Bleach

When cleaning mold from the tile in your bathroom you will want to take some safety precautions for yourself and others who might be in your house while you are cleaning.

1. Use gloves
2. Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated. Use a localized fan instead of a centralized fan which will spread the chemical smell throughout your home. If you have a window in the bathroom or in a room next to the bathroom you can point a small fan at an opened window for extra ventilation. Use your bathroom fan.
3. Use eye protection
4. Clearly label your spray bottle
5. Never mix chemicals

Take a spray bottle and mix a solution of half bleach and half water. Gently turn the bottle a few times to mix the liquids.

Collect and have handy:

• At least one toothbrush
• A sponge
• A bucket of clean water

Step one: Turn on all the lights in the bathroom. Mold can be hiding in crevasses and corners and you will want to see it.

Step two: Put on your safety gear and spray the mold with your bleach mixture. Be careful not to get any of the spray on clothing or shoes that you don’t want bleached.

Step three: Use your brush to scrub away the mold.

Step four Go over scrubbed areas with a clean damp sponge and if the mold you are cleaning is in the shower rinse it thoroughly with water from the shower head. If it is on the floor use the clean water in your bucket to wipe down the treated areas. Change the water in your bucket as often as needed.

Continue Steps three and four until mold is gone. Keep your windows open and your fan on until you no longer smell the bleach.

If you would prefer to remove the mold with natural products collect the following items:

• 16 oz spray bottle
• 2 cups of white vinegar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• a clean sponge
• toothbrush
• a bucket of clean water

Step One

Pour the vinegar and lemon juice into the spray bottle. Add water until bottle is about 95% full. Shake.

Step Two

Spray the solution on mold. Allow to work for about 30 minutes. Check and re-spray where needed and use your toothbrush to scrub away any stubborn mold. When mold has been loosened and you no longer see any mold on the tile or in the grout, dip your sponge in the bucket of clean water and wipe everything. Do this several times using fresh buckets of water.

To help prevent mold from growing in your bathroom keep a wide squeegee in your bath area and squeegee everything after showering and bathing. You might also want to wipe everything with a hand towel or paper towels. That way you will keep the mold from returning or at least allow more weeks to pass between mold removing times.

If you choose to remove the tile and replace it, you will need a variety of tools and supplies. Check with your local hardware store for deals on tile and grout. If you have a tile cutter, test it for problems before cutting the tile. You can find saw replacement parts here if your wet saw is not working properly. Safety is essential when working with a wet saw and tile. Some local hardware stores even provide tiling services, which is something to consider to save on time. Always thoroughly clean the area for mold growth and wetness before you start installing the new tile. Water trapped behind tile can lead to additional mold growth, which could become toxic.

Do research

When beginning any do-it-yourself project, it is wise to do plenty of research before getting started. Knowing which tools and materials to have on hand will prevent starting and stopping in the middle of the work. Gaining a basic idea of what to anticipate during the process of removing old fixtures and elements and installing the new ones is the best way to make the process go smoother.

Set the budget

A budget can be tough to stick with when doing any renovation project, simply because unexpected costs are bound to pop up. That is why it is helpful to budget in a little bit extra to cover costs that you may not anticipate. Get a good idea of the general cost of each part of the remodel project when setting a budget so that there is no sticker shock once the shopping begins.

Create supply lists

Getting organized before starting the work will help to reduce stress. Listing out the materials needed will be helpful when it comes time to make the purchases. Tools that are needed should also be written out and then purchased or rented. Separating out the project into various steps will make it easier to tackle. Avoid making multiple trips to the hardware store by listing out all of the items needed and then picking them up at the same time.

Come up with a design

One of the most exciting parts of a kitchen or bathroom remodel is creating the design and selecting all of the new elements to be included. Decide what the overall style will be for the room. Once the look has been chosen, it will be much easier to shop for all of fixtures, cabinetry, decor items, and hardware. There are so many elements that go into a great kitchen or bathroom remodel project, many of which can be purchased from http://www.sinksgallery.com/.

Take measurements and keep them handy

In order to avoid purchasing cabinetry, counters, and other elements that are too large or small for the allotted space, be sure to take accurate measurements in advance. The measurements can be included on the lists so that the preparation and shopping process runs much smoother. Taking the measurements to the home improvement store will ensure that the right sizes are purchased.

Read and follow instructions

Appliances and fixtures typically come with instruction booklets. It is so important to read through the instructions carefully in order to put everything together as directed. Problems can occur when parts or pieces are missing or certain elements are not installed correctly. Small and large hassles can easily be avoided simply by taking the time to read and follow the instructions.

Purchase more than enough

When shopping for various design elements and materials for flooring, walls, counters, and more, it is best to always buy a bit extra. Things like tiles can crack or break if accidentally dropped. In case any mistakes are made during cutting or installation, damaged parts can be easily replaced. This is especially important when buying materials that are on sale or may soon be out of stock.

Don’t hesitate to hire an expert

There may be some roadblocks during a remodel that are best handled by a professional. Electrical and plumbing issues should always be fixed by an expert to ensure that everything is working well. It will pay off in the long run.

This does not mean that improving your home should be forgone, or even put on the back burner. There are many home improvements that add much comfort to your living space, but are also great for the equity they add to your home. So, instead of scraping together tens of thousands of dollars you don’t have to completely renovate your bathrooms, consider the value of these small affordable home improvements that will turn into savings and equity for you!

Insulate Your Attic

We don’t think about what’s happening above us as often as we should. But if you’ve never looked into your attic consider taking a trip up the ladder. Most homeowners are shocked to discover that their attic is under-insulated. While this might seem like a small thing, the truth is that the attic plays a large role in the comfort of the living space beneath it. If the attic isn’t insulated properly or ventilated properly you can have troubles in the winter and the summer. During summer months the attic can become a bubble of heat hovering over the house, forcing the AC to work extra hard to cool the home. During the winter your heat can slip right out through the roof and in some cases can cause damage to the roof as ice dams form and ruin shingles and flashing. Insulating an attic is a small renovation project but it can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home, and you can often DIY this renovation project.

Update Appliances

There are expensive appliances in the world. A new top-of-the-line furnace can definitely rack up some exorbitant costs for purchase and installation. Still energy efficiency is everything these days, even the government is supporting energy efficient upgrades by offering tax breaks to homeowners who purchase an appliance. There are new ratings systems and plenty of deals out there, with a little research you can very likely find a much more efficient model than the old dying furnace in your basement. Installing a new furnace or air conditioner is not a long drawn out renovation, it’s a small project that can be finished in a day. But if your furnace doesn’t have to work as hard to heat the house you’ll save money on your utility bills and buyers will consider that an upgrade they’ll appreciate as well.

Energy Efficient Windows

There are myriads of reasons that buying new windows is a very wise choice in home improvement. Old windows are thin letting in sound and cold and letting out heat (or vice versa in the summer). Old windows can often be safety issues, lack curb appeal and are hard to clean. The list goes on. Installing new replacement windows is a fantastic investment. Some studies show energy efficient windows can provide as much as $500 of savings per year on your heating or cooling bills. Most homes recoup as much as 90% of the installation costs in equity, tax breaks, and savings. This home improvement project takes a few days and can be a few thousand dollars, but it is worth it. Call in a window professional and they can help you find the right windows for you. For more information about windows visit this site.

There are many ways to improve your home without sinking your savings into it! Do your research before you start to renovate and you’ll be able to get great investment out of your home improvement.

Process of bathtub refinishing

The process of bathtub refinishing includes sanding at first. This is the most important step and should be done carefully to ensure that finishing is done in the best possible way. Then, the bonding agent as well as the primer should be applied. The professionals often make use of sprayers for proper coats. If you wish to do it on your own, you can take the tools like sprayers on the rent. But remember, this can be a dangerous process because of the use of chemicals. After this has been done, it is left for drying, after which you get your refinished bathtub.

Is DIY feasible for bathtub refinishing?

The main point is that is DIY a feasible option for refinishing the bathtub? To be honest, it can be done on your own, but might not offer expected results. Doing it on your own is much different and so it might not produce excellent results, unlike when it is being done by the professionals. You may use the non-professional products which will lead to longer drying. Also, the chemicals can be harsh on you and in the absence of right technique; you might not be able to produce the desired results.

Professional Options

The professionals make use of latest bathtub refinishing techniques such as low VOC, or Volatile Organic Compounds. These are not just safe for your health, but are also very good for the environment. The most commonly used paint for bathtub refinishing is white, but you can always choose the one that you like as per your bathroom décor. Professional bathtub refinishing options also include granite and stone bathtubs.

Points to be considered

It is important to note that refinished bathtubs may be scratched easily and so, while cleaning, you should avoid abrasive cleaners. Sticks on the bath treads or bath mats should also be avoided. Anti-slip surface can be installed by the professional refinisher during the process of bathtub refinishing. In case you do not leave the bathtub to dry properly, the finish won’t last longer.

Ideally, professionals can offer you excellent bathtub refinishing which will not be accurately present in DIY!

Cleansing Solution

The cleansing solution is required for thoroughly cleansing the bathtub. Rinsing the bathtub after scraping is being done using this solution. The cleansing solution should be mixed in 1 gal. water.  Cleaning should be done using the scouring pad and only as per the directions mentioned on the refinishing kit.

Steel Wool

Steel wool is being used to make the surface of the bathtub dull. The steel wool should be rubbed across the surface and the residual should be rinsed out. The bathtub should be dried thereafter.

Painter’s Tape

Another important thing to be used in the process of bathtub refinishing is the painter’s tape. This is being used to cover the tub overflow as well as the drain. This tape is later removed by the professionals. Usually, the plastic bag is being taped over the bathtub spout as well as the shower head. This keeps away the water drip during painting.

Paints and Chemicals

Finally, the most important thing that is being used in the process of bathtub refinishing is paint. Epoxy paint is being stirred before being applied. After the epoxy paints have dried, repainting should be done. The kit involves a lot of paint to cover two coats of the bathtub.

Apart from these things, other little things such as sprayers may be used by the professionals for painting. Chemicals are also being used. Without these things, it is not possible to get the bathtub refinishing done in the effective way.

All these things as well as the tools required for bathtub refinishing can be taken either in the kit, or also on the rent, if you are going for the DIY process. But if you have hired the professionals, you don’t need to worry about anything since they can handle everything. These things should be of high quality so that best results can be achieved.

In a nutshell, the benefits of bathtub refinishing

• It allows you to save around 80% of total cost involved in bathtub replacement
• It allows you to save time. This can be done in not more than 48 hours, but bathtub replacement is a long process
• You have choice of colors as well as the materials used

Cost-Saving Benefits

The biggest benefit of bathtub refinishing is obviously cost saving. While remodeling will cost you for tile work, flooring permits and carpentry, bathtub refinishing will only require remodeling the older bathtub. Definitely, the replacement can cost you several thousand dollars but the cost of bathtub refinishing is much lower, even if you take the help of professionals.

Environmental Benefits

Bathtub refinishing is only done in your bathroom. So, when the tub is being cleaned, primed as well as coated with special chemicals, it does not go to landfills. It has been observed that around 47% of the waste which enters landfills is due to renovations and remodeling. However, the bathtub refinishing does not lead to similar problems, thus saving environment.

Besides, a fortune might be shed for manufacturing new fixtures. But, in case of bathtub refinishing, the energy consumption is low and so it is not hazardous to the environment. Also, in case you are using new fixtures, the energy will be consumed for transporting them to the destination. This energy can be saved in case you opt for bathtub refinishing instead of remodeling.

Choice of Colors and Materials

These days, you can have wider choices because of the availability of various colors as well as materials. You can choose the color as per your bathroom décor. Also, in the modern days, professionals are also offering bathtub refinishing in the form of granite or marble bathtubs, which can look too posh and classy.

Due to all these benefits, the demand of bathtub refinishing is much higher than bathtub replacement. It can help you improvise your entire bathroom without paying a lot of money!

Using chemical cleansers for cleansing surface

First of all, the chemical cleansers are used for cleaning the surface of the bathtub. Any caulking or rusting is removed in this step. Any kind of repairing should also be done beforehand so that later it does not spoil the bathtub refinishing. Finally, the bathtub should be cleaned and dried completely.

Sanding the bathtub

After cleansing with the chemicals has been done, the next step is to sand the bathtub so that the older film and the paint comes out. Again, the bathtub is cleaned and left for drying.

Cover fixtures

After sanding has been done, the next step is to cover all the fixtures with the tape or white paper. Also, here is should be noted that in case you do not wish to paint some areas, you can cover hem too. Excess tapes should not be left and the area of bathtub refinishing should be kept properly ventilated.

Apply primer

Hereafter, the bonding agent should be sprayed and the drain should be sprayed. This can be left for drying for around 5-10 minutes and then, the primer should be applied. This should be left for drying for around 30 minutes.

Apply refinishing paint

Sing the back and forth short strokes; the professional applies the refinishing paint for your bathtub refinishing. Initially, the light coats are applied, but for the final finish, three coats should be applied.

Removing the tapes and paper

Finally, when the refinishing has been done, it should be left unused for two to three days. Tapes or papers should be removed in this step and finally, after it has dried, new caulk can be installed.

It should be noted that in the process of bathtub refinishing, sanding is the most important process. It should be done properly so that the desired effects can be had. It can help in a lot of ways in producing the precise and smooth results.

Bathtub refinishing can be done by the professional in the best possible way. They can offer you finishing properly, but if you are doing it yourself, you should know about certain considerations.