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B6 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesdsay March 17, 1999 Etobicoke - 25 Thk W est M a l i, Siier m w Gardens (416 )(>2 0 -0 0 8 3 Have a game plan before painting home's exterior CHINESE RUGS Special purchase of 100% wool 5'5"x8'- reg list 79"x l0' Chinese rugs, below market reglist$' value. Other sizes also available 2'6"xl0', 2'6"x8' and 2'3"x7'. 8 $199 A *399 $ *5 3 9 INDIAN RUGS Two popular sizes & 11 colour combinations! "Aubusson 99". Handmade 100% wool. 5'6".\8'~ only reg list $780 8xii--onK' $T70 reg list $ 1,710 T # m M Everyone enjoys the great outdoors in the summer. To make your surroundings that much more enjoyable this season, consider freshening up the exterior of your home - from the paint on your house, to the stain on your deck, to the colour of your garden fiimiture and kids' swing set. "There's so much you can do to enhance the exterior of your home, and it doesn't have to cost a fortune," said Kevin Skelly of PARA Paints, a leading Canadian paint and coatings manufactur­ er. "With a little imagination, colour, and top quality paint products, you can achieve dramatic changes which are a pleasure to come home to and, ultimate­ ly, will increase the value of your house." Follow these tips: Select colours that complement your surroundings When you choose colours for the exterior of your home, consider your sur­ roundings, such as adjoining houses, the local environment, existing roofing and brickwork. Emphasize the attractive fea­ tures such as architectural detailing, and play down unsightly elements such as garage doors or downspouts by "paint­ ing" them into the brickwork or siding. If you really want to make a statement, but are hesitant to select a bright colour over­ all, consider going for a colourful or "bold" front door. Different colours produce different effects - by painting your home in a light, bright colour such as yellow, for exam­ ple, it will look larger than it actually is, and using dark paint can bring a sense of proportion to a large home on a small lot. Before painting the entire house, paint small areas to see how the colours look at various times of day and in different weather conditions. Use top-quality paints and coatings The paint on the exterior of your home has to be able to withstand year- round exposure to varying weather, from intense cold to muggy heat. "Research shows that an inexpensive paint will last for a few years, but a house painted with a top-quality paint - preferably 100% acrylic latex, which is more durable, flex­ ible and has better adhesion than most paints - should last 10 years or more," Skelly explained. Although it costs a lit­ tle more to buy a quality paint, in the long run a cheaper paint will actually cost con­ siderably more if you have to repaint more often. A good quality paint will also retain its colour longer, chalk less, and resist cracking, blistering, and peeling. Take time to prepare the surface To ensure a long-lasting paint job, the surface to be painted or stained must be clean and free of old paint that is flaking or loose, dirt, grease and wax. Wash down and scrape old surfaces, and be sure to prime bare spots. Even the high­ est quality paint will not last if the under­ lying surface is not solid, or if the paint covers cracks, blisters, and dirt. Remember, that priming is not always necessary -- there is no need to prime if the surface to recoat is in good condition. In some cases, however, a primer is rec­ ommended, especially when painting bare wood or metal. Wait for the right weather condi­ tioners For the longest-lasting job, do your exterior painting on days when the tem­ perature is between 15.5 and 29.4° C, with low or moderate humidity and little or no wind. It is best to avoid painting in direct sunlight, since exterior surfaces tend to get too hot to allow for good adhesion and for the paint to dry proper­ ly. Try to work your way around the house so that you are always painting in the shade. Follow a painting sequence For best results, work from the top down so that you don't drip onto areas that have already been painted. Start by painting fascia boards, gutters and eaves, then tackle the walls and downspouts. Complete the job by painting doors, win­ dows and trim. Be creative Freshen up more than just your home's physical structure. Many prod­ ucts on the market today can help you renew your other outdoor surroundings - from wood restoration systems that strip, clean and brighten old wood (ideal for siding, decks and fences), to melamine enamels which have super durable prop­ erties that will give a new look to exteri­ or trim, wom patio furniture, etc. Ducts can prove troublesom e to drywall (Continued from B7) If you want to install drywall on the sides of your box with suspended ceil­ ing tile on the bottom you will have to build a "ladder" using 2X2s. Measure the height of your duct and build the ladder with 2X2s along each side at 16" on centre. These ladders should extend­ ed to the bottom of the duct. Attach a third ladder along the bottom of the duct consisting of lX3s, this adds sta­ bility to the box. When you cut your drywall, be sure to extend it 3" below the ladder so the ceiling tiles will fit or, if flexible lay-in panels are being used, 2" is needed. Install J-trim on the bottom of the dry- wall, paint the J-trim and screw the wall angle to the back of the J-trim with 7/16" Tec (Kelly) screws. This is where your ceiling tile will rest. There are other combinations of materials and methods of boxing-in available. And, I have one more piece of advice to impart; if there is a series of small ducts on your ceiling, do not box them in individually. Lower the ceiling in the entire area. You will have a better looking ceiling and it will take a lot less effort. This column was provided by Mark McCormack store manager of the Oakville Lansing Buildall outlet. Business Opportunity! One of the best methods to attract new customers quickly and to raise your company's profile in the community is to exhibit in a community home show. N ow is the time to inquire about exhibit space in the upcoming spring home shows: Oakville Lifestyle Burlington Lifestyle Niagara Lifestyle Home Show Home Show Home Show April 16-18 April 23 - 25 April 15-18 Call Sharon or Dave today at 827-4632 Jenkins Show Productions 5EAVER Entertainment NEWS & SPORTS Three Times a W eek /4lexanian carpet on 870 Appleby Line Mississauga 2222 South Sheridan Way (Southdown at QEW) 823-9410 ' 639-4934 Open Mon-Fri 9-9, Sat 9-6, Sun 12-5 f Installations on flat surfaces only Burlingtc 2 b y i Oust South off QEW) 10 DAYS ONLY! '98 Model Cleanout All instock models drastically reduced! • Direct Vents • Gas Inserts • Vermont Castings Gas Stoves • Floor Models & Mantels All Retail Inventory Must Go! 2362 WYECROFT RD., Unit 6 , Oakville 905 847-9112 We also do custom cabinet work, Mon.-Fri. 9 - 5 • Sat. 10 - 2 • Closed Sunday MAJESTIC Insta-Flame' f c^f~ irtJpkrce& '-- ■ D VERMONT CASTINGS < HAMILTON Q.E.V Homes & Gardens .... .......... .... 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