| How to Remove Wood Stain Posted: 27 Dec 2017 04:00 PM PST If you're updating your hardwood floors or refinishing a piece of furniture, you may need to remove old wood stain from the wood first. Removing wood stain can be tricky, since it absorbs into the grain of the wood and dyes it a different color. Fortunately, you can significantly reduce the appearance of wood stain by using a stain stripper and sandpaper. When you're finished, the color of the wood should look nearly the same as it was before it was stained. EditOrganizing Your Materials - Work in a well-ventilated area. Stain strippers contain harsh chemicals that are dangerous to use in closed-off spaces. Work outside if possible. If you can't work outside, work in a garage with the garage door open, or open all the windows in the room you'll be working in. Set up a box fan near a window to help blow fumes out of the room.[1]
- Lay down a tarp under the area you'll be working in. Stain stripper can damage the floor if it gets on it. If you don't have a tarp, lay down newspaper or an old sheet instead.[2]
- Wear protective gear while you're working with the stain stripper. Put on safety goggles and chemical-resistant gloves. Wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. You don't want any stain stripper getting on your skin.[3]
- Read the manufacturer's instructions on your stain stripper for recommendations on which chemical-resistant gloves you should use. Then, visit your local hardware store or shop online for gloves made out of the recommended material.[4]
EditApplying the Stain Stripper - Fill up a metal container with stain stripper. You can find a stain stripper designed specifically for removing wood stain online or at your local hardware store. Use a disposable aluminum pan or a metal bowl to hold the stain stripper. Be careful as you're pouring it so you don't get any on your clothes or the floor.[5]
- Apply a thick layer of the stain stripper to the wood using a paintbrush. Dip the paintbrush in the container of stain stripper so it's fully soaked. Then, carefully brush it across the surface of the wood you want to remove stain from until the entire surface is covered. Make sure the coat of stain stripper is even and thick.[6]
- If you're working on a large piece of furniture, it may be easier to strip the stain off one part of the furniture first, as opposed to doing it all at once.
- Let the stain stripper sit for 15-20 minutes and reapply as necessary. Check on the stain stripper every few minutes while you're waiting for it to work. If you notice any spots that look dry, apply more stain stripper to those areas with the paint brush. It's important that the stain stripper doesn't dry out while you're waiting for it to work.[7]
- Read the label on your stain stripper for specific timing instructions.
- Use a plastic scraper to scrape off the stain stripper into a trash bin. Starting at the edge of the wood surface, gently push the scraper across the surface of the wood in a straight line. When you reach the other side of the wood, hold a trash bin under the edge so you can push the scraped-off stain stripper into it. Then, bring the scraper back to the edge you started at and repeat in a different spot. Continue until all the stain stripper has been scraped off the surface of the wood.[8]
- Avoid using a metal scraper with a sharp edge or you could damage the surface of the wood.
- Dip a steel-wool pad in the stain stripper and wipe down the surface of the wood. Follow the direction of the grain as you're bringing the steel wool back and forth over the surface of the wood. Make sure you go over any nooks and crannies in the wood with the steel wool.[9]
- Wipe down the surface of the wood with a rag and water. This will remove any leftover stain stripper on the wood. It's important that you get off all the leftover residue or you could have a hard time sanding the wood later on.[10]
- Let the wood dry for 24 hours. The wood needs to be completely dry before you sand it. If you try to sand it early, the sandpaper will quickly get clogged with the wet wood.[11]
EditSanding off the Stain - Sand the surface of the wood with a medium-grit sandpaper. Place the coarse side of the sandpaper face down on the surface of the wood and sand in a back and forth motion. Continue sanding until you've gone over the entire surface of the wood. As you sand, you should notice the color of the stain fading away as the raw wood beneath it is exposed.[12]
- Medium-grit sandpaper has a grit of 100-150.[13]
- Smooth the surface of the wood using a fine-grit sandpaper. Fine-grit sandpaper will get rid of any scratches caused by the medium-grit sandpaper you used. Go over the surface of the wood with the sandpaper using a back and forth motion until you've sanded the whole surface.[14]
- Fine grit sandpaper has a grit of 180-220.
- Use a random orbital spinner to sand off hard-to-remove wood stain. A random orbital spinner is an electronic sanding device that is more effective at removing layers of stained wood than regular sanding. Load the device with a sheet of medium-grit sandpaper designed specifically for use in a random orbital spinner. Then, plug the device in and bring the spinning sheet of sandpaper across the surface of the wood. As you sand the wood with the random orbital spinner, you should see the wood stain start to fade away.[15]
- You can get a random orbital spinner online or at your local hardware store.
EditThings You'll Need - Tarp
- Goggles
- Chemical-resistant gloves
- Metal container
- Stain stripper
- Paintbrush
- Plastic scraper
- Steel-wool pad
- Rag
- Medium-grit sandpaper
- Fine-grit sandpaper
- Random orbital spinner.
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Throw a New Year's Eve Party Posted: 27 Dec 2017 08:00 AM PST New Year's Eve is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for many people. It's a great time to spend together with your family and friends as you say goodbye to the old and welcome the new. Throwing a great New Year's Eve party can help make the celebrations even more enjoyable. Get inspired and host the perfect party for you and those close to you. EditPlanning the Party - Think of the location. Before you can start planning the party, you will need to think of a location to have it in. You'll need to find a space that you can easily access and that has enough space for everyone you're thinking of inviting. Take some time to think of the perfect space for your New Year's Eve party.
- You can host the party in your home. This can help cut down on costs.[1]
- Try asking a friend to co-host the party in their home if they have the space.
- You might rent a party hall if you need a lot of room for guests.
- Consider who should attend the party. It's not a party unless there are guests. You'll want to consider who you want to invite to your party and how many people should come. Thinking of the perfect guest list can help make your party a good one.
- Consider how many people can comfortably fit in the space you are hosting the party in.
- Inviting less people can help you keep the cost of the party low and let you connect better with your guests.[2]
- Think of when you want guests to arrive and leave. Once you know who is coming and where you will host the party, you can begin to plan the party schedule. You'll need to consider when you want your guests to begin arriving and when they should expect the party to end. Creating this schedule will give you time to prepare before the party and will let your guests know what to expect.
- Not all New Year's Eve parties need to run late. You can end the party whenever you would like.
- If your guests are staying late, you should be prepared to offer them a bed or some place to sleep.
- Plan the party for everyone. Try to keep each guest in mind when you are planning your party. Ideally, your party will have something for everyone. It's important to think of all the ages, tastes, and preferences of your guests when planning your party. Take some time and review your guest list to make sure everyone will have a good time at your party.
- If there are children coming, make sure you have things that they may enjoy. You might leave out a video game or other fun activity for them.
- Think about what kinds of food and music all of your guests might like. