ReColor by Wipe New Blog

Rust-Oleum ReColor by Wipe New and a DIY Bird Bath

DIY bird bath ReColor by Wipe New — Source: Home Stories: A to Z

The sparrows are chirping! The cardinals are showing off their shades of red and orange! Robins are looking for some worms while the finches are making their nests! Spring is here!

Now is a perfect time to create something special for your flying backyard friends. This DIY Garden Planter and Bird Bath is just the thing! What a great way to show off some of your favorite flowers AND create a new water source for your birds. The birds will love you for it!

The step-by-step directions are available on Home Stories: A to Z. After painting your pots make sure you preserve and protect your new creation with Rust-Oleum ReColor by Wipe New. ReColor will make those colors really shine and it can help protect your colored pots from the elements. One coat is all you’ll need!

Create a Fairy Garden to Welcome Spring!

Springtime means warmer weather, daffodils and tulips, Easter bunnies and chocolate. It’s also a great time to get outdoors and doing something creative with the kids.

This DIY Fairy Garden is wonderful way to welcome Spring! It’s loads of fun for girls or boys and, when it comes to creating your own garden, the possibilities are endless.

In their directions on 1PureHeart, your garden can include birdhouses, a birdbath, and some flowers and moss. The garden itself can be placed in a wide pot that is treated with Rust-Oleum ReColor by Wipe New. ReColor is a great way to make sure your pot shines as bright as the garden items you’ll be placing inside of it. One quick-and-easy coat is all you need!

So grab the kids and start your garden today. Welcome home Springtime fairies!

Swing Away this Spring!

Who doesn’t love a porch swing? It’s a warm day, you go out to your porch, and the stress seems to melt away as you swing back and forth. Even the most simple porch swing can add a peaceful atmosphere to your porch or backyard.

Buying the porch swing that works best for you does involve a review of the types of materials used to create today’s porch swings. The most popular choice remains wooden porch swings. Wooden porch swings can be found in ash, cedar, teak and cypress. Many are treated with a waterproof sealant which protects them from damage caused by water. Wooden swings, however, can be very heavy, especially as you consider the type of wood. You do want to make sure your porch is sturdy enough to hold a wooden swing before you decide to buy one.

Another great choice is an iron porch swing. With their elegant scrollwork and sleek lines, these types of swings give you a whimsical and vintage vibe. Wrought iron swings are often sturdy enough to withstand wind and snow and you can add another level of protection by treating your iron porch swing with ReColor by Wipe New.

Wicker porch swings are another popular choice. They just look great when you see them! The durability of wicker swings depends on the materials used to make the wicker and, generally speaking, they are better suited for covered areas. Your classic white wicker swing tends to work best in warmer and dryer climate. It will stretch and become misshapen if it gets too wet.

Enjoy the spring weather and….swing away!!

Spring Home Maintenance Tips and Tricks: Part 2

It’s getting warmer and warmer as we move towards Spring and it’s time to consider part 2 in our series that explores some ways to maintain your home come Springtime!

Clean those Windows! We’re again starting with an item that sounds obvious and, again, you may be surprised how many people don’t actually clean the outside of their windows. We promise you that after you clean them and the spring sun starts to shine in, you’ll realize how dirty they were! Use this intimate time with your windows to also clean windows sill and window tracks. You should also check for gaps between your windows and the caulk. If it’s wider than a nickel you should reapply exterior caulk. Keeping the hot air out during the summer months is as important as keeping the cold air from coming in during the winter months.
Check and Clean your AC! It’s time to give your AC some love again. You know he’s your best friend during those hot, summer days! Change the filter, check hose connections for leaks, and make certain drain pans are draining freely. Also check the coils! When AC coils are dirty and dusty, the system has to run harder and longer to have the same cooling effect. For an outside AC unit, disassemble the casing (making sure the power is off!), and then clean using a stiff brush and spray bottle and use some canned air. If you have the money, you may also want to consider having your whole HVAC system checked by a professional. Those routine maintenance costs often add up to less money than major fixes down the road. Finally, don’t forget to give that outside AC unit some special attention by treating it with ReColor by Wipe New. ReColor is better than trying to paint it, it brings back the original shine, and it helps to protect the AC unit from the weather.
Clean the Dryer Vent! Dryers are noticeably less efficient with a lint-filled vent. We’re not taking about your lint trap (which should be done before every load of laundry), but the lint that can be found inside the vent host. To clean the vent, just remove the vent hose from the back of the dryer and vacuum it well. It wouldn’t hurt to remove the vent cover on the outside of your home, and vacuum it from that side as well.
Check Washing Machine Hoses! Washing machine hoses can crack over time and often get unnoticed. This could result it leaks that go on for weeks or even months. In return, this can create not only water damage, but problems with mold. Make sure your hoses are still flexible and that there are no signs of cracking. If you’re in doubt, do! Replacing them is usually an easy fix!
Speaking of Hoses! Be sure to check outside hose faucets to see if there is any freeze damage. Simply turn the water on and place a thumb over the opening. If you can’t stop the flow of water you’re probably good to go. If you can it’s possible that pipe inside the home is damaged and needs replacing.

