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    Home » DIY » Tips from DIY Bloggers

    Tips from DIY Bloggers

    Published by Gail | Published January 27, 2014 | Updated April 9, 2019
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    I have gathered some great DIY tips from some of my friends. I hope you learn something new from these wonderful ladies.

    diy-bloggers-tips2


     

    From The North End Loft

    store-paint-brushes-in-cardboard-sleevesAlways store your good paint brushes in the cardboard sleeves in which they came. Put the brushes carefully back in the sleeves right after cleaning while they’re still damp, and the ends will stay nice and sharp. I’ve stored some of my well-used Purdy paint brushes in their original sleeves for over twenty years, and they’re still good as new.

     

     

    From Elizabeth & Company

    painting-prep-stepsDon't skip the  prep work! When painting furniture, that means a good cleaning, sanding and making all the necessary repairs. With all the paint options today, we're often tempted to skip the prep and get right to the fun stuff. But paint needs a proper surface to adhere properly. And even a flawless paint finish can't make up for drawers that won't open or wobbly legs.

     

    From Daisies and Crazies:

    how-to-remove-paint-hardware

    Remove Paint from Hardware Without Using Chemicals

    Are you taking an old piece of furniture and making it fabulous again? Does it have a lot of paint and gunk stuck to the knobs and hinges? The good news is, if you prefer to limit your exposure to harsh chemicals, you can remove that paint with something you have right in your kitchen pantry!

    1. Add ¼ cup of baking soda to 1 quart of water in a pan.

    2. Put the pan on the stove and after the water starts to simmer, add the offending hardware.

    3. Let boil for 15–20 minutes and then pour into a strainer to cool.

    4. Remove paint, using some gentle peeling and picking.

    Easy, inexpensive, and chemical-free!

     

    From Living Rich On Less:

    Mounting-bowl-for-paintingOne of my favorite quick and easy spray-painting tips for small objects is to use nylon zip ties to hang the objects on my clothesline before painting. This keeps both of my hands free while working and ensures I get even coverage on all sides.

    I used this technique when I DIYed my "Once Upon A Time" knockoff twig bowl

     

    From Beyond The Picket Fence

    paint-techniquesMy number one tip is about my paint technique because it is my most asked question. To get a great looking, old paint finish SLAP paint on, willy nilly without completely covering the piece. Use different colors, don't always wait for the under layer of paint to be dry before adding another color. When dry, sand and then finish with stain or dark wax to achieve a fun, aged paint look. Have fun, don't worry about making it perfect.

     

     

    From Kirb Appeal:

    how-to-hand-letterWrite things out in chalk first, when you're hand lettering.

    How to do hand lettering

     

    From Debbiedoos:

    how-to-stencil-furnitureWhen stenciling furniture or walls, always best to use a foam roller and never over saturate it, less is more and you can always go back and make the color darker as desired.

    Get the details here:   How to stencil on furniture

     

    From Infarrantly Creative:

    how-to-stain-soft-woodWhen finishing bare wood always use a pre-wood conditioner on soft wood. Don't know if it is soft wood? Dig your fingernails into it. If you see a mark it is soft.

     

    From Homeroad:

    metal-flashing-for-brackets“I use metal roof flashing in place of hardware brackets in many of my projects. It is inexpensive, easy to drill through, and works!”

    How to make your own hardware brackets

     

     

    From Follow Your Heart Woodworking

    Jigsaw TipWhen making jigsaw cuts, cut on the WRONG side of the wood.

    Most jigsaw blades cut on the upstroke, meaning that the blade cuts as it pulls up from the bottom. This leaves the underneath side of the wood with a neater looking cut.

    So, when cutting, flip your wood over and draw your pencil line on the wrong side of the wood and cut from there where possible.

     

    From Corn In My Coffee Pot:

    diy-corbelsWhen doing DIY projects around the house and home sometimes we may need a corbel or two; they work better in pairs, for support in building a shelf or mounting cabinetry. Corbels can be pretty and functional; but they can also get pretty pricey.
    I first discovered the impact corbels can make on a project when I was building  a COPY CAT Mantel in my kitchen over my Vintage  Range.
    I've since created more to use around my home over the fridge and in the mud room over the washer and dryer.

     

     

    From My Love 2 Create:

    MyLove2Create, big project building jigOne of the hardest things about building large projects by yourself is sometimes you need more than two hands! I decided that I needed a helping hand in building my closet towers. So, I built one, a "helping hand." Using four pieces of scrap wood I created a jig that will hold my materials for me, while I screw them together. When building my little jig I made sure everything was square, so when I place in my project boards all I have to do is clamp the top and I am good to start drilling in my screws! Helping Hand Jig

     

    From Freddy and Petunia

    11-30-017The EASIEST big transformation to an old cast-off sewing machine cabinet!

    Cutting down a piece of furniture can be easily accomplished using a variety of saws, it really just depends on your confidence and what saws you have!

    Just create a fence to guide you in a straight line and make the job safer!

     

    From RedouxInteriors:

    Dining table turned work table with brushes redouxinteriorsRepurpose a table to make a workstation by adding a platform, wheels and hooks.

     

     

    From My Repurposed Life

    diy chalky paint recipeHow to make your own primer:

    My favorite paint these days is Behr paint with Plaster of Paris in it as a DIY Chalky Paint Primer. Using this mixture as a primer, and then the Behr paint as a topcoat gives great results, and no bothersome waxing and buffing. Because adding the POP to the paint makes it very flat, there is very little prep work to most pieces of furniture.

     

    From Bliss Ranch:

    subway-art-dresser

    "My DIY tip is simple.... take an idea or something you have seen and make it your own. Subway art and lettered items are popular, so why not customize and personalize a project rather than copy it. I used what I had and painted a dresser unique to the interests of my teenage son. He loves it, and it's just plain cool!"

    Rock and Roll Dresser

     

     

     

    From The Real Thing with the Coake Family:

    IMG_1229My tip is to use an old cookie sheet when working with glitter. Put the item you are adding litter to on the tray and glitter away. When you are done the tray contains all (or at least most) of the mess. Much easier to clean up and have fun with glitter this way!

     

    From My Love 2 Create

    toothpaste trick,MyLove2CreateThe Toothpaste Trick: This is a great tip when you need perfect nail placement to hang something. For example if you are hanging a picture frame, place a small amount of toothpaste in the center of the hanger on the back of the frame. When you put the frame up to the wall where you want it, the toothpaste will transfer to the wall right were you need to put your nail. Hammer your nail where the toothpaste is, wipe away any excess, and you are done!

     

    From Our Southern Home

    Candlesticks-beforeWe all get tired of things we’ve owned for years. We get bored and are sometimes too hasty in giving away! Before you give away…really think! Could I repurpose this item and love it again? I had really grown tired of these candlesticks in the photo on the left. They have graced my kitchen table for almost 9 years! Yikes! The colors really limited me. In December, I decided to take my paint brush to them (photo on right). Two coats of Annie Sloan Chalk paint in Old White, a little distressing and clear wax was all it took! Now, I’m in love all over again with them! I’ve done this to lamps, accessories and picture frames. Also, keep this in mind when thrift store shopping!

     

    Aren’t those great ideas? I have the smartest friends!

    If you have a great tip, leave it in the comment. Maybe YOU will be in my next DIY tips blog post.

    gail

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    1. Shelton

      November 20, 2015 at 12:03 pm

      Hey there! I could have sworn I've been to this website before but after reading through some
      of the post I realized it's new to me. Anyhow, I'm definitely happy I found it and I'll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

      Reply
    2. Julia

      January 02, 2015 at 9:16 am

      The toothpaste tip is great........I will have to reposition all my crooked picture now

      Reply
    3. Katie

      January 02, 2015 at 8:49 am

      I love all of these projects! Thanks for including our dresser!

      Reply
    4. Ray

      April 26, 2014 at 2:44 pm

      ok just happened on your site by clicking away on FB, the toothpaste tip for placing pictures on the wall... mind blown!!!! Now as long as I can remember for next time!

      Reply
    5. Susan

      January 29, 2014 at 2:47 pm

      Purdy Brushes are the best!!

      Reply
    6. Pat

      January 29, 2014 at 12:38 am

      YIKES!
      How in the world did I almost miss this post?!
      Thanks for including me in the line up...
      There are a great many tips here.
      You're a jewel for putting this post together. 😉
      Patricia

      Reply
    7. kirby carespodi

      January 28, 2014 at 6:18 am

      Thanks for sharing my tip, Gail! They are all great!

