penciled line. Then measure out 4 feet from the intersection and mark the spot on the chalk line. Measure the distance between the 3-foot and 4-foot marks.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The distance should be 5 feet — the 3-4-5 rule. If it isn’t, make an adjustment and pencil a new line. Now snap a chalk line across the room that falls directly over the penciled line.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>\r\nAfter you have reference lines, use them to establish layout lines, which actually guide tile placement. Dry-set two rows of tiles, extending from the center to adjacent walls. If the last tile in a row would be less than half a tile, plan to shift the first course to be centered on the reference line rather than next to it. Snap your layout line a half line away from the reference line. Repeat the procedure for the other row.\r\n\r\nLaying out your tiles at 45-degree angles instead of 90 isn’t that difficult. You need only a couple more layout lines. Mark the two layout lines as you would for a 90-degree job and then follow these steps:\r\n<ol class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Measure out the same distance (for example, 4 feet) on the perpendicular lines.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">From these points, make marks 4 feet out at right angles to the original lines.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Snap a chalk line through these new marks and through the intersection of the two original layout lines.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">The two lines are now your layout lines for a 45-degree pattern.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ol>","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33950,"title":"Floors","slug":"floors","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33950"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":206748,"title":"How to Get Wood Floors Ready for Sanding","slug":"how-to-get-wood-floors-ready-for-sanding","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206748"}},{"articleId":204799,"title":"How to Stain and Seal Hardwood Floors","slug":"how-to-stain-and-seal-hardwood-floors","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204799"}},{"articleId":201693,"title":"Measuring to Buy Ceramic Floor Tiles","slug":"measuring-to-buy-ceramic-floor-tiles","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201693"}},{"articleId":195448,"title":"How Much Vinyl Flooring Do You Need?","slug":"how-much-vinyl-flooring-do-you-need","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195448"}},{"articleId":195440,"title":"How Much Ceramic Tile Do You Need?","slug":"how-much-ceramic-tile-do-you-need","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195440"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;floors&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ebfecf74\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;floors&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ebfed995\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":184385},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T22:58:42+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T19:08:41+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T00:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Floors","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33950"},"slug":"floors","categoryId":33950}],"title":"Measuring to Buy Ceramic Floor Tiles","strippedTitle":"measuring to buy ceramic floor tiles","slug":"measuring-to-buy-ceramic-floor-tiles","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This article shows you how to measure and determine the number of tiles you'll need to complete a ceramic tile flooring project.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Buying ceramic tile for floors requires measuring and math. Estimate how many ceramic tiles to buy by calculating the total floor area you plan to cover and dividing that number by the size of one tile. Ceramic floor tiles typically come in 4-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 18-inch squares.\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">First, determine the square footage of the room (don’t forget the closets!); just multiply the room’s length by its width.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">[Length of Floor] x [Width of Floor] = Total Area.</p>\r\nChoose your tile size from the following list and use the accompanying equation to figure out the number of tiles to buy:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>4-inch tiles: </b>Total Area ÷ 0.1089 = Number of 4-inch tiles needed</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>6-inch tiles: </b>Total Area ÷ 0.25 = Number of 6-inch tiles needed</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>9-inch tiles: </b>Total Area ÷ 0.5625 = Number of 9-inch tiles needed</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>12-inch tiles: </b>Total Area = Number of 12-inch tiles needed (you’ve measured your room in square feet, and a 12-inch tile is 1 square foot)</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>18-inch tiles: </b>Total Area ÷ 2.25 = Number of 18-inch tiles needed</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBecause there are variations in the color of tiles from one tile run to another, buy enough tiles to complete the job and have some leftovers for later repairs.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">You can always bring your room dimensions to a tile dealer, who can help you figure out how much tile and other supplies to purchase.</p>","description":"Buying ceramic tile for floors requires measuring and math. Estimate how many ceramic tiles to buy by calculating the total floor area you plan to cover and dividing that number by the size of one tile. Ceramic floor tiles typically come in 4-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 18-inch squares.\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">First, determine the square footage of the room (don’t forget the closets!); just multiply the room’s length by its width.</p>\r\n<p class=\"child-para\">[Length of Floor] x [Width of Floor] = Total Area.</p>\r\nChoose your tile size from the following list and use the accompanying equation to figure out the number of tiles to buy:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>4-inch tiles: </b>Total Area ÷ 0.1089 = Number of 4-inch tiles needed</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>6-inch tiles: </b>Total Area ÷ 0.25 = Number of 6-inch tiles needed</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>9-inch tiles: </b>Total Area ÷ 0.5625 = Number of 9-inch tiles needed</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>12-inch tiles: </b>Total Area = Number of 12-inch tiles needed (you’ve measured your room in square feet, and a 12-inch tile is 1 square foot)</li>\r\n \t<li class=\"child-para\"><b>18-inch tiles: </b>Total Area ÷ 2.25 = Number of 18-inch tiles needed</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBecause there are variations in the color of tiles from one tile run to another, buy enough tiles to complete the job and have some leftovers for later repairs.\r\n<p class=\"Remember\">You can always bring your room dimensions to a tile dealer, who can help you figure out how much tile and other supplies to purchase.</p>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9983,"name":"Gene Hamilton","slug":"gene-hamilton","description":"","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9983"}},{"authorId":9984,"name":"Katie Hamilton","slug":"katie-hamilton","description":"","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9984"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33950,"title":"Floors","slug":"floors","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33950"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":206748,"title":"How to Get Wood Floors Ready for Sanding","slug":"how-to-get-wood-floors-ready-for-sanding","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206748"}},{"articleId":204799,"title":"How to Stain and Seal Hardwood Floors","slug":"how-to-stain-and-seal-hardwood-floors","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/204799"}},{"articleId":195448,"title":"How Much Vinyl Flooring Do You Need?","slug":"how-much-vinyl-flooring-do-you-need","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195448"}},{"articleId":195440,"title":"How Much Ceramic Tile Do You Need?","slug":"how-much-ceramic-tile-do-you-need","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195440"}},{"articleId":195438,"title":"Calculating the Amount of Carpet You Need","slug":"calculating-the-amount-of-carpet-you-need","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","floors"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/195438"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;floors&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ebf82441\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;floors&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ebf82da6\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":201693},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-26T19:05:28+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T18:57:53+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T00:01:03+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Decorating","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33947"},"slug":"decorating","categoryId":33947}],"title":"Tips for Refurbishing Furniture","strippedTitle":"tips for refurbishing furniture","slug":"tips-for-refurbishing-used-furniture","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"These tips will spark your imagination and movtivate you to find fun and creative ways to refurbish old furniture.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"Refurbished furniture can add a lot of character to your home. Decorating old or unfinished furniture lets you make a creative statement. Take a look at the following decorating tips. Try some out on your furniture:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Consider new uses for old furniture and unique items.</b> Turn an old combination radio/phonograph in a beautifully veneered cabinet into an elegant foyer console. Try using drums as tables; bunch together a trio of drums and use them as individual coffee tables.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 435px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/302021.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Discreet furniture never reveals its source (garage sale or heirloom?) but adds to a room’s o\" width=\"435\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Discreet furniture never reveals its source (garage sale or heirloom?) but adds to a room’s overall beauty and comfort.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create an instant slipcover by throwing a king-size sheet, quilt, or bedspread over an unsightly sofa. Tie it in place with rope or grosgrain ribbon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Decorate an old chest for a teenage boy’s room with discarded license plates. Garage sales and junk stores are good sources. Just decide where to add them. Nail them into place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Decoupage an old dresser or dressing table with motifs cut from wallpaper. Safeguard with a finishing glaze or coat of polyurethane.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dress up a plain-Jane, upholstered side chair. </b>Get out<b> </b>the trusty hot-glue gun to attach interesting <i>gimp</i> (an ornamental braid or cord), fringe, or other trim along the bottom of the seat.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Faux paint old wooden furniture.</b> Paint stores have rows of booklets describing various techniques step by step. They also carry kits. Everything you need is right there in the store.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Individualize dining room chairs for your children.</b> Paint mismatched chairs bold colors (all the same or coordinating colors). Stencil your children’s names on the chair backs, or add a motif. Craft shops have small glue-on toys, animals, numbers, and initials.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Paint a wooden chair with an interesting shape in different colors and patterns, like a Victorian house. </b>For color combination ideas, pick the colors already in your scheme. Some paint companies put out booklets of historic color combinations; check these out for instant inspiration.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Paint vertical stripes on an old dresser or nightstand. </b>All you need is tape (you can buy special masking tape at the paint store), a brilliant color or two, and a very steady hand wielding a paintbrush. Measure off the stripes using a ruler and a pencil to make light marks.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take a tip from Colonial homemakers and cover tables in flat-weave rugs. </b>Dhurries, needlepoints, or chainstitch rugs transform tables into desks and display areas for framed family photos.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Use a deep, glass-fronted china cabinet to hold a small TV or serve as a minibar in the living room. </b>Punch a hole in the back to slip through the wires for any appliances. Display glasses and ice buckets.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Use pillows to convert lumber into a sofa of sorts outside or inside.</b> Use flatter pillows for seats and backs and fluffier ones for decoration and added comfort.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","description":"Refurbished furniture can add a lot of character to your home. Decorating old or unfinished furniture lets you make a creative statement. Take a look at the following decorating tips. Try some out on your furniture:\r\n<ul class=\"level-one\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Consider new uses for old furniture and unique items.</b> Turn an old combination radio/phonograph in a beautifully veneered cabinet into an elegant foyer console. Try using drums as tables; bunch together a trio of drums and use them as individual coffee tables.</p>\r\n\r\n<div class=\"imageBlock\" style=\"width: 435px;\">\r\n\r\n<img src=\"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/302021.image0.jpg\" alt=\"Discreet furniture never reveals its source (garage sale or heirloom?) but adds to a room’s o\" width=\"435\" height=\"400\" />\r\n<div class=\"imageCaption\">Discreet furniture never reveals its source (garage sale or heirloom?) but adds to a room’s overall beauty and comfort.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<ul class=\"level-two\">\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Create an instant slipcover by throwing a king-size sheet, quilt, or bedspread over an unsightly sofa. Tie it in place with rope or grosgrain ribbon.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Decorate an old chest for a teenage boy’s room with discarded license plates. Garage sales and junk stores are good sources. Just decide where to add them. Nail them into place.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\">Decoupage an old dresser or dressing table with motifs cut from wallpaper. Safeguard with a finishing glaze or coat of polyurethane.