Posts

How to Care for Paint Brushes

So, you’ve decided only to buy the best brushes for your paint jobs. You’ve been down to your Grand Lake Ace Paint Store Oakland, ca to buy a set of brushes in all the right sizes, and shapes, and with the appropriate bristles. You’d like to put those brushes away when you’ve finished your paint job and use them again and again. If you look after your brushes, cleaning them properly before you put them away, there really isn’t any reason why they shouldn’t last for years. Cleaning Your Brushes Your paintbrushes will last much longer if you clean them properly. Here’s how to do it Remove the excess paint by wiping the brush on rags or paper Swirl the brush around in a can of water or paint solvent (get the appropriate solvent from your Oakland paint store when you buy the paint) If you’ve used solvent, wipe the brush again Place the brush under a running faucet and allow the water to run through the bristles. Use your hand to clean the brush properly Make sure all the bristles ...

Paint Brush Selection

Advice from Your Grand Lake Ace Hardware Store Oakland, California Every home needs a coat of paint from time to time. Painting is a relatively quick and inexpensive way to brighten up the décor. Most homeowners will carefully consider what color and type of paint to use for the job but the paint brushes are often an afterthought. A good quality brush will give you the best finish and if you look after it, the brush will last for many applications. So, it’s worth choosing well and spending a little more on the brushes. Choosing the Right Brush The friendly assistants at your Grand Lake Ace Hardware Store in Oakland, ca will help you to choose the right type and number of brushes for a professional paint finish. Here are some paintbrush aspects you to consider Choosing the Right Bristles for the Job Paint brushes have one of two bristle types; Natural bristles – suitable only for oil-based paints. Natural bristles will absorb the moisture in latex paints. This will cause them t...

The Benefits of Indoor Gardens from Your Oakland California Nursery

Indoor plants add so much color and warmth to our homes. They are also surprisingly good for your mental and physical health. So, it’s worth taking a trip to Ace plant nursery in Oakland, California to stock up on some beautiful indoor plants. If you’ve ever spent time working in the garden, you’ll realize how calm and stress-free tending plants can be. Perhaps it isn’t as much fun in the garden during the colder months. Still, why lose the benefits that plants bring just because the weather isn’t great? The Health Benefits of Indoor Plants Research shows that indoor plants reduce the amount of mold and dust in the air. Plants filter dust, mold, and pollutants from the air, ensuring a healthier environment and improved air quality. It is, however, best to avoid pollinating plants if you’re prone to allergies. Indoor plants also add moisture to air dried out by air conditioning and heaters. They lighten your mood and make the surroundings more pleasant. They bring the peace and sol...

How to Improve Energy Efficiency at Home

Advice from Ace Oakland Hardware ca Improving energy efficiency is in everybody’s interest. It’s essential that we reduce our carbon footprints for the sake of the environment. There is also a perfectly good financial reason to reduce your energy consumption. Energy is expensive so why would you use more of it than you have to? Save on energy and you could use every cent on lifestyle improvements or as investments in the future. There are some easy ways to save and you’ll find everything you need at your local Oakland Hardware store in California . Home Insulation is Key If the outside of your home isn’t properly insulated, your energy bills will be far higher than they should be. Check your windows and doors for poor seals and drafts. Sealing cracks can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs. The friendly staff at Oakland Hardware ca, can help with the best silicones for the job. Also, upgrade your ceiling insulation for maximum energy savings. Lights and Appliances We’ve...

Advice From Your Oakland Paint Store – Dealing with Damp Problems

Most homeowners will have to deal with damp problems at some time or another. Water causes unsightly problems that may be visible on the painted surfaces of your home. Though your Oakland Paint Store can help with products designed to prevent the damp from creeping through unless you remove the problem at the source, the damp will return. Recognizing Damp Sources Damp in the walls will show through the painted surface. The paint may bubble and peel and in the worst cases, you may have a buildup of plaster salts, mildew, or mold. Because of the steam, bathrooms, and kitchens often have problems with dampness. The ceiling in a bathroom may have dark and unsightly mold patches if there is inadequate ventilation in the room. How to Fix Damp Problems Condensation Damp problems caused by condensation are possibly the easiest to fix. Improve the ventilation by leaving windows open or by installing an extractor fan. Your Oakland California paint store also carries mold-resistant bathroo...

Know Your Adhesives and Sealants

When it comes to DIY repairs and maintenance, adhesive and sealants form an essential part of the handyman’s arsenal. The staff at Ace Hardware Oakland, California often has to answer questions about the characteristics and uses of adhesives and sealants. Do You Need a Sealant or Adhesive for the Job? We stock both sealants and adhesives at Ace Hardware in Oakland, California. Sealants create a seal between one surface and another and should seal off the gap so that neither air nor water can escape. Adhesives bond surfaces together. Choosing the right adhesive for the job will depend on the materials used and the strength of the bond required. Choice of Adhesives Adhesives are often designed for bonding specific materials. We’ve listed some of the adhesives that you’ll find at your Oakland hardware store in California . Contact adhesive – the most common adhesive, contact adhesive will bind almost any two surfaces such as metal, plastic, and wood. Check the instructions as some...

Find Garden Inspiration at Your Oakland, California Plant Nursery

If you’re lucky enough to have a garden, you really should make the most of it. There is nothing quite like pottering around in the fresh air to reduce stress and help you to forget about the anxieties of the day. At the same time, you’ll improve your property and if you plan carefully, you may even find some of your produce on your kitchen counters. The Ace Nursery in Oakland California Can Supply All Your Gardening Needs You don’t need much to get started with your new garden and you’ll find all the inspiration you need in the Ace hardware plant nursery in Oakland, California . From lawn care to landscaping, garden tools to lawn mowers, it’s all under one roof. If you’re wondering where you’ll store all this equipment, we’ve got you covered. We also sell nifty outdoor storage rooms. What Plants to Choose Make your gardening more rewarding by choosing native plants. They’re generally easier to grow and they attract local pollinators so they are more likely to propagate. Consider p...