Happy Spring Cleaning! Be sure to explore Part 1 of this Spring Home Maintenance Series

Spring Home Maintenance Tips and Tricks: Part 1

Spring is almost here and now is a great time to start planning some spring cleaning and maintenance. Here are some tips and tricks from ReColor by Wipe New as you look towards those warmer days!

Clean the Gutters! This is an obvious item to begin with, but many people don’t necessary do it every Spring, or know why it’s important. When water doesn’t properly pass through your gutters it runs down near the foundation of your home. Over time this can cause weakening of your foundation and cost you big bucks! Leaking or clogged gutters can also lead towards water damage in your basement!
Check your Roof! If you live in an area that experienced a lot of winter weather you should check your roof for hail, ice, and water damage. Curling, peeling and even disintegration of the shingles may have also occurred. This may be a job you can do yourself or, depending on what you find, you may need to seek some professional help. But don’t overlook this item come Spring. You also don’t necessary need a ladder. Many people start by using binoculars and a keen eye to spot possible problems.
Check your Concrete! Check all of your concrete slabs for cracks or movement. Fill cracks with a concrete crack filler or silicone caulk. If you find cracks in a concrete foundation, routine caulking will likely not do the job. You’ll want to hire a foundation specialist. Remember that, generally speaking, all other exterior concrete slabs should drain away from the home’s foundation.
Clean the Carpets! Many households regularly vacuum their carpets (even during winter months), but after trekking in that wet and nasty snow and ice, Spring is the time for some deep cleaning. The goal here is to eliminate deep-down dust, dirt, and food particle buildup. You can rent a carpet cleaner, buy one, or hire a professional carpet cleaner.
Check your Deck and Fences! Do a good sweep to remove any debris that might have accumulated between boards on your deck or around you fence. Use a screwdriver to probe your wooden decks or fences. If the wood is soft and spongy, and it doesn’t splinter when you poke it with a screwdriver, you may have an issue with decay. If your vinyl fences look beaten up, get out your ReColor by Wipe New! ReColor works great on vinyl fences and can make them look new again! Check out this fence treated with Recolor!

Get Ready to Ride Again: Preparing Your Bicycle for Spring!

It’s been sitting in your garage or basement during the winter months and is calling you to take it outside again. The warm weather is coming and your bike wants to go for a ride! Are you ready too? Is your bicycle ready?

Explore some tips from Rust-Oleum ReColor by Wipe New on how to prep your bike for that first Springtime ride:

Check your tire pressure! Modern bicycle tires are pneumatic so tire pressure plays a huge role in how your bike is going to ride. Properly inflated tires not only give you lightweight suspension; but they also let your bike roll quickly, fend off flats, and simply ride more smoothly
Inspect the chain and freewheel. Measure the chain for wear, check for tight links and replace the chain if necessary
Creak, creak! If your bicycle is making some noises you should pay attention. A creaky crank may be loose on the spindle. To address, remove the crank bolts, lubricate the threads, and then reinstall. If your saddle creaks, drip a few drops of oil on the rail where it connects to your saddle. Use a light lubricant to silence squealing rear-derailleur pulley wheels.
Inspect tires for wear. Rotate or replace them if necessary.
Visually inspect for bent components: this should include crankarms, seat post, seat rails, chainrings, stem, handlebars, brake levers, and brake calipers.
Inspect the frame for frame or part damage. Make sure you pay close attention to all frame joints.
Check all cables and housings for fraying, breaks, rust and corrosion. Replace as needed.
Check your brake pads. If the grooves in the brake pad is almost gone, if you hear a gritty scraping sound, or you feel stickiness whenever you brake; then it’s likely you need to replace brake pads.
Lubricate your chain. Remember that not all chain lubricants are the same. Choose the one that you feel best suits the riding conditions.
Clean her up! Completely clean the bike, including the drivetrain if needed. Get two buckets: one with clean water, and the other with water plus a little dish soap or degreaser. Soak your bicycle with plain water using a clean sponge. Then grab a second clean sponge, place it in the soapy water and proceed by scrubbing the frame, then the wheels and spokes, and then drivetrain if need be. Soap the brush and then scrub the chainrings, cassette, and rims. Soak sponge in the clean water and use it to get all the soap off of the bicycle. Do that 2-3 times and then go over the whole bike again with a clean sponge with little water. Dry the bicycle with clean rags and use a separate clean rag to swipe the nooks and crannies dry.

