By Michael Dresdner
A Practical Painting and
Finishing Guide for the Homeowner
Painting and finishing around the home
can be daunting, both from the scale of the work and the bewildering
array of finishing options available. But you can save yourself
frustration, time, and money with the help of Build Like a
Pro: Painting and Finishing. Written by a finishing
professional, it’s an authoritative and practical guide to
accomplishing the major finishing tasks around the home.
Dresdner covers both the interior and exterior of the house.
Especially valuable is his advice on choosing finishes for
special-needs projects like kitchens and bathrooms. You get
information on floors, furniture and outside projects such as siding
and trim. You’ll also discover information on all aspects of
preparation and assessment of a job, choosing materials and tools,
and application techniques.
Dresdner takes you though each step in the process -- from planning
to cleanup -- with detailed step-by-step instructions and hundreds
of clear photos and drawings. You’ll learn the tricks and shortcuts
the pros use to cut those big painting and finishing projects down
to size.
This comprehensive guide covers painting and finishing for:
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Built-Ins and paneling
- Interior doors, molding and trim
- Floors, stairs and balustrades
- Furniture
- Siding and clapboards
- Exterior doors, windows and trim
- Decks, porches and fences
- Patio furniture and ornamentals
Introduction:
As I was growing up, I watched my dad fix
and finish most everything around our house. We weren't well off, so
what he did was a necessity, not a hobby. But his workmanship was so
exemplary that to me, "do-it-yourself" came to mean "do it right." I
also discovered that even though finishing or painting seems
confusing when you first approach it, with some clear instructions
about what to buy and how to apply it, it's just not that hard. Now,
after thirty years as a professional in this field, it is time for
me to share what I've learned.
This book is for you, the homeowner who wants to tackle the
painting and finishing projects around your house. It's for people
of all abilities, and for those with no prior experience. I've set
down clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to paint and finish
everything inside and outside your home, from the deck, fences,
walls, and patio furniture outside, to the floors, wainscoting,
cabinets, and furniture inside. If it is made of wood, this book
will show you how to coat it so that it looks great and lasts a long
time.
While we're at it, I'll help you cut through the confusing
terminology on finish and paint can labels. Instead of being misled
by conflicting claims, I'll make sure you know what is on the shelf,
what it is used for, and how to apply it. In short, I'll be your
guide through this jungle of finishing options.
So take the plunge and tackle that project. I know it seems a bit
daunting, but I'll be beside you, in spirit at least, with lots of
helpful tips to get you through the sticky parts. In the end, you'll
find that the fear of getting started is nothing compared to the
ultimate satisfaction of having done it yourself. Give it a try.
You'll be amazed at how well you do.
About the Author:
Michael Dresdner is a nationally known finishing expert with over 20
years of experience in the field. He is the author of
The New Woodfinishing Book,
Wood Finishing Basics DVD,
Wood Finishing Fixes, and
Build Like a Pro: Painting and
Finishing.
Excerpt From The Book:
Painting
and Finishing:
Preparing the Surfaces
Most paint problems can be prevented with good
preparation. Here's how to get it done.
by Michael Dresdner
Painting and finishing tasks around the house often don't turn
out the way you expect. In Build Like a Pro: Painting and
Finishing, Michael Dresdner takes you through each step of
the process, giving you the tools to get great-looking results every
time.
In this excerpt, Michael shows you how to prevent paint problems
by correctly preparing the surface.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
CHAPTER ONE
Start to Finish: The First Steps
Assessing the Job
Choosing a Finish
Gathering the Gear
Preparing the Surface
CHAPTER TWO
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Cabinets and Shelves
Countertops and Work Surfaces
Food Contact Surfaces
CHAPTER THREE
Built-Ins and Paneling
Prefinishes
Stains and Color
Topcoats
CHAPTER FOUR
Interior Doors and Trim
New and Old Wood Preparation
Stains Under Clear Topcoats
Primed and Painted Trim
CHAPTER FIVE
Floors, Stairs, and Balustrades
Stripping and Rough Sanding
Filling and Second Sanding
Applying Stain and Finish
Finishing Stairs and Balustrades
CHAPTER SIX
Furniture
Touching Up and Renewing
Stripping Old Finishes
Sanding, Staining, and Sealing
Applying Clear Finishes
CHAPTER SEVEN
Siding and Clapboards
Preparing the Surfaces
Choosing the Finish
Applying the Finish
CHAPTER EIGHT
Windows, Doors, and Trim
Preparing the Surfaces
Selecting Stain and Clear Sealer
Selecting Paint
Applying the Finish
CHAPTER NINE
Decks, Porches and Fences
Deck Strategies
Choosing the Right Finish
Applying Finishes
Maintaining Finishes
CHAPTER TEN
Patio Furniture and Ornamentals
Clear Finishes
Solid Colors
Painted Gems and Ornamentals
Index
Resources
Soft-cover, 9-1/4 x 11 in., 176 pages, with
color photos and drawings
Published 2001
ISBN: 978-1-25158-480-2
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