Blog Problems

I'm posting this in hopes that someone might know how I can fix my blog.  Blogger is of no help. 

I have no idea what happened, but if you are reading this you can see my blog is totally jacked up. Almost all of my photos have disappeared, and every time I log on I get an error message.

I've enjoyed blogging here while I have, but if years of blogging can go down the tubes in an instant with no way of fixing it -- I have to rethink this whole blogger thing.

I mean -- wow -- years of posts just gone and blogger can only say "this is a known problem" try clearing your cache or searching online for a solution?  The laptop I'm using is brand spanking new.  I have not been online enough with it to have my cache clogged to shit.

Grr....

Please help....someone!
(I knew I should've went into the IT profession......)

Bathroom Light Fixtures in Metallic Glaze

After using metallic glaze for the first time on a pair of side tables  I sort of wanted to paint everything in my house metallic.  The wall lights in our bathroom are old and outdated.  But they have a neat look to them that we kind of enjoy.  We thought about replacing them, but we thought they might add a little character to the space.

And....they were the perfect little victim's for my metallic glaze craze....

Here is the after.



Light



And of course the dreadful before...



Not bad.  I think the metallic glaze helped jazz them up. You cannot tell they were ever gold.

Painted Side Tables - Using Metallic Glaze

Hey ya'll!

Guess what I did for the first time? Painted furniture and used a metallic glaze. Yep...I did.

And being this was the first time I had used a glaze, I was extremely nervous.  More nervous then I would have been if these side tables had been my own.  But nope...someone was waiting for them to look amazing when I was done. oh boy...

I painted both of these side tables entirely black and then used a metallic glaze on the body and the legs.  

 

I was a bit skeptical at first, not really knowing how these would turn out, but this will definitely be something I use more frequently in the future. They turned out lovely.

DIY Chalkboard Book Shelf

This little book shelf was actually a mistake.  From the beginning, I had no clue what to do with it.  I almost threw it away. 

 

 

But a couple of coats of chalkboard paint on the top and ASCP on the rest, I knew it was the perfect little book shelf for my daughters bedroom.  

Choosing The Right Protective Finish For Your Painted Furniture

Choosing the right protective finish for your painted furniture (or any other) projects can be tough.  I muddle through this choice with each and every piece of furniture I paint.   So I know that those just starting out might find this one a bit daunting.  Especially if you have nothing to go on.

I've had trial and error with a few different types of protective finishes and each one brings something different to my project.  So I've made a list of my favorites in order of how much I use them. I hope this is helpful!

#1 - Minwax Lacquer

For long lasting durability and ease of use, this one is by far numero uno on my list. If you are painting a table or dresser that is going to get high use, this is the one you want.  I have not had a dresser get scratched or scuffed yet after applying this lacquer.  Just brush on with a cheap brush and that's it. No sanding required.  It DOES smell horrible though. So use in a well ventilated area.  

#2 - Anne Sloan Soft Wax

I love this soft wax.  The problem is that most of the stuff I paint gets high wear and tear and this finish will scratch.  For things that do not get a ton of use, this is perfect.  It gives of the most beautiful shine that no lacquer or poly can.  You just wipe this wax on with a rag or brush on with a paint brush --- let sit for a minute and then buff off.  It takes a bit longer than applying a lacquer or poly, but I swear you will fall in love with the end result.  I used this on my black dresser and loved loved LOVED how it turned out.

#3 - Minwax Polyurethane

Minwax Polyurethane is a great protective finish for your projects.  In fact, this is the most used product I've seen in DIY blog-land.  It is similar to Minwax Lacquer in application however they do recommend you sand between coats.  I never do.  This product is tough but not quite as tough as Minwax Lacquer AND will turn your white furniture yellow over time.  My DIY Chalk Painted Dresser is finished in this and is also turning yellow.  I think it adds a bit of character. 

#4 - Rust-Oleum Clear Enamal Spray

This spray is the best thing ever for smaller projects.  I use it on my chicken wire frames religiously.  It gives a nice shine and protects really well. I did try to spray a dresser with this one time and it was a disaster - I would not recommend it.  

 Also, it's good to know that you don't need a protective finish on all your furniture! If it's a piece that is never going to be used I would absolutely not worry about it.

Also, if you are wondering about what type of paints to use you can read my post about that here along with how to get a smooth paint finish here.

Have a great weekend :)