Today we're doing SCIENCE. Not long ago, I was standing in the hardware store staring at the bewildering array of paintbrushes and wondering whether the expensive ones are worth the extra five bucks. So in the interest of handymankind, I did an experiment: I bought brushes from the two most popular brands and compared them. The Purdy cost about $15 and the Wooster cost about $10. Here they are in almost-new condition: Now when it comes to paintbrushes, I am a cruel master. It comes with the territory. As a handyman, one of my top priorities is keeping your home clean during the job, and the last thing I want to do is rinse my brushes in your sink. So paintbrushes get tossed into paint cans or brush keepers or plastic bags, then taken home and rinsed out later. This is basically the worst thing you can do to a brush, but that's the handyman life. Here's the same brushes after a month of misuse. So far, so good. The brush keepers (those plastic boxes on the right) have kept the paint from drying on the brush, so I've been able to get most of the paint out after each use. At first glance, the Purdy (the expensive brush with the dark bristles) looks like it's performing poorly. As you can see, it's not holding its shape as well compared to the Wooster: However, at this point I really prefer the Purdy, because it's great in action. That curly little tip holds a nice bead of paint, and it's much easier to cut in and make neat lines with it. The Wooster is stiffer. It can be harder to control it, and I can't get into to corners with it as well as I can with the Purdy. The Purdy just feels better to paint with. So I was all set to recommend the Purdy, until this happened: One of my "brush keepers" popped open when I wasn't looking, the brush dried out, and I discovered just how unreliable these fancy plastic gadgets can be. (I should have stuck with my trusty Ziploc bags.) As I've said, the handyman life is hard on brushes, and this was a timely reminder that dead brushes are a real problem for me.
So which brush is better? The Wooster is the most cost-effective. Use it as your "beater" brush. The Purdy paints better. Use it if you really need to cut in a straight line and/or you have the time to clean your brush. Or you could just hire me to paint your house. I'm good at it! As the year winds down to a close, I've been flipping through all the projects I've done and realizing that it's been a great year for repairs that are both beautiful and functional. Here's my pick of the three best before-and-after projects of 2016. Rebuilding a Really Rotten Railing This railing rotted away from the inside because the original builder didn't use pressure-treated lumber. It looked solid until I touched it with my chisel... then it fell apart! I rebuilt it with water-resistant materials for a truly solid and lasting stair railing. Tori's Built-In Bookshelves Noted author Tori Hartman moved to Montford and needed shelving around her fireplace. I installed custom shelving which complemented the room beautifully. Here it is after she styled it: A Light, Bright Office Update The Griffin Agency moved into a new office in an historic building in downtown Asheville, and they needed a fresh coat of paint to brighten up the place: The transformation was somewhat heightened by my new camera. In addition to interior painting, I also installed a new kitchenette which fit right into the decorative scheme of their office: Does your New Year's list include a resolution to get those small home repair projects done? If so, give me a call. I'll be glad to help you go from boring "before" to amazing "after."
You've probably dreamed about having a "vine covered cottage," but this winter one of my clients took the first step to making it happen: she had me install some good, sturdy lattice. Here's the "before" picture so you can see where we started. This home in Montford has a big back porch with white stairs that wind down into the yard. It's beautiful architecture, but the skimpy lattice under the stairs left the "potting shed" area underneath exposed. I installed all new lattice to wrap around the stairs... ...which gives it a much more solid look. She'll still have lattice to support her flowering bushes, but now it also hides the potting bench. This makes a more private shed to putter around in on a Sunday afternoon: Call the decorating magazines! This place is crying out for a few casually draped gloves and a pot of geraniums. Decorative touches aside, I also had some more practical work to do: repairing and repainting the porch floor. (Click any of those pictures to enlarge.)
I make it look easy, but the porch floor repair was actually something of a challenge. The biggest challenge was getting a day that was warm and dry enough to paint the new boards. Fortunately living in Asheville is right next door to living in Paradise, so even in winter there's usually a good day if you time it right. If you have a porch or railing in need of repair, please give me a call. I really enjoy work like this, so I'd be glad to help. These pictures remind me of those children's games in newspapers, where they tell you to spot the differences. Nope, this porch wasn't brightened up in Photoshop. Let's zoom in closer so you can see what a dramatic change a little paint makes. Here's the "before." It had been a really long time since this porch railing was touched up, and it was starting to look weather-beaten. Here's how it looks now: What a difference! It looks like new wood, but it's just a careful coat of oil-based primer followed by a fresh coat of semi-gloss paint. Here's another angle showing the stair railing before and after: Before it looked like it would give you splinters, but now it's something you're glad to grab onto as you climb the porch stairs.
If your porch needs a little paint, give me a call. I'll be glad to freshen it up for you. I recently repainted a porch, and I can't resist showing you the best picture first. Don't you just want to sit there and enjoy the pleasant fall weather? The porch was actually in pretty good shape when I arrived, but closer inspection revealed that it needed a new paint job on the railings, the floor and the swing. The swing was really gratifying to repaint. While I was there, I also re-hung the porch gate. I used double-swing hinges, so you can push straight through the gate no matter which way you're going. It makes a big difference when you're coming onto the porch with an armload of groceries. If your porch is looking tired and dirty, why not call me and get a coat of paint and a pick-me-up? The curb appeal of a clean porch is a great investment in your home value and, more importantly, in your lifestyle. After all, who doesn't enjoy a comfortable porch swing during Asheville's warm fall weather?
|
About
Connect!
Archives
April 2022
This blog is for entertainment purposes only. See our Terms of Use for details.
|
What Our Clients Are Saying
"Arthur is that rare professional handyman who is totally reliable; fairly priced; pro-active in communications; honest; punctual; skilled -- and a really nice guy." "Arthur is a great resource to have here in our area. He's prompt, professional, does great work and is cost effective. I'll definitely use him again!" |
Follow Us:Email US AT:Service Area:
In-town Asheville
Mars Hill and Weaverville Arden and Fletcher Fairview Popular Services |