lit_gal ([personal profile] lit_gal) wrote2009-05-03 06:09 pm
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Painters caulk is my new god.

Damn, I am exhausted, but I think I have the big repairs done, and I just discovered the neatest trick. So, you're trying to repaint rafters white after some moron painted them really, really dark brown which immediately started turning purple in the desert sun (think people... think before choosing paint colors). Anyway, my problem: no matter how small a brush I use, where the roofing material for the front overhang meets the rafter, I have a dark line, which didn't show up with dark brown paint but looked like shit with white. Really serious shitty shit even.

So, I dig through the aisles at Home Depot, and I find latex painter's caulk. OMG... this stuff is great. I just caulk the line between the roof and the rafter, and BAM it looks perfect. My brilliant white caulk even matches my brilliant white paint so well that I don't have to paint it again afterward!

Yeah, yeah, you guys probably know all this shit, but let me tell you, I have been getting a whole new education trying to paint my own house... and repair termite damage... and water damage... and frickin' four five-inch bolts which the last owner felt the need to use to attach a holder for a miniature flag. A MINIATURE flag! He had that sucker anchored so well that you could have carried out public hangings from the thing, and he used it for one of those little flags you wave. Yeah, I'm not bitter about the huge frickin' holes in my adobe. Not at all. But, one more notch in my belt because I patched my own adobe. Okay, whining, and bragging over.
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[identity profile] velvetwhip.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 01:21 am (UTC)(link)
Go you, with your bad DIY self!


Gabrielle

[identity profile] ladyvirgo1956.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 01:29 am (UTC)(link)
Are you going to do a Wooden Patio or concert. If concert give it at least 24 hours to set after pouring it. If you do a wooden one make sure you put a water base finish on it so it will hold up during the rainy season. And congratulations on the painting.

[identity profile] postholedigger.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 02:17 am (UTC)(link)
You go girl! Home Depot is pretty much my favorite hang out in the world. Congratulations on a job well done.

[identity profile] laurie-ky.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 02:46 am (UTC)(link)
It's a nice feeling to get something like that accomplished.

Laurie
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[identity profile] zenwiccan.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 03:41 am (UTC)(link)
You are my hero! As a single woman, I really dig the *idea* of being handy around the home, but...I tend to fail or give up more often than I succeed. (I felt ridiculously proud when I even managed to fix the mini-blinds in my apartment.) If I'm ever able to own a house, I'm sure I'll be forced to do my own maintenance, so it gives me hope to hear you talk about triumphing over DIY adversity. :)

[identity profile] chaoskir.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 03:42 am (UTC)(link)
If you have to change a dark surface into a bright surface you have all the right to whining and bragging. And I wouldn't like the flag-holder-holes either.

I guess with the painting you did a great job and I guess you have to do a lot work to your house.

[identity profile] nghthwk8.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 04:01 am (UTC)(link)
Congratulations on your work. I watch tons of DYI shows (just can't deal with the depression of real life on the news) and I often give advice to others about what they might be doing wrong--after they mention something--but I can't imagine doing it myself. I think I'm a little to OCD, it took me 4 hours to clean the guest shower yesterday, but that's why I have others do it most of the year. When I clean, I really clean. There's no in between.

Cheers for anyone who can do DYI and find fixes for problems. Don't assume everyone knows the answer--some do, but plenty don't. Everything is a learning experience and is empowering, even if it takes you away from writing.

[identity profile] lady-quadress.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 07:32 am (UTC)(link)
To cover up holes use toothpaste. Make sure it is white toothpaste. Dab it in to the holes let it dry and then sand it down. Then paint what ever color you want on the post and Congrats on a job well done *HUGS*

[identity profile] brunettepet.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 01:08 pm (UTC)(link)
Painter's caulk is brilliant stuff!

[identity profile] betagoddess.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 05:49 pm (UTC)(link)

You are the Repair Goddess! Go you! *g*

[identity profile] texanfan.livejournal.com 2009-05-04 07:36 pm (UTC)(link)
The right tool for the job is always key. And it's always a thrill when you find the exact thing you need. :)

WOW!

[identity profile] dowitch.livejournal.com 2009-05-05 02:47 am (UTC)(link)
I'm so impressed! I may use you as my inspiration -- at least I hope I get inspired. I have a piece of wood siding that I have to replace, and I want to do it myself -- I just don't know enough. Better get on it and figure it out.

Thanks for sharing -- it's very encouraging.
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[identity profile] laazikaat.livejournal.com 2009-05-05 11:04 pm (UTC)(link)
Good on you, it's satisfying when it's all done isn't it? Today I'm climbing onto our mis-matched tin-roof to fix a leak. Once I have that fixed I am replacing an interior sheet of canite roofing that took water damage in the kitchen.

The fun never stops at our house.

[identity profile] vinniebatman.livejournal.com 2009-05-10 12:18 am (UTC)(link)
Ohohohohoh,

after you did that, did you place you hands on your hips and talk about feeling manly and needing a beer?

*silence*

*coughs*

Oh, uh, me neither. I never do that after making repairs.


~Alice~
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