Easy DIY Decorating - Repairing Peeling Paint Spots

How to Repair Peeling Paint in 4 Easy Steps
Step 1. Find The Moisture
Before you tackle the problematic area it is essential that you first identify the source of the moisture. The usual suspects are leaky pipes, gutters and overhangs - once you have found what is causing the moisture problem you will need to repair or alter it so that the area is able to dry out. When the peeling area has had a few days to dry you will be ready to move on to step two of the redecorating.
Step 2. Remove the Paint and Treat the Area
Step two deals with removing the peeling paint and cleaning up the area ready for repainting. Using a suitable tool, such as a flat edge scraper, you will need to completely remove all paint around the affected area. To be on the safe side it is recommend by professional painters and decorators that you remove paint as much as 30cm or 12 inches away from the peeling area. You may need to use sandpaper or solvents after scraping to ensure that there is absolutely no paint remaining.
If you have used solvents then you should let the surface dry completely. If you are painting onto wood then it is now time to move to step three, if not then you can skip right to the final stage!
Step 3. Seal The Wood
To prevent a return of the problem it is best practice to seal the wood with a sealer, this can be found at your local painting and decorating store. Apply the sealer to the affected area as per the instructions on the tin. Most sealers require 4-6 hours drying time at a minimum, overnight is usually best. Sealers work by preventing the wood from absorbing any more moisture, which would cause yet more peeling.
Step 4. Repaint The Area
Once you have completed all the applicable steps then you are ready to repaint the area. For the best finish it is recommended that you repaint the entire area, however if you are skilled at blending paints then you may be able to paint only the affected area. If you are painting the exterior wall of your house than please ensure you are using exterior paints - interior paint simply isn't hard wearing enough to endure the outdoor life.
Peeling paint can often indicate an underlying moisture problem and it is essential that this is rectified prior to any restoration project. If in doubt, contact a professional painter decorator for advice and assistance.

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DIY Decorative Concrete For Your Deck

Don't you hate it when you've been planning on giving your deck or patio a makeover but whenever you get an architect to quote you it always seems to be over your budget? Hiring other people can usually be expensive, especially if you want something specific to be done to your deck or patio, and because getting other people to do something for you generally costs more than when you do the job yourself.
The beauty of a decorative concrete project is that it requires little amount of effort coming from you, but the effects are nonetheless amazing. If you want to try something as easy but wonderful as a decorative concrete method, here are the basic steps to get you started. You can do it by yourself or with a help of a friend.
Assuming that you have all the needed materials ready, the first step is to mix the overlay concrete onto the concrete canvas you're going to work on. You'll be needing a gauge rake to spread the coat evenly throughout the concrete. The color of the overlay you have to already be mixed before you pour in the mixture.
Next, you're going to put in the antiquing powder onto the mixture before it completely dries up and before you put the design stamp onto the concrete. The antiquing powder works in two ways. First, it prevents the concrete from sticking on to the rubber stamp you're going to put on the concrete later, and second, it improves the color of your design.
After the antiquing powder has been added, the final and most crucial step is putting in the stamp on the concrete. It's up to you what design you choose and what look you want to achieve. The most common choices are brick and stone, but you can have your own design stamped on the concrete. Leave the project overnight until it has completely dried.
The following morning, pressure wash the surface to remove any sign of the antiquing powder that might have been left behind, and to polish the concrete also. After it has dried, put two coatings of a solvent based sealer to bring out the design of the concrete and at the same time protect its finish.

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