Popcorn Ceilings: What You Need to Know
The popcorn ceiling was the most popular ceiling finish from the 1950s to 1980s for new construction and renovations alike. As a child growing up in the 1980s I think that every one of the suburban...
View Article5 Ways to Remove Scratches From Glass
I come across scratched glass all the time restoring old windows and doors. Lately, I have gotten bombarded with this question from readers and realized I had never shared my secrets to remove...
View ArticleThe Ultimate Guide to Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is one of the oldest and most versatile finishes that has been used for centuries to protect and seal wood, metal, and a variety of other products. Linseed oil is derived from the seeds of...
View Article4 Steps For Painting Cinder Block
Painting cinder block is not the same as painting wood siding. And there are unique considerations depending on whether you are painting new cinder block or an older house that has accumulated multiple...
View Article7 Problems with Composite Decking
Since I first wrote about the problems with composite decking in 2018 there have been a lot of comments and questions especially recently asking me to update the info and if any of these issues were...
View ArticleHow To: Tell If It’s Oil-Based Paint
You’ve got an old house with layers of paint and you’re ready to apply a fresh coat of paint, but you don’t know what you’re up against. That top layer of paint is staring you straight in the face and...
View ArticleWhat is the EPA’s RRP Rule?
Do you have plans to renovate your historic home? If your house was built before 1978 then your house falls under the EPA’s RRP rule. What on earth is the RRP rule and how does it affect you? That’s...
View ArticleAll About Picture Rail
If you’ve ever lived in an old house you may have noticed a small little piece of trim running horizontally somewhere in the top 12” of your wall. There is a good chance that small piece of molding is...
View ArticleThe Intriguing Story of the Dutch Door
The Dutch Door, a staple of home design since the 17th century, holds a special place in architectural history. This unique door style has not only graced homes around the globe but also played a...
View ArticleEvery Garden Needs These 8 Water Saving Devices
I live in Florida and we spend a lot time taking care of our lawns and gardens. With higher demands on water usage (especially for irrigation) creating a lush, green lawn and vibrant garden in getting...
View ArticleThe Big Problem with Black Roofs
There is a lot of this blog dedicated to dispelling myths about old buildings and really building in general and today I’m gonna tackle a BIG one. This is more of a hypocrisy that is rampant rather...
View ArticleShoe Molding vs. Quarter Round
What’s the difference between shoe molding and quarter round? Aren’t they essentially the same thing? Yes and no. Shoe molding and quarter round are like kissing cousins. They’re are almost identical....
View ArticleThe Best Mosquito Spray for Yard Time
Ah, summer. A time for barbecues, beach trips, and…mosquitoes. Lots of them. These tiny vampires can turn your outdoor fun into a swatting frenzy, but fear not! I’ve rounded up the best mosquito spray...
View ArticleShould I Use Water-Based Polyurethane?
So, you’re on the hunt for greener, low-VOC products, huh? It’s the eco-friendly era, after all. But when it comes to your wood floors or that DIY project you’ve been dreaming about, is water-based...
View ArticleWhy You Should Get a Humidistat
If you’ve ever lived in a swampy, muggy climate, you know the feeling. That sticky, heavy air inside your house that just won’t quit, no matter how hard your AC cranks. Enter the humidistat: the unsung...
View ArticleBacker Board: The Ultimate Guide
If you’ve ever tackled a tiling project, you’ve likely heard of cement backer board. It’s like the trusty sidekick of tiles—always there, silently doing its job so the main star (your beautiful tiles)...
View ArticleSandblasting Wood: A Historic Homeowner’s Worst Nightmare
Let’s talk about sandblasting. Maybe you’ve heard that it’s a fast way to strip paint or clean up wood. Some even claim it’s an “easy fix” for historic restoration. Well, I’m here to give you the...
View ArticleTung Oil vs Linseed Oil: The Ultimate Face-Off
When it comes to restoring historic woodwork, you don’t mess around with just any products. You need the best. That’s where Tung Oil and Linseed Oil come in. These oils have been around for centuries,...
View ArticleHow to Fix Tacky Paint: Your Guide to Getting Things (Un)Stuck
So, you’ve just finished painting your door, and instead of basking in the glory of your DIY prowess, you find yourself fighting to peel it open every time you want to go outside. Yep, you’ve got tacky...
View ArticlePressure Washing vs Old Homes: What You Need to Know
Pressure washing—love it or hate it, it’s here to stay. If you’ve ever stared down at your charming but dirt-caked 1920s bungalow and thought, “A pressure washer can fix that,” you might want to hold...
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