As the springtime weather shifts from messy to mild, every homeowner's attention turns to the out of doors. It's time to clean things up, tend to the garden, and make needed repairs to both the home and its surroundings. Where to start? Assuming that your exterior paint is failing, it's best to focus on that first, according to experts.
Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert for the Paint Quality Institute says there are plenty of good reasons to start spring chores with exterior painting:
"First, spring is a very comfortable time to do outdoor painting. Second, it's smart to paint before putting down mulch, which along with your plants, will just get trampled if you paint later on. Third, why not get your painting done before more pleasant 'distractions' like gardening, sports, and barbecues begin?"
Zimmer says that if your house paint is near the end of its life expectancy, you're taking a chance by postponing repainting. It doesn't take long for exposed wood to begin to rot, and other types of exteriors also suffer when the paint wears off. Wait too long and you may have to make repairs before starting to paint.
Another reason to get to your painting first: Exterior latex paint forms the most durable, protective finish when the weather is mild. "It's always best to do exterior painting when the temperature is above 50 degrees F., but not too hot," says Zimmer. "Very hot days can cause the paint to dry too quickly and impair good paint film formation. By painting in moderate weather, you'll likely get a longer-lasting paint job."
If a day starts off mild, but turns very hot, try to avoid painting in direct sunshine, since sunlit surfaces can be 10 to 20 degrees hotter than the air temperature. Work your way around the house so that you are always painting in the shade. As a bonus, you'll be more comfortable!
When painting, pick a day that isn't too windy. Like the heat of the sun, wind can cause latex paint to dry too quickly and prevent optimal paint film formation. Plus, wind can stir up dust and other contaminants that can imbed in the paint to create an inviting surface for mildew, which feeds on such matter.
You should also try to steer clear of "weather events" that could affect the paint, waiting for another day if it has rained within the last 24 hours, or postponing the job if several days of rain are expected right after you finish painting.
Of course, it's important to properly prepare the surface before doing any exterior painting. That includes applying a coat of primer to any new surface that has never been painted, or spot-priming previously painted surfaces where the paint is worn away.
To extend the life of your paint job, Zimmer recommends that you apply the very highest quality 100% acrylic latex paint, which is especially durable, flexible and colorfast. Top quality paint often lasts 10 years or more, compared to about four years for ordinary paint, saving you time, work, and money in the long run. For the longest-lasting paint job, always apply at least two coats -- either a coat of primer or a coat of paint, or two coats of house paint.
Once you've finished your exterior painting, you can turn your attention to the other things on your to-do list. What's more, you'll have peace of mind knowing that you've done right by your biggest investment -- your home.
Via - (www.marketwatch.com)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Do I Need to Use Paint Primer?
Paint colors, dyes and compositions are getting better all the time. Effects that would have been unthinkable just a generation ago are becoming easier than ever to achieve, from special matte finishes that resemble suede to effortless crackle glazes that make faux effects a cinch. One thing paint cannot do terribly well on its own, however, is bond to every possible surface without a little help. This is where paint primer comes in. If you have come online in search of vetted and reliable info on which primer to use and when, the following survey may be of some use.
The basic rule of thumb for paint primer is that it is necessary whenever you cannot create a totally flat surface for painting. Surfaces with cracks, holes or depressions that aren’t properly sealed could greatly reduce the paint’s ability to set effectively, so inherently porous substrates such as wood, drywall and concrete tend to come with primer recommendations attached. The natural holes in such materials can create an uneven surface for painting. But each of these materials requires somewhat different care, and it pays to understand what distinguishes one from the next.
Wood is the most common surface for paint primers, a fact that is hardly surprising considering its organic nature. The reason you always want to prime wood before painting is twofold – to protect the paint, and to protect the wood. A number of modern paints dry into proper color and hardness via evaporation, meaning they require the water to find its way into the atmosphere. The problem is that wood is a notoriously thirsty substance, and it is easy for water to get absorbed into the grain itself. Often the paint will begin to pucker and peels if the wood isn’t dry, making it necessary to scrape and start over. Paint primer creates a watertight seals between the two and ensures the paint has a smooth and adhesive surface with which to bond.