      Reply
    8. Mindi

      January 27, 2014 at 11:17 pm

      This is awesome Gail!! I love all the great tips, and I am totally pinning so I won't forget! Thanks so much for including my tips!! I hope your week is starting off great! Hugs!

      Reply
    9. Laurel Stephens

      January 27, 2014 at 6:58 pm

      I'm so glad I'm an old dog who can still learn new tricks because this post is full of great tips! Thank you, Gail!

      Reply
    10. Deborah @ Confessions of a Craigslist Junkie

      January 27, 2014 at 4:53 pm

      All great tips, but I have to say the toothpaste trick is genius!

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        January 27, 2014 at 5:15 pm

        Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Deborah. 🙂

        I have some smart friends!

        gail

    11. Susan

      January 27, 2014 at 2:17 pm

      Thanks you Gail for all these great tips in one place (and for including me 🙂 ... pinning it1
      Susan

      Reply
    12. Meg Merkley

      January 27, 2014 at 2:04 pm

      Pinned all the tips! Thanks for the post!

      Reply
    13. cassie

      January 27, 2014 at 1:52 pm

      these are all great tips! i am so sorry i didn't come through. 🙁 i honestly couldn't think of one that was earth shatteringly helpful.

      Reply
    14. Catherinese

      January 27, 2014 at 1:00 pm

      Great post Gail--thanks for including me in it!
      This should be a regular thing in the blogging world---
      Catherine

      Reply
    15. mimi@blueroofcabin

      January 27, 2014 at 12:15 pm

      That was fun, great tips!

      Reply
    16. debbiedoos

      January 27, 2014 at 12:07 pm

      Love it Gail! Thanks for including my tip:)

      Reply
    17. Julie @ follow your heart woodworking

      January 27, 2014 at 11:27 am

      Great assortment of tips. Thanks for including me.

      Reply
    18. Susan

      January 27, 2014 at 10:46 am

      Great tips, Gail. And thanks for sharing mine.

      Reply
    19. KC @ The Real Thing with the Coake Family

      January 27, 2014 at 10:27 am

      What a spectacular list of tips! Some fantastic ideas and tips. Thanks for compiling them.
      KC

      Reply
    20. girlfromwva

      January 27, 2014 at 9:40 am

      love all these great tips from DIYers!!! thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    21. Bliss

      January 27, 2014 at 9:17 am

      Wow, now I know where to go for a tip on just about anything. And telling my husband about the paint brush back in the sleeve, his brushes always look like hellll!

      Reply
    22. Lori rife

      January 27, 2014 at 9:03 am

      I need a really good stripper. I have 2 old chairs with
      Lots of layers of paint can you suggest one that works well.
      I have tried a couple . With little or no success. Thank you !
      Lori Rife

      Reply
      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        January 27, 2014 at 11:22 am

        ohhh, don't we all Lori!

        Back in the day, they worked a lot better than they do now. I wish I had some great advice to offer you, but I'm still looking for the best. 🙂

        gail

      • Catherinese

        January 27, 2014 at 12:58 pm

        Try CITRI-STRIP, I really like it and always keep it on hand!
        http://www.amazon.com/Citri-Strip-QCG73801T-Varnish-Stripping-1-Quart/dp/B000QFCP1G
        Catherine

      • Susan

        January 29, 2014 at 2:46 pm

        Try Zip Strip, its a light blue gel paint remover, I've been using it for over 40 years. Does not require water to clean it off - water ruins wood. Just wipe down with denatured alcohol and steel wool 000 or 0000 grade.

      • gail@myrepurposedlife.net

        January 30, 2014 at 8:10 am

        Thank you for your recommendation Susan! I think I use to use that years ago.... but it seems like they have changed all the formulas due to regulations (better for our mother earth) and they don't work as well as they use to.

        gail

    23. Holly

      January 27, 2014 at 8:29 am

      Great tips! Sorry I couldn't get you one this time...I'll make sure to have one for next time! 🙂

      Reply
    24. Terri

      January 27, 2014 at 8:04 am

      wow...these are some great tips! I always start out putting my brushes back in the sleeve...until I get in a hurry and forget 🙁

      TFS...I learned something new today!

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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