WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES JULY 13, 2017 15
AT HOME
10 easy DIY home improvement
projects for beginners
You don't have to be a pro to tackle
many home improvement projects.
With a little elbow grease
and a few smart tools, DIY novices can
easily complete all kinds of household
tasks effi ciently and correctly.
Here are 10 common DIY projects
for beginners that any homeowner
(or apartment dweller) can learn to
do. Not only will your house look
great, but you'll feel a great sense of
pride too.
1. Install a kitchen backsplash: You
don't need to learn how to cut and
install tile. Instead, add a stylish
backsplash by using inexpensive alternative
materials such as tin ceiling
tiles, wooden beadboard or wallpaper.
2. Loosen rusty bolts: For stubborn
nuts and bolts, reach for a Bernzomatic
TS3500 Multi-Use Torch. This
easy-to-use tool empowers all levels
of DIYers and can be used for dozens
of tasks. For this one, simply heat up
the bolt to loosen the rust, then turn
with a wrench to remove. Discover
more torch project ideas at Bernzomatic.
com.
3. Conceal wall blemishes: From nail
holes to furniture bumps, repair wall
blemishes by using a putty knife to
spread a resurfacing compound. For
larger dings, you can use an adhesive
patch and add an all-purpose drywall
compound with a trowel. Allow to dry,
then sand and repaint.
4. Give furniture a vintage look:
The rustic look is "in," but rather than
splurge on trendy furniture, get the
same look for less money and have fun
creating it yourself. Add an aged look
to wooden furniture such as patio sets
or console tables, or decor items like
picture frames using a torched patina
eff ect. The Bernzomatic TS3500 Multi-
Use Torch provides ultimate control
for steady strokes back and forth on
raw wood to bring out the natural
wood grain without having to apply a
stain. It only takes seconds.
5. Create a perfect patio: If you want
a new patio, but don't want to deal with
mortar, consider fl agstone. These fl at
stones fi t together like puzzle pieces
so you can create a small patio, meditation
garden or reading nook virtually
anywhere in your yard.
6. Repair equipment: Need to repair
the grips on your bike, tennis racket
or hockey sticks? When you want to
regrip them, take off the old grip and
use a torch to soft en the adhesive to
make it easier to remove the old grip.
Simply add new grips around the now
adhesive-free surfaces.
7. Eliminate picture-hanging snafus:
When hanging small pictures,
put masking tape on the wall before
hammering or drilling. This will help
ensure the wall or paint doesn't crack.
Additionally, place a folded sticky note
on the wall before drilling and it will
catch all the dust.
8. Spruce up landscaping beds: If
your landscaping is looking drab,
mulch is an aff ordable way to limit
weeds and protect plants while making
the space more visually appealing.
Use cut outs of landscaping fabric to
line the beds before spreading mulch
evenly on top. Quick trick: use a torch
to singe the ends of the fabric to keep
it from fraying.
9. Replace outlet plates: Faded or
dated outlet plates can make an entire
room look old. Update your space by installing
new covers. For little cost, you
can buy new plates and all you have to
do is use a Phillips or fl at-head screwdriver
to swap out the old for new.
10. Evoke elegance with crown molding:
High-end homes often feature
crown molding where the wall meets
the ceiling. To get the look for less, purchase
foam crown molding from your
local home improvement store, paint
and install with foam-board adhesive.
No nails required!
Courtesy BPT