Tag: card boards

Electric saw Jig saws are invaluable for general cutti of timber and sheet materials. The best saw will have a reciprocal blade and blowing action to clear the cutting line. 1 Power drill 2 Masomy bit 3 Twist bits 4 Radiator cleaning bit 5 Cordless drilllscreiodn 6 Screwdriver bits and extension 7 Countersink attachme 8 Polishing pad 9 Sanding sheets 10 Rotary sanding/polis! attachment Scroll action is another refinement, enabling you to make tight curved cuts by turning the blade and not the whole tool. Circular saws are useful for cutting sheet materials and timber in a straight line. These are not as versatile as jig saws – and they are considerably less safe to use. Different blades are available for cutting a variety of materials. Electric sander Rotary sanders are attachments for power drills. Glasspaper is fitted to a simple sanding disc or, for a better finish, a foam drum sander. A foam drum sander gives a good finish on both flat and shaped surfaces. An orbital sander is a dedicated power tool, which drives a rectangular pad fto which the sandpaper is fixed) in small, rapid orbits. Use gentle pressure falways with both hands on the tool) to produce a smooth finish in quick time.

Coarse, medium, and fine grades of glasspaper are

1 Orbital sander

2 Random orbital sander

3 Jig saw

4 Hot air stripper with scraper attachment

5 Paint scraper

available in size for orbital sanders. When you have completed sanding a floor with an industrial appliance, an orbital sander will give a smooth finish and is particularly useful for edges and corners of floors. Most sanders will work on wood, plastics, metals, or fillers, so long as the abrasive is suited to the top. A random orbital sander uses circular, grip-on pads and works in eccentric movements. Hot air stripper This is a convenient alternative to a blowlamp for softening and stripping the old paint, particularly oil-based paint from the woodwork. You can use a blowlamp which works off bottled gas, or a hot-air gun which is powered by electricity.

When hanging delicate wallpapers, you may find that a clean foam paint roller does a better job than a brush when it comes to smoothing the newly hung paper down. Apply only the  lightest pressure to avoid marking the paper. • When hanging paper from a platform, adjust its height so that you can stand comfortably without having to bend your neck or stretch your arms too far above your head. Anticlockwise from left 1 Smoothing brush 2 Steel tape measure 3 Scraper 4 Decorating scissors 5 Seam roller 6 Sponge Depending on the job, you may need a certain number of special tools for applying wallcoverings. The following is a checklist oftl basic essentials: Pasting table A sturdy, purpose-made pasting table is a wise investment. Easy to move, to store, and to put up, it provides a stable surface of ideal dimensions and makes pasting very much simpler.

Alternatively you can use a flush door laid over trestles. Bucket Use a clean plastic one for paste, with string tied across t top between the handle joints. You can then rest the pasting brus across the string when it is not in use. Scissors You will need a pair of long decorating scissors, and a small pair for trimming. Craft knife For use with a metal straight-edge or cutting guide t trim vinyls and heavy papers. Scissors are best with thin, wet pat Pasting brush Choose a brush at least 1 Ocm f4in) wide, and kes it only for pasting. Smoothing brush Also known as a paperhanger’s brush, this ha stiff but soft bristles and is used to brush trapped air out to the edge of paper and press the wallcovering into place. Always keep clean and dry. Sponge Essential for wiping away any surplus paste while it is still wet. Seam roller Use this small wood or plastic roller to press down seams once the wallcovering is up. Don’t use it on embossed papers or you/risk making “trarnlines”.

Plumb line and weight This is used to produce true verticals. It is an essential piece of equipment for forming the starting point for every wallpapering job. A builder’s line will hang better than ordinary string. Pencil Use an HB or softer lead for marking the paper clearly. Oversharp or harder leads can tear the more delicate papers. Steel tape These measures are typically 3.5m f12ft) long, which should be adequate for measuring the height of normal walls. Rule It is important to have a rule long enough to span the roll’s width – normally’ about 53cm f21 in). A retractable rule may tear the paper, so it is best not used. Set square A large plastic square for any improvised square) is useful for checking that your cuts are at a constant 900 angle. Sanding pad Keep one to hand for sanding away any scraps of old wallpaper or lining paper you may find on a stripped wall just as you are about to hang the new paper. Likewise, a sharp scraper is a useful standby.