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Dress up a plain-Jane, upholstered side chair. </b>Get out<b> </b>the trusty hot-glue gun to attach interesting <i>gimp</i> (an ornamental braid or cord), fringe, or other trim along the bottom of the seat.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Faux paint old wooden furniture.</b> Paint stores have rows of booklets describing various techniques step by step. They also carry kits. Everything you need is right there in the store.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Individualize dining room chairs for your children.</b> Paint mismatched chairs bold colors (all the same or coordinating colors). Stencil your children’s names on the chair backs, or add a motif. Craft shops have small glue-on toys, animals, numbers, and initials.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Paint a wooden chair with an interesting shape in different colors and patterns, like a Victorian house. </b>For color combination ideas, pick the colors already in your scheme. Some paint companies put out booklets of historic color combinations; check these out for instant inspiration.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Paint vertical stripes on an old dresser or nightstand. </b>All you need is tape (you can buy special masking tape at the paint store), a brilliant color or two, and a very steady hand wielding a paintbrush. Measure off the stripes using a ruler and a pencil to make light marks.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Take a tip from Colonial homemakers and cover tables in flat-weave rugs. </b>Dhurries, needlepoints, or chainstitch rugs transform tables into desks and display areas for framed family photos.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Use a deep, glass-fronted china cabinet to hold a small TV or serve as a minibar in the living room. </b>Punch a hole in the back to slip through the wires for any appliances. Display glasses and ice buckets.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n \t<li>\r\n<p class=\"first-para\"><b>Use pillows to convert lumber into a sofa of sorts outside or inside.</b> Use flatter pillows for seats and backs and fluffier ones for decoration and added comfort.</p>\r\n</li>\r\n</ul>","blurb":"","authors":[{"authorId":9243,"name":"Katharine Kaye McMillan","slug":"katharine-kaye-mcmillan","description":"Katharine Kaye McMillan is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to Florida Design Magazine and the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including Sun Country Style, which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9243"}},{"authorId":9244,"name":"Patricia Hart McMillan","slug":"patricia-hart-mcmillan","description":"Patricia Hart McMillan is a nationally known interior designer whose work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the New York Times and USA Today. A prolific writer, McMillan is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration. She is decorating editor for Christian Woman Magazine and reports on design trends for The Sun-Sentinel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9244"}}],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33947,"title":"Decorating","slug":"decorating","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33947"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[{"articleId":208940,"title":"Home Decorating For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"home-decorating-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208940"}},{"articleId":201710,"title":"How to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets","slug":"how-to-update-your-kitchen-cabinets","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201710"}},{"articleId":201709,"title":"How to Use Color to Change a Room","slug":"how-to-use-color-to-change-a-room","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201709"}},{"articleId":201702,"title":"How to Update Old Tile","slug":"how-to-update-old-tile","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201702"}},{"articleId":201701,"title":"How to Choose Furniture for a Large Room","slug":"how-to-choose-furniture-for-a-large-room","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201701"}}],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":265474,"title":"Infusing Hygge Into Your Home","slug":"infusing-hygge-into-your-home","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/265474"}},{"articleId":208940,"title":"Home Decorating For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"home-decorating-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208940"}},{"articleId":208822,"title":"Feng Shui For Dummies Cheat Sheet","slug":"feng-shui-for-dummies-cheat-sheet","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/208822"}},{"articleId":201710,"title":"How to Update Your Kitchen Cabinets","slug":"how-to-update-your-kitchen-cabinets","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201710"}},{"articleId":201709,"title":"How to Use Color to Change a Room","slug":"how-to-use-color-to-change-a-room","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/201709"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":282278,"slug":"home-decorating-for-dummies-2nd-edition","isbn":"9780764541568","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","decorating"],"amazon":{"default":"https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764541560/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","ca":"https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0764541560/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","indigo_ca":"http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-9208661-13710633?url=https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/product/0764541560-item.html&cjsku=978111945484","gb":"https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0764541560/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20","de":"https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/0764541560/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=wiley01-20"},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/home-decorating-for-dummies-2nd-edition-cover-9780764541568-202x255.jpg","width":202,"height":255},"title":"Home Decorating For Dummies, 2nd Edition","testBankPinActivationLink":"","bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":"\n <b data-author-id=\"9243\">Katharine Kaye McMillan,</b> former senior editor of a New York City-based national magazine, is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to internationally circulated <i>Florida Design Magazine.</i> She is the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including <i>Sun Country Style,</i> which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers. A graduate of the University of Texas in Austin, she holds a masters degree in psychology and is a doctoral student in psychology at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida. <p><b data-author-id=\"9244\">Patricia Hart McMillan</b> is a nationally known interior designer, whose interior design work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the <i>New York Times</i> and <i>USA Today.