The Bones of Design
You will read about many design options, but for some of you there is a before design that needs to be addressed before you can do the fun decorating part. If you are attempting to do the projects yourself you will benefit from some of the tips that are discussed on this site. You will find guidance on things that you will need to be aware of so that you can plan a project properly.
Permits- Permits are required for numerous redecorating jobs. Before you begin your project that requires additions to electrical systems, heating, plumbing, or to the structure of your home, you will need to check with your local city or county building department to obtain the necessary permits. This will save you time. If you need a permit for your renovation, you can get it before you have the electrician, plumber, or carpenter comes to do the job. The first thing that your repairman will do is ask for your permit.
Environmental and Personal Safety- You need to use material throughout your home that cause the least amount of damage to the environment. Paints and varnishes contain solvents that are hazardous to the environment and the air in your home. When ever possible use water based and acrylic paints. Water based and acrylic paints also offer easy clean up. Lumber can be another concern. Buy wood from a well managed renewable source look for the international FSC trademark. Do not be tempted by mahogany, ebony teak, and African walnut. These woods when cut, threaten rainforest throughout the world. Some decorating material are dangerous so take precaution when working with them and always work in a well ventilated room when using solvent based paints, varnishes, sprays and other chemicals. Wear protective clothing, gloves or wear a mask over you mouth and nose if necessary. Use goggles to shield your eyes from particles that might get in your eyes when using saws,jigsaws or knives. When using a ladder, make sure it is always stable. Have a partner near to brace the ladder when working at high distances. Never work alone when working at high distances.
Electrical Modifications- Leave it to the experts unless you know 100% what you are doing. The average Inexperienced person needs to call on a qualified electrician for electrical upgrades. Make sure your electrician is licensed to proactive in your state or county before hiring them. You can also contact the American Avocation of Arbitrators to avoid costly court proceedings if this go wrong. Get a recommendation from a friend that has used the electrical contractor that you are considering. If you do not have a recommendation from a friend, ask the contractor for references. Call the better business beau for complaints.
Gas - Work that involves gas appliances, which includes installing a gas oven, fireplace, or water heater must be done by a licensed individual with experience in gas piping. Your local building department must approve and inspect the work before it begins and after its is completed.
Tiles- Even a inexperienced home decorator can tile with the right direction and practice. Slate and sandstone tiles may need to be cut using an angle grinder in which a professional tiler would have. Using simple instructions most basic tiling, can be a do it yourself project. The glossary will help you find your way through some common tiling terms. Latex- Substance added to cement based adhesive to give flexibility of movement when laying tiles on wood floors. Grout- Filler applied to the gaps between tiles. Cement dye- Pigment used to color cement. Cement based tile adhesive- Adhesive used for sticking ceramic floor tiles to wood, concrete, and other materials. Mosaic tiles- Small ceramic tiles available bonded together in sheets and stripes by a layer of facing paper, which is soaked off with water after the tiles have been stuck in place. Nibbling- Cutting small pieces of tile to get a perfect fit. Nipper- Tool for nibbling tiles. Ripple smalti- Mosaics with gold or silver between two layers of glass. Silicone sealant - adhesive used to stick tiles to glass and other surfaces. Smalti- Traditional mosaic tiles, made in Italy. Tooth- Grooves or scratches in a surface that provide a bond for tiles. Vitreous glass tiles- Opaque glass mosaic tiles with a beveled underside to aid adhesion. Water resistant cement based tile adhesive- Made for sticking tiles to metal or concrete. Bevel- Polished sloping surface around the edge of glass.
Glass- There are many different types of glass and a number of associated processes and techniques- the follow following glossary with help you decipher the term. For obvious reasons, glass needs to be handled with care and the cutting and drilling of glass should always be left to a professional. Acid etching- Glass decorating process, Bevel- Polished sloping surface around the edge of glass. Casting- Process of pouring glass in a mold. Enamel - Colored substance used for painting glass. Epoxy resin- Adhesive commonly used to bond glass to glass or to other materials. Firing- Process carried out in a kiln to fix enamel to glass. Frosting - Light sandblasting, Laminated - Two layers of glass stuck together, usually with a clear plastic interlayer for strength. Resist -Material used to protect areas of glass when sandblasting or etching. Casting- Process of pouring glass in a mold. Sandblasting- Sand blown by compressed air to abrade the glass surface results in translucent glass. Silicone sealant- A common adhesive for bonding glass to glass or other materials. Toughened glass- Very strong safety glass, made by heating and rapidly cooling the glass sheet. Translucent- Term describing glass that admits some light but can not be seen through. White acid - Chemical used to produce a dense whitening of the glass.
Acclimating your working materials- Any material that may absorb moisture such as wood flooring, cork, and some tiles can swell from moisture absorbs. These type of materials need to be in the area inwhich they are to be use for at least forty eight hours before they are used. Some building materials, (some woods) need to be in the environment inwhich they will be used up to three weeks to absorb any moisture. Vinyl tiles and sheeting expand with warmth so they should also be left to acclimatize in the room. Check instructions on the materials before using.
Sanding- This is my "all time" worst thing to do, but it is imperative that it gets done for a professional look. Sanding is noisy, messy, and sometimes dangerous. Before you start you need to wear protective goggles, earmuffs, a mask, and you will have to rent a large sander to sand wood floors. Remove drapes furniture and everything from the room that you do not want to dust. Seal your doorways to prevent dust from seeping into other rooms. Choose the grade of sand paper you will need. To remove old paint or level uneven boards, use a coarse paper first, followed by medium, then fine paper. Use the detail sander in the same way for edging where the large sander does not reach.
Masking- Most paint jobs requires masking. The simplest way to mask off areas you do not want to paint is to use masking tape. Masking tape can be found in your paint department and will easily peel off your walls. Mark off the areas that you don't want to paint with masking tape. Press the edges of the masking tape to ensure the paint will not be able to seep underneath the tape. Paint up to the edge . Remove the tape when the pain is dry.
Feel free to the Linen Lockers experinced decorators for all your designing questions www.linenlocker.com
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