Brushes that are well cared for improve with use. Loose bristles are shed and the tips become nicely rounded. Start a brush on primer and undercoat, then use it for fine finishing as it ages. Useful brush sizes include an angled 1 .8cm fY.in) cutting-in brush and 1.2cm, 2.Scm, Scm, and 1 Ocm or 12.Scm f~in, 1 in, 2in, and 4in or Sin) brushes. Radiator brush A brush with an elong- ated metal handle that can be bent to allow you to paint behind radiators. Rollers Used with a paint tray, the roller offers an easy way of applying paint to large, flat areas without leaving defined brush strokes. It is best for applying water-based paints, which you can easily clean off the roller. When using solid emulsion paint, lift the roller direct from the container. Roller types include: Foam With easy-clean removable sleeve, but does not give the finest finish and wil tear when used on rough surfaces.

Mohair Very close pile on a hard roller, giving fine finish to smooth surfaces. Not suitable for textured surfaces. Shaggy pile Deep, floppy pile makes it suitable for textured surfaces. Can also be used to apply textured paint. Radiator roller A thin, deep-pile roller or a long wire handle to reach behind radi- ators and other awkward spots. Texturing roller Specialized roller used 1 produce a rag-rolled effect. Paint pads These pads of fine mohair pile stuck to a layer of foam bonded to a metal or plastic handle are light and easy to use. Sizes range from 2.Scm to lScm f1 in to 6in), some with a hollow handle to take the end of a broom for painting tops of walls or ceilings without steps.

Suitable for smoot! or textured surfaces, but not rough finishe Clean pads immediately after use, with water where water-based paints have beer used. A pad does give a very fine finish when gloss-painting flush doors. Note that proprietary cleaners can attack the adhes- ive holding the mohair to the foam. Left to right 11.Bcm f’!.in) cutting-in bristle brush 2 1.2cm f’h.in) bristle brtlsh 3 2.5cm f1 ill) synthetic no-loss brush 4 2.5cm f1 in) bristle brush 5 5cm f2in) synthetic no-loss brush 6 Emulsion brush 7 Paint pads 8 Paint pad with edging rollers at side 9 Foam roller 10 Textured roller for textured paint 11 Radiator roller 12 Paint tray 13 Roller with shaggy pile attachments 14 Mohair roller 15 Deep-pile roller Wallpapering tools o expensive or specialized tools are required for hanging wall and ceiling coverings. A pasting table makes it easier to apply paste to long lengths of wallpaper or other material, and make sure that the scissors or knife you use to cut the wallpaper to length is sharp.

Adjustable spanner With 2.4cm fnearly 1 in) opening for routine plumbing tasks. Chisels Choose the bevel-edged type. Sizes include 6mm, 1.2cm, 1.8cm and 2.5cm fY.in, ~in, Y.in and 1 in). Claw hammer The claw draws nails. Soft-face mallet Used when it is important not to leave any mark on metal and wood surfaces. Try-square For marking right angles. File For smoothing 1 .2cm f~in) round. Steel measuring tape Typically 3.5m f12ft) in length. Check that the tape is clearly marked with both metric and imperial measurements. Glue gun Filled with sticks of special adhesive and sealant for quick repair work. Shaping tool Surform 23cm fgin). Tool carrier Lightweight carrier for selected tools required for the job in hand. 9 Steel rule 10 Spirit level 11 File 12 Steel tape measure 13 Chisels Painting tools The way you apply paint is largely a matter of personal choice. You can use brushes in conjunction with a paint-roller – a tool developed for the amateur user of emulsion paint. The paint pad has its advantages, too.

