DIY Projects

     
      When we want to redecorate a room, often it’s difficult to choose the colors we want to use in the new design. An easy way to make a decision is to start by picking up an upholstery, a pair of gloves, a table tablecloth or any other object whose pattern you like. Extract some of your favourite colors from the specific pattern and start making your plan around them. 

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      It took a bit of courage and patience, but the end result has created a feeling of belonging in the two rooms where the painted radiators borrow now a part of our personality.

      And because this is not a post about personal development, let's get to the main topic. Which was the source of the idea? We wanted to personally test one of the paints from Oskar range of products, manufactured by Deutek, Oskar Radiator. And because we wanted to apply color to the radiator chosen to "sacrifice", we began to search among available shades for computerized coloring to the specified paint. We chose shade 47-3 Humble Bumble to integrate into the existing decor, and for a better incorporation we decided to apply the same shade and create a frame for the windows.

      The first stage (the boring one ) is cleaning and degreasing (for kitchen radiators ). After cleaning, allow the radiator to dry. We used this time to adhesive paper tape around the windows, to define exactly the frame we wanted to obtain.

      After all stages of preparation were done, we started painting. As usual, our recommendation is to use a different container for the amount of needed paint, thus avoiding the thickening of the entire amount in the box. A second recommendation, in case you also want to paint and pipes that are very close to the wall, while applying the paint, hold to the side wall a piece of cardboard, in order to avoid staining the wall.

      There were applied two coats of paint on the radiator and one layer for the window frame.

      Finally, even if it looked better now, seemed to be missing something, the impression was of unfinished. Like any "artists" we contemplated. And we contemplated, and ... we realized! We added over shade 47-3 Humble Bumble, Oskar brown pigment, obtaining a much darker shade than the initial one. With this shade we painted the interior rectangular lines of the radiator (for demarcation line use adhesive paper tape), and the result meet our expectations. We obtained continuity, integrating the shades of floor tiles into the radiator decor.

      And as appetite comes by eating, we remembered that from the same range, we had proposed to test endurance on the radiator for acrylic paint Oskar Aqua Matt, which is recommended for this area only in colorful tones. We chose another radiator to “sacrifice”, and the colors Yellow Pret-a-Porter and Turquoise Couture. This time it was a cast iron radiator with 12 elements. We will not lie, it took more time and thoroughly, because I chose to paint each element alternating the two colors, but the end result is worth the effort.

      For painting the elements, we used a dedicated radiator brush, a small brush for art & hobby, and a toothbrush. In the curved internal spaces, of each element, where brushes don’t have the necessary mobility and no proper form to enter, toothbrush won . There were applied two coats of each color.

      We must mention that although the manufacturer recommends for both paints a minimum recoat time of 6 hours, as the paint film allowed us, after 3.5 hours, we pushed a little and already applied the second coat. Also in both cases, the dye was not diluted with water but used directly on the surface. In case the radiator shows signs of rust, we recommend prior sanding with sandpaper and applying a coat of primer to the specific rusty surfaces.

      As we stated in the preamble of the article, in the end we realized that no matter how nonconformist an idea is, if it is what defines you, it must be followed. A house becomes a home only when members mark is found in all corners.

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      Decoration patterns are many and you can customize it according to the area you are using it in. We present below our project from last weekend.

Materials used:

           

-          Unfinished wood IKEA mini ladder

-          Acrylic white paint Oskar Aqua Matt

-          Brushes

-          Transfer gel Stamperia

-          Adhesive for Art and Hobby

-          Printed transfer paper Stamperia

-          Decorative napkin

-          Acrylic varnish Vernis Satin or Oskar Aqua Lac

      Let’s start the ladder decoration in 4 steps:

STEP 1: Apply the first coat of paint all over, starting with the ladder interior.

To avoid thickening of the entire amount of paint in the box, use a separate container, in which pour a little amount as you consume the previous.

Allow first coat to dry at least 4 hours.

STEP 2: Apply the second coat as well following the cover and drying instruction from step 1.

STEP 3: Sand lightly with fine sandpaper across the surface of the ladder to remove impurities remaining after painting.

      For transfer paper decoration:

Select the spots where you want to put the decoration element and apply a thin layer of transfer gel (1-2 mm). Over the gel area apply the paper selection you want use, with the image down. Press gently by hand for spreading the ink on the surface. Let it dry for 30 minutes and after remove slowly the paper layer with water.

       For decorating with decorative napkin:

Select where you want to put the decorative elements (about decorative napkins manipulation you can read here), apply a thin layer of glue and apply every element above it. This will need approximately 20 minutes for drying.

STEP 4: Apply 2 coats of acrylic varnish over the entire ladder surface and leave to dry after each coat at least 4 hours.

      The decorative mini ladder is ready!

     
      Besides the low cost that you will obtain and the satisfaction of owning a custom object, you will also begin a new week feeling efficient and optimistic.

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 An easy and effective way to color a room, without going through the process of painting walls or replacing existing furniture, is chairs. A simple placement of one or more seats in the existing decor may change substantially the mood of the room. Here are some patterns:

 Another way to make a room vibrate with color can be decorate with pillows and lamps. On a neutral background a strong color will give personality to a room.

 Of course if you don’t know what color to choose, you can choose a cushioned headboard in several colors.

If you move into a new home or just want to replace the existing furniture, for various cabinets, drawers and shelves you can choose from a variety of finishing samples, depending on your style and preference.

 And because you never know where inspiration comes from, bathroom walls can be painted in bright colors that will make the room become a center of attraction. 


   

 Finally, you can make the bathroom to be a place full of color and joy by choosing relaxing and full of "good vibes" bath salts.

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