Tag Archives: deck stain

Episode 222: Color Consultations, Deck Transformations, and the Pictures We Forget to Take

Posted on
Listen to the full episode!

SEGMENT 1: Color Consultations

We often mention that we have color consultants in our stores that are ready to help. However, some people may be left wondering what exactly a color consultation is or when they are helpful… so to give us some insight on the process we are joined by our Fulton Street Color Consultant, Myra Maness.

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Deck Transformation

Coating a deck is probably the most common exterior DIY project. Yet most of us are prone to avoiding the process because the prep work can take days. Luckily there is a way around this! We’ll tell you exactly how we made a deck look brand new in under 5 hours!

SEGMENT 4: The Pictures We Forget to Take

Whether we like it or not most of us are attached to our phones, so why not put them to work? We discuss some of the smart ways to use your phone’s camera as a tool during your next project.

EP206: Recharge, Refresh, and Relax

Posted on

SEGMENT 1: Color Palette Recharge

Last month we started a new tradition of releasing curated color palettes! Each month you’ll find a new color palette in the store and on our instagram @repcolitepaints. April’s palette, Recharge, leans into warm colors that have become very popular. We discuss how to include bold colors in your own design.

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: A Dry Basement is a Good Basement

The battle against water in the basement may seem never ending. However, Zack Krieger from Ayers Basement Systems might hold the key to unlocking a truly dry basement. Zack fills us in on some of the most common problems and the Ayers Basement solutions!

SEGMENT 4: Deck Stains Explained

There is a lot of lingo when it comes to deck stains: translucent, semi-transparent, semi-solid, solid  . . . . All the varying opacities can be confusing but they have a big impact on the life of your deck. We discuss the differences so you can make the right choice.

EP160: Generation Helpless, Garage Organization, Murder Hornets, and Fiascos

Posted on

LISTEN NOW:

Segment 1: Generation H(elpless)

We found an article that we really struggled to believe. And yet, it brought up a great topic that is worth digging into: kids who have no idea how to do anything around the home. Here’s the article for your reading (dis)pleasure, but suffice to say, as parents and grandparents, let’s do what we can to teach our kids the skills they’ll need when they have their own places! We don’t want to read articles about how they left burnt out lightbulbs in because they were too afraid to  change them….

Segments 2 & 3: Garage Organization

Getting the garage organized is one of those tasks that provides a great deal of satisfaction! It’s normally a monumental undertaking . . . but when it’s done and done well, it’s worth the work!  Here are a few of the resources we mentioned in the show today,  starting with the article from  the Family Handyman website!

Segment 4: Murder Hornets

Yep. Something else bad is apparently on the horizon in 2020. At least according to the news! In fact, everywhere you look (where they’re not covering COVID19), they’re showing pictures of INSANELY large hornets known as Murder Hornets. And nothing with the word “murder” in front of it is a good thing. Murder House, Murder Weapons, Murder Rooms, Murder Tigers, Murder Puppies. Nope. Nothing with “murder”  in front  is good.

Well, we sit down with David Popp from Rose Pest  solutions and talk about these insects. And fortunately, right now,  David says, we have  a  long  time to go before we’ll see these in West Michigan . . . if they even can survive in the U.S.

Bonus Segment: Fiascos

Betsy stumbled onto a  great podcast from This American Life. It was a collection of stories about fiascos–true fiascos. And we talk about a couple of our own….

 

 

EP159: Lawn Mower Tune-Up, Spring/Summer Design Trends, Deck Materials, and Hardwood Deck Coatings

Posted on

LISTEN NOW:

Segments 1: Lawn Mower Tune-Up

The snow has been gone for a while and with all the rain we’ve had, it might be time to mow your grass. And, because we’re all stuck at home, it’s the perfect time to tune up you mower before you need it. We cover the tune-up portion in the show but here are some other things you might want to consider doing as long as you’re at it.

CLEAN IT

  • Scrape off grass caked on underside of mower deck
  • Brush off grass clippings, etc.
  • Be careful about using too much even with the clean out ports
  • And let it run a few minutes after you’ve done that.
  • Also, you could apply an automotive wax to the deck to potentially stop grass from sticking there — 
    • But you’re better off to just not mow when it’s  wet if you can help it.

 

OLDER MOWER, RUSTING DECK?

  • Slow the deterioration down
  • Wire brush the rust, clean it up
  • RepcoLite’s 449 Metal Primer and Met’l Clad can be used

 

LUBRICATE MOVING PARTS

  • Use a spray lubricant on the front wheel adjusters
  • Grease the wheel bearings as necessary

 

  • Do the maintenance — it’s a huge investment
  • JUST DO IT ALL WITH THE SPARK PLUG DISCONNECTED
  • Consult the owners manual for the recommended steps and procedures specific to your equipment
  • Look online if you don’t have one
  • Check YouTube for How-Tos

Segment 2: Spring/Summer Design Trends from High Point

With the current COVID-19 pandemic, High Point, NC didn’t hold their annual spring market this year. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! And just a heads up, don’t throw everything in your basement away because you think it’s out of style. That old wicker peacock chair from the 60’s and 70’s….yup! Back. In. Style!

Segment 3: Deck Materials

We sat down with Jason Slenk, one of the owners of Overisel Lumber in Holland, before the pandemic to talk about the different decking materials that are available.

Segment 4: Hardwood Deck Coating

Following our conversation with Jason, we decided it might be beneficial to discuss what type of stain to put on a hardwood deck and what to do if you have an old Trex deck that has seen better days after years of fade.

 

 

EP122: Natural Weed Killer, Deck Stains, and the Hackley & Hume Homes

Posted on

LISTEN HERE:

Segment 1: Natural Weed Killer

Betsy is always on the hunt for ways to take care of garden problems without resorting to chemicals. We all know they work great, but then we have to be careful with pets and kids.

The good news is that there are recipes for natural weed killer and pest repellants that actually work. Betsy tried them and they worked great…at least for what she did!

Weed Killer

  • 1 gallon vinegar
  • 1 cup salt
  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp dish soap

Mix all in a pump up garden sprayer and go to town!

The weed problem before……

The weed problem less than 12 hours later!!

Natural Garden Pest Repellant

  • Garlic (I had 5 cloves left from dinner), diced
  • An onion, diced
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Boiling water (I used about 4-6 cups)
  • Dish soap

Put first 3 ingredients in a large bowl or saucepan and pour in boiling water. Cover with tinfoil (if you skip this, you’ll be sad. And don’t invite the neighbors over while you’re doing this. The smell travels). Let sit until completely cool. Strain and pour into spray bottle and and add a little bit of dish soap. This is very unscientific. The dish soap helps the mixture stick to the leaves. Spray the plants that are being eaten. I used it on bean plants that bug were chewing all the leaves from. It worked great for that!

Segment 2: Deck Stains

OK, so we know there can be confusion when it comes to choosing deck stains. A solid color deck stain is commonly mistaken for a paint. And is a semi-transparent really better than a transparent or toner deck stain? We’re walking you through the maze of deck stains.

Segments 3 & 4: Hackley & Hume Homes

The last time we talked about the Hackley & Hume Homes, Dan and Betsy did their best to describe the homes and a bit of their history. Now it’s time to get the real history scoop, why the homes are important and some of the programs for the rest of the year. To do this, we’ve invited Erin Schmitz, Program Manager, and Aaron Mace, Assistant Program Manager, from Hackley & Hume to give us all the details. For details on upcoming programs, times, and costs, visit their website.

 

EP24 – September 16, 2017: Roof Shampoo, Decks in Fall, Choosing Firewood, and Paint Brush Maintenance

Posted on

 

A few weeks ago we talked about the DIY way to clean moss and algae off your roof, with a few cautions. A phone call we received prompted us to look for some sort of contractor who could possibly do the cleaning. That’s how we found the guys who do “Roof Shampooing.”  The best part is, they don’t have to use chemicals…including bleach. Their product is eco-friendly and biodegradable. And it saves you climbing on the roof!

Listen here:

Show notes for episode 024:

A few weeks ago we talked about cleaning moss and algae from your roof. We also cautioned you to avoid damaging your shingles. Then we got a phone call from someone who just didn't feel comfortable getting on the roof to clean it. That got us researching, and that's how we found Justin! Justin Teesdale, owner of Peak Performance Roof Cleaning, tells us all about his Roof Shampoo system. It kills and cleans off  moss, algae and lichen, leaving your roof looking like new. He uses a biodegradable, environmentally friendly product that has AMAZING results! We can't believe the before and after pictures!  
We promise this isn't as boring as you may think! Spending money on a good paint brush is always worth the investment. And once you've made the investment, you want to keep it working like new as long as possible. The problem is, many people are cleaning their brush incorrectly and are having to replace it sooner than necessary. We've got the trick to "keep it in shape."

And before you throw away that brush, give it a life in retirement. We have uses for that brush, long after it's days of putting paint on walls is over.
Unexpected things happen all the time. And this is an unexpected project for this time of year. Most people think of deck staining as a spring project. The snow melts and everyone decides the deck has seen better days. But fall is a great time for this project!  

By doing your deck now, you are sealing it against the elements of winter. It's also easier to work with the product this time of year because it's not as hot. Just remember, your staining window during the day IS shorter, but you can still get great results.
Buying firewood is pretty...well...cut and dry, right? Not according to Rob Cackowski from Heritage Fireplace and Design Center. A while back we stopped in the store to see some of his new products and talk fireplaces. While we were there, he told us he could fill an entire segment talking about firewood. Really? It's firewood. There's that much to know. Apparently there is a lot that most of us are missing when it comes to the wood we burn. Thanks to Rob, we are about to be VERY well informed.

Save

Save