December 18, 2012

Finished the Dining Room Ceiling. Things I Learned that You Should Know Too

Hubby primed the tongue-and-groove pine planks before putting it up, but left the finishing to me. I caulked the perimeter as well as between each plank; filled all the knot holes, dents, and dings; sanded; and applied two coats of semi-gloss paint.

I found it easier to use the kitchen step stool that I could pick up and move easily rather than a heavy step ladder even though it was a bit short. I learned how to sand the ceiling with my eyes closed while standing tip toe on the top step. I learned early on that if I opened my eyes, I would soon have tears streaming down my face as my eyes filled with dust. So this saved time and irritation.

Another thing I learned, and this is what I wanted to pass onto you dear reader, is the trick of putting a rubber band around a gallon of paint.
No, I didn't invent this trick, and you have probably heard of it too. That's not what I wanted to tell you.

Hubby hadn't heard of this trick, and for those of you who haven't heard of it either, the rubber band around the middle is to wipe off the excess paint after you dip it into the bucket. It keeps the paint from filling the groove around the edge of the can, which, when dried, keeps the lid from sealing again.

So I put the rubber band around the can, and it was working splendidly. Hubby was most impressed with my ingenuity and I didn't tell him it wasn't my idea. I was basking in the glow of his admiration, when suddenly the rubber band broke. I heard the snap, and then heard the splat, splat, splat, splat as the paint which coated the rubberband shot across the room and hit the wall Hubby had just painted.

And of course, it happened right in front of Hubby, who no longer thought I was ingenious.

9 comments:

  1. so, did you decide it was still a good thing, or not? It looks great!

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  2. What a bummer...guess you have to make sure you get a sturdy rubber band.

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  3. That is funny, sorry to say. Did you ever tell him it wasn't your idea in the first place? I've seen that too, but never heard of the rubber band breaking. You guys will look back on this and laugh.

    Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady

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  4. Oops! I was just thinking what a great idea. I wish I'd known of it. Now I'm not so sure.

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  5. OUCH! oh poor you... that would be my luck too.

    The ceiling looks fabulous Marti... I so want to do this in my living room.

    Have a wonderful day.

    Hugs,
    Deb

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  6. I love this idea! I also make holes in the grrove (with a nail) so any paint that gets in there will flow back in to the can. Your dining room is looking fantastic! Happy Holidays Marti and Family!

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  7. I am so sorry that happened. I never thought it would.

    Your work is looking so great!

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  8. Oh no! Guess you needed a thicker rubber band?

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