There are also a few vital special items: triangular shave hooks and flexible scrapers for removing old paint; masking tape for protecting surfaces not to be painted; paint shield in metal or plastic to restrict paint to the area being painted; tack or tacky rag to pick up dust; clean, lint-free rags; paint stirrer fthere is one usable with a power drill); paint kettles. Use a kettle so the bulk of your paint stays free of contamination. It also makes carrying paint – especially up ladders – much easier, since not all paint tins have handles. Brushes For a good finish, choose brushes with genuine bristle or with the best-quality synthetic bristle. As a rule, costlier brushes do give the best results. Use inexpensive brushes for outside work, such as applying preservatives to wooden fencing or paint- ing masonry.

These often include a number of tools you will never use. Be selective and choose tools according to the work you plan to do. Clean tools immediately after use. A wipe with an oily rag ensures metal surfaces stay rust-free. Never let sharp tools rub against each other – this is the most common cause of blunted cutting edges. A soft hold-all is best for transporting tools. Wooden, metal, or plastic tool boxes are heavy and cumbersome. Anticlockwisc from top 1 Heavy- duty craft knife 2 Floorboard saw 3 TenOIl saw 4 Mini hacksaw 5 Mole grips fself-grip wrench) 6 G-clamp 7 Adjustable spanner 8 Pincers 9 Pliers 10 Fine-nose pliers Keep hands away from the direction of any cut. Wherever pos- sible, clamp work to free both hands to hold the tool correctly.

Always unplug power tools when they are not in use, and store them out of reach of children. Wear protective clothing where recommended fsee p. 48). A basic tool kit You will find many of the following tools useful for everyday household tasks. Specific tools for decorating and other special tasks are described in detail on later pages fsee p, 39-43). Portable workbench This provides a working surface and high adaptable vice, and can be used as a step-up or as one of two trestles. Steel rule For use as an accurate cutting guide as well as when marking straight lines. Metre rule Plastic rules are lightweight and the folding wooden types are convenient. Spirit level For checking horizontal and vertical surfaces before fixing them in place. Tenon saw For fine cutting smaller timber sections, 25cm the pt, or “point”, refers to the number of teeth per 2.5cm fI in) of blade. General purpose fGP) saw Used for cutting both metal and wood. Copes well with old and reclaimed timber that may contain nails or screws. Mini hacksaw For cutting metal.

Cress-cut handsaw Used for cutting larger timber sections, 56cm f22in), 1 Opt. Cress-sfot fPozidriv/Supadriv) screwdriver Blade sizes differ for variously gauged Phillips screws. Single•slot screwdriver Blade sizes differ according to screw sizes. Good-quality ratchet and spiral-ratchet screwdrivers are worthwhile labour-saving tools. Electrician’s screwdriver The handle is specially insulated to protect the user against accidentally touching a live wire. G-clamps Used for holding work in position, 1 Ocm and 20cm f4in and Bin). Power drill With or without cord Set of twist drills and masonry drills Twist drills for wood and softer metals only. Not interchangeable. Antidockwise from top 1 Soft-face mallet 2 Lump hammer 3 Claw hammer 4 Pin hammer 5 Cold chisels 6 Single-slot screwdrivers 7 Cross-slot screwdriver 8 Bradawl Self-grip wrench fmole) Snaplocks onto objects, leaving your hands free. Fine-nose pliers For gripping and manipulating small, hard-to- reach objects. Pincers For pulling nails. Craft knife With disposable blades.