</i> Known as a trend spotter and for clearly articulated views on design, she is quoted frequently and extensively in both trade and consumer publications. She a ppears on TV and talk radio. A prolific writer, she is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration, with Sun Country Style signature collections of furniture based on two books. She has taught decorating courses at several colleges and conducted numerous seminars across the U.S. She is decorating editor for <i>Christian Woman Magazine</i> and reports on design trends for <i>The Sun-Sentinel,</i> a Tribune newspaper based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. She has been editor-in-chief of two publications and was head of a New York City-based public relations firm representing some of the most prestigious names in home furnishing and building products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in art history (with an emphasis in architecture), from the State University of New York (New Paltz). She was awarded a certificate from The New York School of Interior Design.</p> ","authors":[{"authorId":9243,"name":"Katharine Kaye McMillan","slug":"katharine-kaye-mcmillan","description":"Katharine Kaye McMillan is a writer whose work appears regularly in magazines and newspapers. She is a contributing writer to Florida Design Magazine and the co-author of several books on decorating and design, including Sun Country Style, which is the basis for licensed signature collections of furniture and accessories by three leading American manufacturers and importers.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9243"}},{"authorId":9244,"name":"Patricia Hart McMillan","slug":"patricia-hart-mcmillan","description":"Patricia Hart McMillan is a nationally known interior designer whose work for private clients, designer showcases, and corporations has appeared in publications worldwide, including the New York Times and USA Today. A prolific writer, McMillan is coauthor and author of seven books on interior design and decoration. She is decorating editor for Christian Woman Magazine and reports on design trends for The Sun-Sentinel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/authors/9244"}}],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/books/"}},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;decorating&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764541568&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ebf792f8\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;decorating&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;9780764541568&quot;]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ebf79cae\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Articles","articleList":null,"content":null,"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Explore","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":181763},{"headers":{"creationTime":"2016-03-27T15:01:55+00:00","modifiedTime":"2022-04-20T18:45:41+00:00","timestamp":"2022-04-21T00:01:02+00:00"},"data":{"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home, Auto, & Hobbies","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33809"},"slug":"home-auto-hobbies","categoryId":33809},{"name":"Home Improvement & Appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939"},"slug":"home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33939},{"name":"Windows","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33960"},"slug":"windows-home-improvement-appliances","categoryId":33960}],"title":"How to Replace a Broken Glass Pane in a Steel-Casement Window","strippedTitle":"how to replace a broken glass pane in a steel-casement window","slug":"how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-steel-casement-window","canonicalUrl":"","seo":{"metaDescription":"This article shows you how to replace a broken glass pane in a steel-casement window, step by step, the right way.","noIndex":0,"noFollow":0},"content":"The trickiest part of replacing broken glass panes in steel-casement windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a broken glass pane in a steel-casement window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit.\r\n\r\nHave the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width. This creates a 1/16-inch gap on each side between the edges of the pane and the rabbet groove. The gap provides room for the glass to expand when the weather changes.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the replacement glass pane, you'll need: latex glazing putty, pliers, heat gun, flexible putty knife, 1- or 2-inch stiff steel putty knife, and a flathead screwdriver.","description":"The trickiest part of replacing broken glass panes in steel-casement windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a broken glass pane in a steel-casement window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit.\r\n\r\nHave the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width. This creates a 1/16-inch gap on each side between the edges of the pane and the rabbet groove. The gap provides room for the glass to expand when the weather changes.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the replacement glass pane, you'll need: latex glazing putty, pliers, heat gun, flexible putty knife, 1- or 2-inch stiff steel putty knife, and a flathead screwdriver.","blurb":"","authors":[],"primaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":33960,"title":"Windows","slug":"windows-home-improvement-appliances","_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33960"}},"secondaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"tertiaryCategoryTaxonomy":{"categoryId":0,"title":null,"slug":null,"_links":null},"trendingArticles":null,"inThisArticle":[],"relatedArticles":{"fromBook":[],"fromCategory":[{"articleId":209591,"title":"How to Caulk Windows","slug":"how-to-caulk-windows","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209591"}},{"articleId":209589,"title":"How to Install a Window Shade","slug":"how-to-install-a-window-shade","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/209589"}},{"articleId":206794,"title":"How to Replace a Broken Glass Pane in a Metal Storm Window","slug":"how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-metal-storm-window","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206794"}},{"articleId":206792,"title":"How to Replace a Broken Glass Pane in a Wood-Frame Window","slug":"how-to-replace-a-broken-glass-pane-in-a-wood-frame-window","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206792"}},{"articleId":206791,"title":"How to Replace a Glass Pane in a Sliding Sash Window","slug":"how-to-replace-a-glass-pane-in-a-sliding-sash-window","categoryList":["home-auto-hobbies","home-improvement-appliances","windows-home-improvement-appliances"],"_links":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/articles/206791"}}]},"hasRelatedBookFromSearch":false,"relatedBook":{"bookId":0,"slug":null,"isbn":null,"categoryList":null,"amazon":null,"image":null,"title":null,"testBankPinActivationLink":null,"bookOutOfPrint":false,"authorsInfo":null,"authors":null,"_links":null},"collections":[],"articleAds":{"footerAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_adhesion_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;windows-home-improvement-appliances&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ebecd4a8\"></div></div>","rightAd":"<div class=\"du-ad-region row\" id=\"article_page_right_ad\"><div class=\"du-ad-unit col-md-12\" data-slot-id=\"article_page_right_ad\" data-refreshed=\"false\" \r\n data-target = \"[{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;cat&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[&quot;home-auto-hobbies&quot;,&quot;home-improvement-appliances&quot;,&quot;windows-home-improvement-appliances&quot;]},{&quot;key&quot;:&quot;isbn&quot;,&quot;values&quot;:[null]}]\" id=\"du-slot-62609ebecde1c\"></div></div>"},"articleType":{"articleType":"Step by Step","articleList":null,"content":[{"title":"Use the pliers to remove all of the glass shards.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82715.image1.