A second reason you always want to prime a wood surface is because the same absorption can quickly undo your attempts at an even coat. Lighter paint colors especially will often reveal the telltale whorls of wood grain even after several passes, requiring you to paint over and over for a truly solid hue. Although you could indeed take the hours necessary to paint repeatedly, often you can achieve the same effect with a few fast coats of primer first. The advantage extends well beyond mere convenience – primer tends to cost far less than paint, easing your financial burden in the process.
The wood itself can be injured without a primer in place. Although a negligible amount of water is absorbed during drying, considerably greater amounts may leech into the grain if that painted surface is exposed to the elements. Without a primer in place, it’s not unusual for repeated thunderstorms to take their toll, creating devastating conditions for mold, mildew and warping. Although many people consider outdoor paints to be waterproof, often they are anything but – their hardy nature derives from their ability to absorb rainwater with ease.
Of course, paint primer is recommended for a variety of other materials as well. In concrete and drywall, for instance, you simply want to seal the surface and create a solid bond without having to worry about similar problems with drying and moisture. For metals – especially those prone to rust –http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif a paint primer can protect the surface itself ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnd keep moisture locked out. Plastics too can benefit from a coat of paint primer, particularly if they are porous in nature or you are putting a light color over a darker one. Finally you may need primer to marry two different paint types together, as when you apply latex over oil paint.
One thing primers are decidedly not for is hiding blemishes or “sealing in” mold and mildew. If you are working with a material that may have absorbed or produced an organic population such as this, it is essential to clean thoroughly before you paint. Dry everything for several hours and wait to see if the problem recurs. It is better to discard a rotted plank than to use primer to delay the inevitable!
Via - (www.homeimprovement.superpages.com)
Paint colors, dyes and compositions are getting better all the time. Effects that would have been unthinkable just a generation ago are becoming easier than ever to achieve, from special matte finishes that resemble suede to effortless crackle glazes that make faux effects a cinch. One thing paint cannot do terribly well on its own, however, is bond to every possible surface without a little help. This is where paint primer comes in. If you have come online in search of vetted and reliable info on which primer to use and when, the following survey may be of some use.
The basic rule of thumb for paint primer is that it is necessary whenever you cannot create a totally flat surface for painting. Surfaces with cracks, holes or depressions that aren’t properly sealed could greatly reduce the paint’s ability to set effectively, so inherently porous substrates such as wood, drywall and concrete tend to come with primer recommendations attached. The natural holes in such materials can create an uneven surface for painting. But each of these materials requires somewhat different care, and it pays to understand what distinguishes one from the next.
Wood is the most common surface for paint primers, a fact that is hardly surprising considering its organic nature. The reason you always want to prime wood before painting is twofold – to protect the paint, and to protect the wood. A number of modern paints dry into proper color and hardness via evaporation, meaning they require the water to find its way into the atmosphere. The problem is that wood is a notoriously thirsty substance, and it is easy for water to get absorbed into the grain itself. Often the paint will begin to pucker and peels if the wood isn’t dry, making it necessary to scrape and start over. Paint primer creates a watertight seals between the two and ensures the paint has a smooth and adhesive surface with which to bond.
A second reason you always want to prime a wood surface is because the same absorption can quickly undo your attempts at an even coat. Lighter paint colors especially will often reveal the telltale whorls of wood grain even after several passes, requiring you to paint over and over for a truly solid hue. Although you could indeed take the hours necessary to paint repeatedly, often you can achieve the same effect with a few fast coats of primer first. The advantage extends well beyond mere convenience – primer tends to cost far less than paint, easing your financial burden in the process.
The wood itself can be injured without a primer in place. Although a negligible amount of water is absorbed during drying, considerably greater amounts may leech into the grain if that painted surface is exposed to the elements. Without a primer in place, it’s not unusual for repeated thunderstorms to take their toll, creating devastating conditions for mold, mildew and warping. Although many people consider outdoor paints to be waterproof, often they are anything but – their hardy nature derives from their ability to absorb rainwater with ease.
Of course, paint primer is recommended for a variety of other materials as well. In concrete and drywall, for instance, you simply want to seal the surface and create a solid bond without having to worry about similar problems with drying and moisture. For metals – especially those prone to rust –http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif a paint primer can protect the surface itself ahttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifnd keep moisture locked out. Plastics too can benefit from a coat of paint primer, particularly if they are porous in nature or you are putting a light color over a darker one. Finally you may need primer to marry two different paint types together, as when you apply latex over oil paint.
One thing primers are decidedly not for is hiding blemishes or “sealing in” mold and mildew. If you are working with a material that may have absorbed or produced an organic population such as this, it is essential to clean thoroughly before you paint. Dry everything for several hours and wait to see if the problem recurs. It is better to discard a rotted plank than to use primer to delay the inevitable!
Via - (www.homeimprovement.superpages.com)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Adanis exit realty, to put Mumbai sites on the block
AHMEDABAD: After making a grand foray into real estate and taking up several township projects, industrialist Gautam Adani’s flagship company Adani Enterprises (AEL) has decided to exit the real estate sector and focus on its core infrastructure business – mainly ports and power.
The announcement surprised market watchers in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Gurgaon, where the group has large land-holdings and ongoing projects, which are being executed by subsidiary Adani Infrastructure and Developers (AIDL) .
“The board of directors has approved the proposal. The move will infuse additional liquidity in the company. We would be able to focus on our core businesses,” Devang Desai, executive director, AEL, said on Thursday. The AEL stock closed over 4% down at Rs 393 on the BSE on Thursday on the back of disappointing quarterly results.
The group’s real estate interests first became evident in 2006, when it acquired development rights for 21 lakh sq feet from Housing Development and Infrastructure (HDIL) at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai in an Rs 2,000-crore deals, the biggest in the country then. Later, Adanis also acquired the Khatau Mills land in Mumbai.
“We may consider a total exit from the whole portfolio of our real estate projects, including Mumbai. It has a negligible share in our total revenues,” said Desai. The company has nearly 40 million sq ft under various stages of development at different locations. “We are working out divestment model, either through complete change of guard or a mix of ownership,” Desai added.
The company had also announced plans of an integrated township at Mundra in Kutch. The group had also made a foray into the Delhi-NCR region.
Via - (www.indianrealitynews.com)
The announcement surprised market watchers in Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Gurgaon, where the group has large land-holdings and ongoing projects, which are being executed by subsidiary Adani Infrastructure and Developers (AIDL) .
“The board of directors has approved the proposal. The move will infuse additional liquidity in the company. We would be able to focus on our core businesses,” Devang Desai, executive director, AEL, said on Thursday. The AEL stock closed over 4% down at Rs 393 on the BSE on Thursday on the back of disappointing quarterly results.
The group’s real estate interests first became evident in 2006, when it acquired development rights for 21 lakh sq feet from Housing Development and Infrastructure (HDIL) at Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai in an Rs 2,000-crore deals, the biggest in the country then. Later, Adanis also acquired the Khatau Mills land in Mumbai.
“We may consider a total exit from the whole portfolio of our real estate projects, including Mumbai. It has a negligible share in our total revenues,” said Desai. The company has nearly 40 million sq ft under various stages of development at different locations. “We are working out divestment model, either through complete change of guard or a mix of ownership,” Desai added.
The company had also announced plans of an integrated township at Mundra in Kutch. The group had also made a foray into the Delhi-NCR region.
Via - (www.indianrealitynews.com)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Green Paint for Safer House
Paints add beauty and elegance to your house. However paints have negative impact to air quality because of presence of chemicals called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other toxic components that evaporate into air at room temperature and can cause a variety of health problems like nausea, dizziness, irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract and more serious illnesses like heart, lung or kidney damage and even cause cancer.
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the fumes that you smell while you paint, and sometimes several days after. A VOC is an organic chemical that becomes a breathable gas at room temperature. Some examples are benzene, ethylene glycol, vinyl chloride and mercury. VOCs in paint usually come from additives to the paint, such as fungicides, biocides, color, and spreadability agents. High levels of VOCs in paints can cause headaches, allergic reactions, and health problems in the very old, very young and in those with chronic illnesses.
Concerns about air pollution and hazardous waste have greatly reduced the use of oil-based paints, which can release high amounts of VOCs and contain toxic solvents. Alkyd-based paints and latex paints are much safer, but some still have high levels of VOCs.
Because of health and safety concerns, paint manufacturers around the country have made great strides in formulating paints that have no or low-VOCs and that provide excellent results.