TRICKS WITH TEXTURES • Create visual continuity by linking interconnecting rooms with the same carpeting or by repeating a fabric. • Break up large areas into more intimate areas by using textured hangings, drapes, and rugs. • Create contrasts by interspersing textures and patterns with areas of plain, smooth colour. Above Texture and pattern dominate in this child’s bedroom, giving-an enclosed and comforting, yet visually sti’1rulatillg, effect. Oppositrop The pattern of a ii7~d>f~, ouerlaid with a lJ1’ightly patterned mg. anchors interest firmlypt ground level in this lofty bedroom. Opposite bottom Visual continuity has been assured here through the use of repeated colour= the ~, lie, and purple of the walls. ceiling. and furniture ec dill the patterning of the mgs and bedspread, Left When small areas only o/Pat-tem are used they immediately become a focal point for “;i’;>OOJ1l.

 

Focal patterns f the room you are decorating has a special feature you might like to emphasize it and treat it as a focal point. The most obvious focal points are fireplaces, large bay windows and unusual recesses. Any of these could be accentuated by applying pattern to the surface. For example, to highlight a fireplace, use a wallcovering in a warm-toned complementary style, or turn an alcove or wall into a focal point with a splash of colourful pattern; offset these by keeping the adjacent walls plain. You could enhance a bay window with richly patterned floor-to-ceiling curtains. The opposite can also work successfully. For example, you could decorate most of the room  in subtle patterns, leaving an expanse of plain colour in a featured alcove, as a backdrop to shelves of attractive ornaments or a display of framed pictures. In general, select smaller and more subtle patterns for small areas; larger, bolder patterns work better in more spacious areas. Strong patterns tend to dominate and should be used thoughtfully. In a narrow room, horizontal stripes make the space look wider. Regular geometric patterns are more static and formal, while repetitive floral patterns give a sense of movement and flow. n o r- o c: ~

 

PLANNING • Warm, rich colours and hard, shiny surfaces appear to come toward you. Cool colours and soft, matt textures give the appearance of receding more into the background. Bear this in mind when you want to alter the apparent size of a room . • Draw a sketch of the room and indicate areas of  contrasting colour, texture, and pattern. When selecting a focal point, keep in mind a balance of activity in order to avoid making one area busy with pattern and colour and another area relatively quiet and plain. • Above This extremely white bath is set in a bathroom which is dominated by pastel colours.

MAKING DECISIONS

Making a sample board is both useful and fun. Collect samples of the materials you propose to use and see how they look when laid out next to one another on a board. Include colours from paint charts, swatches of fabrics, pieces of wallcoverings, samples of carpeting and offcuts of any other materials. Cut out the samples into their correct proportion in relation to the scheme and paste them onto the board.

If you are using a variety of patterns, create visual continuity by relating their predominant colour throughout the house.

Link areas of the home by limiting the wallcoverings in the halls and stairways to a single pattern and colour, or by having fitted carpeting in a single colour and texture throughout the house. Size, shape and colour There are many ways to create a decorative scheme with patterns. So much colour mixing and matching is a matter of personal taste:

 

For example, patterns can be the same size and form but have different colours, such as varied floral designs. Or they can have the same form and colour but be different sizes, such as different types of the stripe. Or they can have the same colour and size but have varied forms, such as a mixture of geometries and florals. Perhaps the easiest way to match patterns is to pick ones that have the same size and design and differ only in colour. In this context, you then really only have to choose colours that contrast or blend well together, following the guidelines established earlier. If you want to combine small, regular patterns with large, bold ones, make sure that the two patterns are linked by colour. If the overall colours of each pattern are close to one another on the colour wheel the effect will be successful.

 

Above III this bedroom, the clever mix of patterns creates a striking yet restful decor. The patterns, varying from plaid and star-shaped to floral, are linked through a limited number of colours close in tonal range. Below Two different patterns – one large and geometric, the other small and floral- have been linked through colour. Yellow/ and white are repeated if the wallpaper. tablecloth, and cushions as u/ell as ill the bedposts, chair, and table lamp. Even the framed prints are colour coordinated. Right III this kitchen, two different styles of pattern bai» been connected through the use of colour. Below Although initially looking discordant, all the famous colours making lip the patterns in this child’s room have been thoughtfully coordinated to produce overall harmony.