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82714.image0.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p class=\"article-tips warning\">When you work with broken glass, wear safety goggles as well as gloves; small chips of glass can cause permanent eye damage.</p>\n"},{"title":"Use the heat gun to warm the old putty; and then scrape it away with a putty knife.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82717.image3.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82716.image2.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>If the putty doesn’t lift off easily, apply more heat and try again. Be patient —the putty around really old windows is as hard as concrete, but it <i>will</i> soften.</p>\n<p class=\"article-tips warning\">Don’t chisel out the old putty — you might wreck the window. The putty will soften with enough heat and time.</p>\n"},{"title":"Use a putty knife or the tip of a screwdriver to remove the spring clips.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82719.image5.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82718.image4.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>The clips will be buried under the old putty. Hold on to these clips so that you can use them again.</p>\n"},{"title":"Clean and inspect the rabbet groove.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82721.image7.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82720.image6.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Ensure that no glazing putty, glass shards, or spring clips remain.</p>\n"},{"title":"Apply a bead of putty on the glass side of the rabbet groove.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82723.image9.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82722.image8.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Squeeze out a 1⁄16-inch bead of putty between the edge of the glass and the window frame.</p>\n"},{"title":"Gently press down the glass at the edges to bed the glass into the putty.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82725.image11.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82724.image10.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Allow the putty bed to spread out and form a moisture seal on the inside of the window between the glass and sash.</p>\n"},{"title":"Position the new pane in the rabbets.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82727.image13.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82726.image12.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Shift the pane until you have a 1/16-inch gap between the pane and sash on all four sides.</p>\n"},{"title":"Place at least two spring clips in each section of the window sash surrounding the new glass.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82729.image15.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82728.image14.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Space the spring clips (the ones that you removed earlier) evenly around the perimeter,</p>\n"},{"title":"Push each spring clip into the sash.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82731.image17.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82730.image16.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>You can use the tip of a screwdriver to help push in the spring clip.</p>\n"},{"title":"Form a 1/2-inch-thick rope of putty and press the length along all four sides of the glass.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82733.image19.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82732.image18.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Roll a glob of putty between your bare hands to form the rope.</p>\n"},{"title":"Smooth the glazing putty and scrape away the excess.","thumb":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82735.image21.jpg","width":1,"height":1},"image":{"src":"https://www.dummies.com/wp-content/uploads/82734.image20.jpg","width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Hold the putty knife at a 45-degree angle, press, and smooth the glazing putty against the glass and sash.</p>\n"},{"title":"After the putty dries completely, repaint the putty and repaired area.","thumb":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"image":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"content":"<p>Don’t mask off the glass before repainting. The paint will help form a moisture seal between the glass pane and the sash. So, allow the paint to overlap about 1/8 inch onto the glass.</p>\n"}],"videoInfo":{"videoId":null,"name":null,"accountId":null,"playerId":null,"thumbnailUrl":null,"description":null,"uploadDate":null}},"sponsorship":{"sponsorshipPage":false,"backgroundImage":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0},"brandingLine":"","brandingLink":"","brandingLogo":{"src":null,"width":0,"height":0}},"primaryLearningPath":"Solve","lifeExpectancy":"Five years","lifeExpectancySetFrom":"2022-04-20T00:00:00+00:00","dummiesForKids":"no","sponsoredContent":"no","adInfo":"","adPairKey":[]},"status":"publish","visibility":"public","articleId":206793}],"_links":{"self":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=0"},"next":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=10"},"last":{"self":"https://dummies-api.dummies.com/v2/categories/33939/categoryArticles?sortField=time&sortOrder=1&size=10&offset=507"}}},"objectTitle":"","status":"success","pageType":"article-category","objectId":"33939","page":1,"sortField":"time","sortOrder":1,"categoriesIds":[],"articleTypes":[],"filterData":{"categoriesFilter":[{"itemId":0,"itemName":"All Categories","count":517},{"itemId":33940,"itemName":"Appliances","count":7},{"itemId":33944,"itemName":"Ceilings","count":3},{"itemId":33945,"itemName":"Cleaning & Organization","count":32},{"itemId":33946,"itemName":"Construction","count":5},{"itemId":33947,"itemName":"Decorating","count":91},{"itemId":33948,"itemName":"Doors","count":11},{"itemId":33949,"itemName":"Electrical","count":16},{"itemId":33950,"itemName":"Floors","count":13},{"itemId":34384,"itemName":"Furnaces & Heating","count":5},{"itemId":33961,"itemName":"General (Home Improvement & Appliances)","count":156},{"itemId":33939,"itemName":"Home Improvement & Appliances","count":1},{"itemId":33951,"itemName":"Plumbing","count":46},{"itemId":34371,"itemName":"Remodeling","count":22},{"itemId":33956,"itemName":"Roofs & Gutters","count":4},{"itemId":33957,"itemName":"Safety & Security","count":9},{"itemId":33958,"itemName":"Siding","count":2},{"itemId":33959,"itemName":"Walls & Painting","count":85},{"itemId":33960,"itemName":"Windows","count":9}],"articleTypeFilter":[{"articleType":"All Types","count":517},{"articleType":"Articles","count":387},{"articleType":"Cheat Sheet","count":9},{"articleType":"Step by Step","count":85},{"articleType":"Videos","count":36}]},"filterDataLoadedStatus":"success","pageSize":10},"adsState":{"pageScripts":{"headers":{"timestamp":"2022-05-16T12:59:10+00:00"},"adsId":0,"data":{"scripts":[{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!--Optimizely Script-->\r\n<script src=\"https://cdn.optimizely.com/js/10563184655.js\"></script>","enabled":false},{"pages":["all"],"location":"header","script":"<!-- comScore Tag -->\r\n<script>var _comscore = _comscore || [];_comscore.push({ c1: \"2\", c2: \"15097263\" });(function() {var s = document.createElement(\"script\"), el = document.getElementsByTagName(\"script\")[0]; s.async = true;s.src = (document.location.protocol == \"https:\" ? 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Creating and maintaining an amazing home isn't easy — but it's definitely worth it! We'll walk you through everything from choosing the best vacuum to organizing your clutter.

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Walls & Painting How to Remove Old Wallpaper

Video / Updated 04-21-2022

Audio Transcript To remove ordinary wallpaper, you need to gather a few simple items. A pre-tape drop cloth A bucket of water A paint roller and pan A perforator A scraper (which looks a lot like a putty knife but has a slot for replaceable blades) Wallpaper removing solvent And a bucket full of patients The first step is to protect the floor and molding from water damage. Use a pre-taped plastic drop cloth and tape it to the top of the baseboard floor molding. Go all around the perimeter of the area and then unfold it into the room to cover the floor. If you skip this step, it can get messy, not to mention the damage that water can do to floors and baseboards. The second step is to score the wallpaper with a razor scraper or perforating tool. It's a perfect gadget for removing wallpaper from walls made of wall board or drywall, because it won't damage the paper face of the wall board. And that means you won't have to spend time repairing the walls later. When you score the paper with holes or slits it allows the moisture, when applied, to break down the adhesive. If at any time you notice the razor is getting dull, be sure to change it. The next step is to mix the wallpaper removing solvent with water. The solvent breaks down the adhesive, so that the wall covering loosens and can easily be scraped off. Use either a 50/50 combination of vinegar and water or a 25/75 solution of liquid laundry softener and water. The fourth step is to apply the wallpaper solvent with a paint roller or a liquid sprayer. Start with a three foot section of wallpaper. After a few applications of moisture and a little time to let it soak in, you'll be ready for the next step. Now peel and scrape off the wet paper. Work on a three foot wide section of the wall at a time and then move on to the next area. As you scrape off the old wallpaper, let it fall onto the plastic drop cloth. When all the wallpaper is removed, use a sponge and some warm water to remove any excess paste from the walls. Then just roll up the entire mess — wallpaper, drop cloth and all.

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Walls & Painting How to Paint Furniture with Chalk Paint

Step by Step / Updated 04-21-2022

Chalk paint can be used to paint almost anything — walls, kitchen cabinets, metal, wood, and even fabric — but the most common use is to give new life to old furniture or to make newer pieces look old. The great thing about chalk paint is that there isn't a huge learning curve or a lot of prep work. You can just dive right in.

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Walls & Painting Painting a Room: Apply a Base Coat of Paint With a Roller

Video / Updated 04-20-2022

Painting the corners and edges on a wall is the meticulous part; once you've done that, you're ready to paint the main part of the wall. Be sure you have the right tools — having the right roller for the surface of your walls is critical.

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Walls & Painting Painting Projects: How Much Paint Should You Buy?

Video / Updated 04-20-2022

You don't want to run out of paint midway through painting a room. Use simple math the determine how much paint you need, and you're good to start painting.