Then the really important step! Grab some ReColor by Wipe New and give your bicycle a super-big treat! ReColor has a proprietary nano-polymer formula that penetrates deep and will both protect and restore your bicycle for years against elements including fading, sun, oxidation, and water damage. It’s super convenient to do and easy to use! Your bike will love you for it!

Looking for more bicycle maintenance tips and tricks? Check out this article from Bicycle.com at http://www.bicycling.com/maintenance/bicycle-maintenance/101-bike-maintenance-tips

ReColor by Wipe New and DIY Tin Tile Backsplash

Creating a tin tile backsplash is a fairly easy and inexpensive project. These tiles come in a variety of colors, designs, and finishes. Most have reflective properties that can brighten your kitchen. They are easy to clean and installing them is typically a quick process.

How to Install a Tin Tile Backsplash (from DIYnetwork.com)

Use ReColor by Wipe New to protect the shine after installing your tin tile backsplash.

*NOTE: Please read and follow all the directions for ReColor by Wipe New. When applying Rust-Oleum ReColor by Wipe New, wear the protective nitrile gloves and always use it in a well-ventilated area.

House Cleaning? Don’t Wait for Spring!

“Spring Cleaning” may be the time many people engage in some serious cleaning around the house, but early months in the new year is also a perfect time to tackle some jobs around the house.

Home Offices and Workspaces – Clear off your desk and separate items into piles (keep, finish, or throw away). Now’s the time to get that clutter out of your workspace and out of your face. Your office chair is also a vital component of your workspace. Make sure it’s in the best condition possible by rehabilitating its casters. Give those metal and plastic items in your office new life by treating them with Rust-Oleum ReColor by Wipe New.

Garages, Basements, Attics and Storage Rooms – The end of one year into a new year often leads you to consider your storage areas. You interact with them to store your seasonal decorations and, as those new presents come into your life, you consider what items you may longer need. The new year is the perfect time to get rid of the clutter, do some organization, and preserve your cherished items. Get some extra love and attention to those special items by restoring and protecting them with Wipe New ReColor before you put them away.

Automobiles – Whether you use your vehicle for work or for errands around town, it represents another living/working space for you. Remove trash, loose papers, kid’s toys or any other clutter that is not directly associated with driving. Then clean and deodorize the inside of the car. Remember, depending on where you live, you may be living in this space with all the windows up for quite some time. Treat and protect your car by treating its’ interior and exterior with products from our Wipe New automotive line.

DIY Kitchen Shadow Box

Do you have a desk or dresser that you’re about to junk? You may want to hang onto a drawer or two for this nifty DIY shadow box idea.

Simply paint one of the drawers to match the color scheme of your kitchen and then treat it with ReColor by Wipe New to help preserve and protect your new shadow box. Place decorative wallpaper, shelf liner paper, or scrapbooking paper inside the drawer. Hang the drawer on the wall (knob facing up looks the best) and place a favorite item or two inside your new shadow box.

Bring Back your Game with Rustoleum ReColor by Wipe New

Though Football season is just about over, it’s important to make sure that your equipment looks its best. You’re not going to intimidate that Peewee football player with a dull helmet, now are you?

Rustoleum ReColor by Wipe New restores the look, finish, and shine to items as well as protecting them from dirt and UV damage in the future.

Use ReColor to brighten up a faded helmet – you’ll blind them with just your presence on the field!