How would you like to benefit from my mistakes?
This post is not for you experienced DIYers, it is for people like me who are new to this hobby and want to stop making stupid mistakes, and wasting time and money on bad products.
I started out in August by making a backsplash in my spare bathroom with Dollar Tree marbles. It looks awesome, but I used Mapei Tile 1 which squelched out onto some of the marbles and had to be removed with Mineral Spirits. Also, I am very bad at prep. so instead of putting down drop cloths and taping things off, I went charging in and made a lot of unnecessary mess.
Then I painted one small bathroom cabinet with a sample of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint which went on great but looked too flat. I tried some of their wax on a small portion and it looked no better. So I did two coats of Polyurethane but made a very bad job on the molding. When I painted the mirror frame I bought a small can of RustOLeum oil paint - bad smell, long drying time - then realized it was for outside furniture to prevent rust! (Read the label first in future). Still undaunted, I decided to paint the plastic sink. Oh, no, RTG Tub and Shower paint left drips, blobs, brush marks, has no sheen whatsoever and is now peeling off. I shall need to buy a new sink after all.
Next I scrubbed the tiles in my kitchen with vinegar - worked really well - but the Quick Shine I put on afterwards turned the grout brown again. Also when I cleaned the floor, the Quick Shine balled up like wet blotting paper so I had to scrub it all off with Krud Kutter.
Present project - painting the kitchen cabinets. I used General Finishes Milk Paint which needs no sanding or priming and looks wonderful. It went on very smoothly, and so far I have done 3 coats on 17 doors and one large cabinet with one quart of paint. They suggest using foam brushes which left no brush marks at all. I made the mistake of trying to fill nail holes with DAP grout which was grainy and fell out. Next I used 3M Patch and Prime and it worked well. But, oh, dear, I removed the painter's tape after the paint had dried and it took chunks out of my walls. So now I shall have to patch or repaint the walls. Also, I started to hang some of the doors then realized I should put the hardware on first!
Oh, well, you can't say I am not trying. Press onward.
To be continued......
Related Discussions
Tip: Get rid of the dreaded ring in the toilet!
Easy Peasy to get rid of! Next time you visit your local Dollar store - pick up a pumice stone ( normally used on your feet to remove unsightly rough skin ) Be sure t... See more
Review: Command Hooks Are Life Savers! What Do You Use Them For?
I LOVE these little life savers. I'm a renter so I always have to find that balance between making my space mine and making my landlady angry.That's why I'm crazy abo... See more
Southern Traditions: Why Did My Grandmas Sweep Their Yards?
My question as I watched these grandparents was always, "Why are you sweeping your yards, and why is there no grass around your house?" We have grass around ours.
What Are Some Unexpected Uses for Dryer Sheets?
I looove using dryer to sheets to make my cloths smell great, and I know that they have a bunch of other surprising, helpful uses as well. What are some unexpected wa... See more
Help me overcome my fear of drills!
I'm getting a drill for as a birthday present I'm really excited, but I'm also concerned. I have a bit of a fear of power tools.What are your best safety tips for han... See more
Can you help us coordinate our TV stand with existing End Tables?
A TV stand is not available in the style of our end tables. It has been recommended to us that we look for a TV stand that is in contrast to the two tables (photos p... See more
Tip: You Can Replace Your Cat Litter With Chicken Feed!
I have a large scale cat rescue and some years back discovered the use of chicken feed for litter have stopped buying clay litter altogether. First, chicken feed is ... See more
Oh, I forgot to mention my most successful project. I painted the kitchen counter tops with a Gianni paint kit and they look fantastic, just like granite. I also painted the bathroom vanity and a coffee table and still have some paint left for another project.
Thanks for the advice!
All of that in just two months? Slow down and take your time. Do your research and do a small sample spot if it's all that new to you.
Wow! I'm already exhausted! Thanks bunches!!
Hi Sally, I am a somewhat experienced diyer and I still make mistakes sometimes so I feel your pain. I just re-upholstered a stool that I tufted and realized that I didn't put the tufts in the right places so now I have to tear it off and start again. Live and learn. lol It does get easier I promise. There will come a time when you stand back and admire the great job you did and how beautiful it looks.
Oh, no, Rebecca - life just 'ain't fair, is it? But I am really thrilled with the way my Gianni counter tops turned out. That was my 'piece de resistance'. The cabinets are turning out OK, too, so far. My mobile home is very old so everything is made of faux wood pressed board. I am pleased to say that General Finishes milk paint bears no grudges. Onward.....
Sally....first of all take a deep breath and thank yourself for trying so hard. The ONLY way to get better at anything is to keep at it. My ONLY suggestion to you is to take more baby steps. I think your enthusiasm is causing you to do projects way above your abilities. But you will get skills and confidence each time you do a project. Most of all have fun with them.
Heh, Fiddled, I am sitting down now after just completing my kitchen cabinet painting project. I honestly never imagined I could do something so ambitious on my own. I am 71, physically ill and had to climb up and down, bend, stretch and sit on the floor. However, it is now complete and looks just great.