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General (Home Improvement & Appliances) How to Fix Everything For Dummies Cheat Sheet

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-20-2022

It's a good idea to be prepared for things going wrong in your home, whether it's something relatively simple that you can fix yourself, or a more complex problem requiring a qualified professional. Following is advice for both situations. First, we list some non-tool items you'll want to have around for DIY home repair. We also suggest questions you should ask before hiring a professional to make a repair or renovation in your home.

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Floors How to Install a Ceramic Tile Floor

Article / Updated 04-20-2022

Installing a ceramic tile floor may appear to be beyond the abilities of some homeowners, but most DIYers can handle it. Just don’t rush it — have a little patience! The materials are relatively easy to work with, and you can rent the tools, even the big ones. Install ceramic tile over a subfloor that’s no less than 1 1/8 inches thick. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout — and a lot of headaches. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment, such as plywood. The boards come in 3-by-5-foot sheets and are available where tile and grout are sold. After you establish your guidelines or layout lines, it’s time to install the tile: Before you think about setting the tile in place with mortar, make sure that the layout is even from side to side in both directions. To do so, dry-fit the tiles along the layout lines in both directions and make sure that the finished layout looks good to you. One important measurement to note is the width of the tiles that meet the wall. Make sure you never have less than half of a tile’s width at the wall. If you do, adjust the layout until you get an adequate end tile size. After you establish this, snap a new layout line to follow. Pick up the loose tiles and set them aside. Use a notched trowel to spread thin-set mortar over a 3-by-3-foot section at the intersection of the layout lines. Trowels come with different-sized notches, so check the tile manufacturer’s recommendation for the correct size. Working in small, square sections — say 3 feet by 3 feet — is important. If you work with a larger section, the mortar may harden (known as setting up) before you put the tiles in place. Be careful not to cover the layout lines. Begin laying tiles at the center point of the two layout lines, setting each tile into the mortar by tapping it gently with a rubber mallet. Use plastic spacers at each tile corner to maintain even grout lines between the tiles. Spacers are available where tile is sold. Continue laying tiles until you’ve covered the mortared area. Continue the process by applying mortar to another section and then laying tiles. Fit the last tile in the row at the wall. This step usually requires that you measure and cut the tile. First, set a scrap tile against the wall — it allows space for grout. Next, place a loose tile directly over the last full tile you laid (this is the tile you’ll cut to size). Then place another tile on the loose one and up against the tile on the wall. Mark the loose tile and cut it to fit along the edge. After all the tiles are set in the mortar, mix the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions and install it by using a rubber grout float. Use a sweeping motion, pressing the grout into the gaps. Wipe away the excess grout with a grout sponge. Let the grout dry slightly and then wipe off the haze that appears. Cutting the tiles For most installations, you need a tile cutter, which you can rent. To make a straight cut with a tile cutter, simply place the tile face up in the cutter, adjust the cutter to the proper width, and score the tile by pulling the cutting wheel across the tile’s face. Then snap the tile along the scored line. If you need to make a cutout, say to go around a corner, mark the area you plan to cut out. Secure the tile in a vise or clamps — just be sure to cushion the vise jaws to protect the tile from scratches. Cut along the marks with a tile saw, which is a hand saw that’s similar to a coping saw, except that it has a carbide saw blade designed for cutting ceramic tile. If you need to make a round or circular cut, mark the area and then use a tile nipper to nip out small pieces of tile until you reach the line. A tile nipper is similar to a pair of pliers, but it has hardened cutting edges for cutting through ceramic tile.

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Floors How to Lay Out a Ceramic Tile Floor

Article / Updated 04-20-2022

Planning the layout of your tile floor is an essential step in guaranteeing the success of your project. Ever wonder how a professional tile layer always seems to get those tiles at a perfect 90- or 45-degree angle to the wall? You can do it, too, and here’s how. Install ceramic tile over a subfloor that’s no less than 1 1/8 inches thick. A thinner subfloor will cause the floor to flex due to the weight of the tile. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout — and a lot of headaches. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment, such as plywood. The boards come in 3-by-5-foot sheets and are available where tile and grout are sold. Begin planning by using a pair of perpendicular reference lines for establishing your layout instead of relying on measurements from walls, which are neither straight nor square to each other. To ensure the reference lines are square, use a 3-4-5 triangle rule as follows: Establish your first reference line by measuring across opposite sides of the room. Mark the center of each side and then snap a chalk line between the two marks. Measure and mark the center of that line. Then use a pencil, a framing square, and a straightedge held against its shorter leg to mark a second 4-foot-long line perpendicular to the first line. Before snapping a second line across the room, you want be sure the angle you formed is truly 90 degrees. Measure out 3 feet from the intersection and mark the penciled line. Then measure out 4 feet from the intersection and mark the spot on the chalk line. Measure the distance between the 3-foot and 4-foot marks. The distance should be 5 feet — the 3-4-5 rule. If it isn’t, make an adjustment and pencil a new line. Now snap a chalk line across the room that falls directly over the penciled line. After you have reference lines, use them to establish layout lines, which actually guide tile placement. Dry-set two rows of tiles, extending from the center to adjacent walls. If the last tile in a row would be less than half a tile, plan to shift the first course to be centered on the reference line rather than next to it. Snap your layout line a half line away from the reference line. Repeat the procedure for the other row. Laying out your tiles at 45-degree angles instead of 90 isn’t that difficult. You need only a couple more layout lines. Mark the two layout lines as you would for a 90-degree job and then follow these steps: Measure out the same distance (for example, 4 feet) on the perpendicular lines. From these points, make marks 4 feet out at right angles to the original lines. Snap a chalk line through these new marks and through the intersection of the two original layout lines. The two lines are now your layout lines for a 45-degree pattern.

