Author: Alan Ray

DIY Painting: How to Cut In Like a Pro

By far the one aspect of painting a room that intimidates most people from attempting it themselves is the fear of cutting in. Cutting in is being able to paint neatly along the edge of your door jambs, baseboards, windows and antique hutches or kitchen cabinets without getting any paint on them. Essentially, it’s framing an outline or border so you can paint the rest of the wall, often using a roller. It has been my experience that many people feel cutting in is beyond their skill set. The ability to cut-in separates the professional painter from the amateur...

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How to Cut PVC Like a Pro

It’s a plastic world and in this modern age, PVC has become about as commonplace as dirt. The Plumbing industry has been revolutionized with the advent of this miraculous plastic. With its lightweight construction, excellent tensile strength (how strong it is) and superior durability, PVC pipe has replaced 20th Century iron in a myriad of applications. Plumbing however, is merely one industry. In truth, the entire world has been transformed by plastic. What is PVC? PVC is the shortcut of Polyvinyl Chlorine. Another name for PVC is vinyl. PVC is a thermoplastic comprised of 57% Chlorine, derived from industrial...

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How to Cut Plexiglass Like a Pro

Most of us in the modern world are familiar with Plexiglas because it is so prevalent in our everyday lives. Plexiglas is lightweight, durable, and safer than standard glass. It is used in a myriad of industrial and home applications. Beyond being some type of plastic however, many people don’t really know much about it and its origin. A Bit ‘o History Plexiglas is the synthetic form of methyl methacrylate which had several chemists’ work involved in its creation in its early years of development. Discovered in 1865, methacrylic acid makes up a part of the basis for acrylic...

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DIY Guide to Removing Carpet

Nothing says “oh my aching back” like tearing out old carpeting. Taking up carpet from a floor is labor intensive and can prove to be a pain in more than just the back. Cutting, ripping, and pulling until muscles ache you didn’t know you had, comes with the territory. Nevertheless, there are a few tricks of the trade one can incorporate to make the job a little less arduous. Naturally you’re going to need a few tools: Gloves are essential. The cheap working type glove with some manner of rubber on the palms and fingers is a plus as...

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