However, you can emphasize the intensity of a small space by using a large pattern in a small room. Small patterns Small patterns -like pale, neutral colours – suit smaller spaces. They are particularly effective in rooms with lots of surfaces at different angles, such as an attic room. Here, miniature designs, such as small floral patterns, can give the illusion of a larger, cohesive space. Tiny patterns take on a single colour and tone when viewed from a distance, making them the easiest to match to a colour scheme. Whether you allow a small- scale pattern to function as a single tone  throughout a room, or coordinate it with areas of plain colour, is a personal decision. In general, however, a balance of plain colour and patterned areas tends to be easy on the eyes. Avoid using small designs in large rooms, since they can look spotty.

 

Above right The blue check chair was the starting point for this room’s decorative theine. The blue colour, contrasted with white, is repeated in the curtains and u.alt lamps and, using paler tones, in the wallpaper, too. The yellow background colour of the sofa [uids expression if the pot of flowers and is reflected ill the wall frieze. Right! It IS easier to change from the pattern to all- other if ),011 mark the transition by making it a feature. The change from the airy pattern of the IIpper walls to the busier lower walls is accomplished by with a large, repeating pattern. Pattern harmony Contrasting a single pattern with a limited number of plain colours requires thought and planning. The size, style, and colours of the pattern all need to be selected carefully so they harmonise with the rest of the decor.  When it comes to combining two or more patterns that match or contrast with one another, the challenge is that much greater. However, by following a few guidelines, you will quickly see how to use a variety of patterns to create a strikingly successful decorative scheme.

COLLECTING IDEAS •

To collect ideas for colour and pattern combinations, keep a file of samples from magazines and swatches of colour and pattern of your existing and proposed decor. Pay attention to any bold- coloured items that need to match, and take all the samples with you when shopping for fabrics and papers.  Remember that the predominant colours in a pattern influence mood. Reds have a warm, welcoming quality; blues are restful and calming; browns and oranges are warm; yellows are bright and reflective; greens have a natural, cool, and spacious feel. Patterns in pale, neutral tones of these colours act like texture to add depth and interest rather than explicit mood. Si ze and scale he scale of patterns that you incorporate into your decorating scheme can vary from enormous repeats that dominate a room to minuscule mini-prints that are hardly visible from a distance.

Generally, large patterns have much the same effects and use as vivid colours while small patterns function like muted colours. It is easier to have a great variety of colour and pattern if the patterns are detailed and of a fairly similar small size.

PATTERN FOR EFFECT •

Bold, vertically striped wallpaper increases the apparent height of either small or larger rooms. • Horizontal stripes make the walls appear longer and lower. • One way to incorporate a large-scale design into a fairly small room is to choose a pattern with muted colours on a background that does not form toO vivid a contrast. large patterns Large-scale patterns require careful planning. If the design contrasts highly with its background, it will create a basic colour scheme around which the rest of the decor must revolve. Usually, large, bold patterns emphasise form and movement. They look most attractive when used on large areas such as a stairwell, where the design can be seen in its entirety without the interruption of furnishings. Like dark colours, they can also be effective on a single wall of a large room, as a focal point below left Big areas of large-scale patterns, such a, the ones ill this living room, ill vivid primary colour dominate a room, The effect will be overpowering unless the room is well proportioned and balanced with more muted decorative elements, such as a comparatively plain carpet and ceiling. Below A very limited range of colours has been used here, from the blue-purple part of the spectrum. Note that although the patterning is bold, it i. all of a consistent size and the background is plain. Right Apart from the full-length drapes, this dining room is without the pattern. The expanse of red of the walls, ceiling, and the carpet is effectively alleviated by the high-gloss white woodwork. or backdrop to plain furnishings. Large patterns tend to make a small room look smaller, and are less suitable for rooms with lots of windows, doors, or alcoves since the motifs will be constantly interrupted.