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Floors Measuring to Buy Ceramic Floor Tiles

Article / Updated 04-20-2022

Buying ceramic tile for floors requires measuring and math. Estimate how many ceramic tiles to buy by calculating the total floor area you plan to cover and dividing that number by the size of one tile. Ceramic floor tiles typically come in 4-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 18-inch squares. First, determine the square footage of the room (don’t forget the closets!); just multiply the room’s length by its width. [Length of Floor] x [Width of Floor] = Total Area. Choose your tile size from the following list and use the accompanying equation to figure out the number of tiles to buy: 4-inch tiles: Total Area ÷ 0.1089 = Number of 4-inch tiles needed 6-inch tiles: Total Area ÷ 0.25 = Number of 6-inch tiles needed 9-inch tiles: Total Area ÷ 0.5625 = Number of 9-inch tiles needed 12-inch tiles: Total Area = Number of 12-inch tiles needed (you’ve measured your room in square feet, and a 12-inch tile is 1 square foot) 18-inch tiles: Total Area ÷ 2.25 = Number of 18-inch tiles needed Because there are variations in the color of tiles from one tile run to another, buy enough tiles to complete the job and have some leftovers for later repairs. You can always bring your room dimensions to a tile dealer, who can help you figure out how much tile and other supplies to purchase.

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Decorating Tips for Refurbishing Furniture

Article / Updated 04-20-2022

Refurbished furniture can add a lot of character to your home. Decorating old or unfinished furniture lets you make a creative statement. Take a look at the following decorating tips. Try some out on your furniture: Consider new uses for old furniture and unique items. Turn an old combination radio/phonograph in a beautifully veneered cabinet into an elegant foyer console. Try using drums as tables; bunch together a trio of drums and use them as individual coffee tables. Discreet furniture never reveals its source (garage sale or heirloom?) but adds to a room’s overall beauty and comfort. Create an instant slipcover by throwing a king-size sheet, quilt, or bedspread over an unsightly sofa. Tie it in place with rope or grosgrain ribbon. Decorate an old chest for a teenage boy’s room with discarded license plates. Garage sales and junk stores are good sources. Just decide where to add them. Nail them into place. Decoupage an old dresser or dressing table with motifs cut from wallpaper. Safeguard with a finishing glaze or coat of polyurethane. Dress up a plain-Jane, upholstered side chair. Get out the trusty hot-glue gun to attach interesting gimp (an ornamental braid or cord), fringe, or other trim along the bottom of the seat. Faux paint old wooden furniture. Paint stores have rows of booklets describing various techniques step by step. They also carry kits. Everything you need is right there in the store. Individualize dining room chairs for your children. Paint mismatched chairs bold colors (all the same or coordinating colors). Stencil your children’s names on the chair backs, or add a motif. Craft shops have small glue-on toys, animals, numbers, and initials. Paint a wooden chair with an interesting shape in different colors and patterns, like a Victorian house. For color combination ideas, pick the colors already in your scheme. Some paint companies put out booklets of historic color combinations; check these out for instant inspiration. Paint vertical stripes on an old dresser or nightstand. All you need is tape (you can buy special masking tape at the paint store), a brilliant color or two, and a very steady hand wielding a paintbrush. Measure off the stripes using a ruler and a pencil to make light marks. Take a tip from Colonial homemakers and cover tables in flat-weave rugs. Dhurries, needlepoints, or chainstitch rugs transform tables into desks and display areas for framed family photos. Use a deep, glass-fronted china cabinet to hold a small TV or serve as a minibar in the living room. Punch a hole in the back to slip through the wires for any appliances. Display glasses and ice buckets. Use pillows to convert lumber into a sofa of sorts outside or inside. Use flatter pillows for seats and backs and fluffier ones for decoration and added comfort.

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Windows How to Replace a Broken Glass Pane in a Steel-Casement Window

Step by Step / Updated 04-20-2022

The trickiest part of replacing broken glass panes in steel-casement windows is getting replacement glass that’s sized exactly right. To replace a broken glass pane in a steel-casement window, you need to measure the precise length and width of the grooves in which the pane will fit. Have the new glass cut so it measures 1/8 inch shorter than the exact groove dimensions in both the length and width. This creates a 1/16-inch gap on each side between the edges of the pane and the rabbet groove. The gap provides room for the glass to expand when the weather changes. In addition to the replacement glass pane, you'll need: latex glazing putty, pliers, heat gun, flexible putty knife, 1- or 2-inch stiff steel putty knife, and a flathead screwdriver.

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