Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products (41 page)
Read Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products Online
Authors: Sophie Uliano
Important:
Wipe off any sealer that has not penetrated into the grout within 10 to 15 minutes; do not allow sealer that has not soaked in to dry on the surface of the tile (simply wipe off with a slightly damp cloth or sponge).
Recaulking
YOU WILL NEED
A single-edged razor in a razor blade holder
*- A sprayer filled with white vinegar
- A vacuum cleaner
- Old rags
- A sponge
- Non-toxic caulking compound—I like Safecout Caulking Compound, available at www.greenbuildingsupply.com
HOW TO
1.
To remove the caulk, keep the razor angled low, so you don’t scratch the bathtub. Ease the old caulk carefully out of the crack.
2.
Use your vacuum cleaner with the narrow nozzle attachment to suck out any remaining caulk particles and dust.
3.
Spray the crack with vinegar to kill any mildew and mold.
4.
Wipe around the area with a damp rag, spritzed with vinegar.
5.
LEAVE TO DRY OUT OVERNIGHT.
6.
Cut a
small
opening at the end of the caulk nozzle (too big a hole will make your job messy).
7.
Carefully squeeze out caulk into the crack, using your fingers to push in and smooth. Have a wet sponge at the ready to wipe your fingers on. This step requires an artistic touch—don’t rush it.
8.
Wipe away any mess with a rag dipped in a little of the vinegar.
9.
Leave OVERNIGHT to dry.
Refinishing Your Outdoor Furniture
This project is actually incredibly therapeutic. This is best done in the spring, when the days are a little warmer. It’s important to use eco-friendly stains and sealers, as more than anything, you don’t want to be breathing in toxic fumes
while you’re working. Be careful not to apply the stain finish on a windy day, as you’ll get a full coat of dust sticking to your lovely new finish.