Some older buildings, particularly if they are pre-1960, many have been painted in the past with a paint made with lead pigments. Special care is needed in the safe preparation and removal of these coatings.
Via - (www.indiahometips.com)
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are the fumes that you smell while you paint, and sometimes several days after. A VOC is an organic chemical that becomes a breathable gas at room temperature. Some examples are benzene, ethylene glycol, vinyl chloride and mercury. VOCs in paint usually come from additives to the paint, such as fungicides, biocides, color, and spreadability agents. High levels of VOCs in paints can cause headaches, allergic reactions, and health problems in the very old, very young and in those with chronic illnesses.
Concerns about air pollution and hazardous waste have greatly reduced the use of oil-based paints, which can release high amounts of VOCs and contain toxic solvents. Alkyd-based paints and latex paints are much safer, but some still have high levels of VOCs.
Because of health and safety concerns, paint manufacturers around the country have made great strides in formulating paints that have no or low-VOCs and that provide excellent results.
Some older buildings, particularly if they are pre-1960, many have been painted in the past with a paint made with lead pigments. Special care is needed in the safe preparation and removal of these coatings.
Via - (www.indiahometips.com)
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Vastu Tips for Painting
Colorus according to Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra play a vital role in bringing balance to our minds as well as bodies and to stimulate our energy. Therefore colours in our home, shop and office should be coordinated with the colours of respective planets and elements associated with different directions.
This will help in enhancing the energy flow around every individual in the house. Here are some guidelines on particular colours, which will help you to choose the right Vastu and Feng Shui colours for every room.
Every Navagraha planet has been associated with every color. By following colors according to their favorite colors, people get good relief and peaceful life in their life. These are only guidance and wherever possible can be followed.
Red Color:
Red and pink color is the favorite color of Lord Sun or "Surya" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. The colour red represents power and bravery. It is the most dramatic, emotional and active colour comparing to other two primary colours blue and yellow.
It is known for evoking a seductive atmosphere of passion and desire. With its versatile effect it enlivens the interior space by creating excitement, warmth and elegance. It should not be used in bedrooms because of its energizing quality, although some red can be used to enhance sensuality. It can also be exhausting or overpowering and stressful for those who are anxious.
Orange Color:
Orange color is the favorite color of Lord Jupiter or "Guru Bagawan" of the Navagraha planet as per jyothish shastra. This colour inspires spirituality as it represents transcendence and an otherworldly aspect. It encourages happy, joyful and social gatherings.
An orange coloured dining room will help to stimulate good appetite. So, if you want to enhance parties, communication, positive feelings and cheerfulness in your daily living, paint your dining room or living room in orange. Peach can also be used as it gives a cool effect.
Green Color:
Green color is the favorite color of Lord Mercury or "Budhan" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish shastra. This colour represents nature. Green helps in bringing a harmonious atmosphere that generates calm and inner peace with an energizing quality within the house. It brings balanced harmony, quick healing and rejuvenation to a room.
It can be used as a calming place for people who are disturbed or in need of refreshment. Today most of the hospitals use it because of its quick healing aspects. It can also be used in study room as it enhances intelligence.
Yellow Color:
Yellow color is the favorite color of Lord Jupiter or "Guru Bagawan" and also for Lord Moon "Chandran“ of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. Yellow colour nurtures mental alertness and clarity of mind. It represents sunlight. Remember, if a room gets direct sunlight; do not paint the walls with yellow or peach.
Choose its placement with care, as it is bright and very energizing. However this colour inspires intellectual clarity, comprehensible associations, articulate thinking and joyful energy. For prayer room, yellow or sandal wall colours are just perfect. It is a recommended colour for the logical left side of the brain. It is intellectually beneficial and you might use it with yellow accents instead of painting each wall yellow.
Blue Color:
Blue color is the favorite color of Lord Saturn or "Sani" and also for Lord Venus or "Sukiran" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. This colour represents Sky.
It gives a sense of space and expansion that relaxes body and mind. It can be used for bedrooms or meditation rooms because of its calming and spiritual energy. It enhances meditative quality and it is believed that blue acts like a colour therapy to reduce blood pressure.
Purple Color:
Purple color is the favorite color of Lord Saturn or "Sani" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. It helps in reflecting positive reflections and stimulates meditation.
This rich colour inspires faith, intuition and trust. It is very protective, spiritual and comforting. Never paint an entire room in purple as it could be overpowering. However an additional light violet colour can provide a very healing and calming atmosphere.
White Color:
White color is the favorite color of Lord Moon or "Chandran" and also for Lord Venus or "Sukiran" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. White is an elegant colour and works fine anywhere when combined with accent colours. It has an uplifting and cleansing aspect, however too much white can reflect a sterile and isolating quality.
White ceilings are widely suggested by most of the scholars as they reflect light and brighten the room. A room in Northwest direction representing the room should use white and other bright colours like blue and green. Avoid grey and black colours specifically.
Via - (www.vasthurengan.com)
This will help in enhancing the energy flow around every individual in the house. Here are some guidelines on particular colours, which will help you to choose the right Vastu and Feng Shui colours for every room.
Every Navagraha planet has been associated with every color. By following colors according to their favorite colors, people get good relief and peaceful life in their life. These are only guidance and wherever possible can be followed.
Red Color:
Red and pink color is the favorite color of Lord Sun or "Surya" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. The colour red represents power and bravery. It is the most dramatic, emotional and active colour comparing to other two primary colours blue and yellow.
It is known for evoking a seductive atmosphere of passion and desire. With its versatile effect it enlivens the interior space by creating excitement, warmth and elegance. It should not be used in bedrooms because of its energizing quality, although some red can be used to enhance sensuality. It can also be exhausting or overpowering and stressful for those who are anxious.
Orange Color:
Orange color is the favorite color of Lord Jupiter or "Guru Bagawan" of the Navagraha planet as per jyothish shastra. This colour inspires spirituality as it represents transcendence and an otherworldly aspect. It encourages happy, joyful and social gatherings.
An orange coloured dining room will help to stimulate good appetite. So, if you want to enhance parties, communication, positive feelings and cheerfulness in your daily living, paint your dining room or living room in orange. Peach can also be used as it gives a cool effect.
Green Color:
Green color is the favorite color of Lord Mercury or "Budhan" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish shastra. This colour represents nature. Green helps in bringing a harmonious atmosphere that generates calm and inner peace with an energizing quality within the house. It brings balanced harmony, quick healing and rejuvenation to a room.
It can be used as a calming place for people who are disturbed or in need of refreshment. Today most of the hospitals use it because of its quick healing aspects. It can also be used in study room as it enhances intelligence.
Yellow Color:
Yellow color is the favorite color of Lord Jupiter or "Guru Bagawan" and also for Lord Moon "Chandran“ of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. Yellow colour nurtures mental alertness and clarity of mind. It represents sunlight. Remember, if a room gets direct sunlight; do not paint the walls with yellow or peach.
Choose its placement with care, as it is bright and very energizing. However this colour inspires intellectual clarity, comprehensible associations, articulate thinking and joyful energy. For prayer room, yellow or sandal wall colours are just perfect. It is a recommended colour for the logical left side of the brain. It is intellectually beneficial and you might use it with yellow accents instead of painting each wall yellow.
Blue Color:
Blue color is the favorite color of Lord Saturn or "Sani" and also for Lord Venus or "Sukiran" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. This colour represents Sky.
It gives a sense of space and expansion that relaxes body and mind. It can be used for bedrooms or meditation rooms because of its calming and spiritual energy. It enhances meditative quality and it is believed that blue acts like a colour therapy to reduce blood pressure.
Purple Color:
Purple color is the favorite color of Lord Saturn or "Sani" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. It helps in reflecting positive reflections and stimulates meditation.
This rich colour inspires faith, intuition and trust. It is very protective, spiritual and comforting. Never paint an entire room in purple as it could be overpowering. However an additional light violet colour can provide a very healing and calming atmosphere.
White Color:
White color is the favorite color of Lord Moon or "Chandran" and also for Lord Venus or "Sukiran" of the Navagraha planet as per jyotish Shastra. White is an elegant colour and works fine anywhere when combined with accent colours. It has an uplifting and cleansing aspect, however too much white can reflect a sterile and isolating quality.
White ceilings are widely suggested by most of the scholars as they reflect light and brighten the room. A room in Northwest direction representing the room should use white and other bright colours like blue and green. Avoid grey and black colours specifically.
Via - (www.vasthurengan.com)
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