BEFORE & AFTER

Painting A Stairs Black and White

This was a big project, but so rewarding. My stairs were gray and damaged - I knew I had to do something with them! They weren't in the best condition to strip, so I decided to paint them.

Prep your stairs by sanding them with 100 grit sandpaper. Depending on the condition of your staircase, you may need a finer or rougher grit. 

I needed to repair some areas of the steps. There was a huge gap, so I filled it with caulk saver, mixed up some Bondo, spread it on with a scraper, let dry and then sanded it smooth and level.

 

Prime the steps, risers and railing. Let dry completely.

I used Valspar Latex Porch & Floor Paint I purchased at Lowe's in black and white.

I painted each riser white, then moved on to painting every other step black. This is very helpful if you have to use your staircase during your project. You'll get some great exercise if you have to go upstairs!

Here's a tip. If you're painting your steps black, use a black Sharpie Permanent Marker to create a straight edge and paint to that edge. Yes, you could tape it off, but I don't have the patience for that. Paint all edges first, then fill in the center of each step.

Now go back and paint the other steps. I used two coats of each color.

My stairway to heaven...


Your Table is Ready

I think most of you know I'm a garbage picker... and well, proud of it. I found this table on the street and knew it had potential. I used a palm sander with 80 grit sandpaper and then finished it with 120. Once it was sanded, I coated it with a clear polyurethane. I love the results.

Who Let the Dogs Out
Gene and I found this great Barn door at a salvage yard and knew we had to find a home for it. So we removed our bedroom door and used it as a sliding door.  It keeps the animals out... or in. Take a look.

Mirrors, Mirrors on the Wall
I wanted to do something fun to the wall where my desk sits. Paint it? Maybe wallpaper it? I decided to mirror it. I love the way it came out! Here are some before and after pics.

_______________________________

Ooh, La, La...French Doors

Our bedroom faces a stream that lulls us to sleep at night. We thought it would be nice to access it from our bedroom instead of going out the front door and around to the back. So Gene took 2 of the center windows away and installed french doors. I painted the outside of the doors a bright red and stained the inside a dark brown. It's wonderful to enjoy even more of the outdoors now without going very far.

______________________________

Make a Splash

Here's an inexpensive way to dress up your backsplash. Order a couple of pieces of tin ceiling tiles and attach to wall with small nails.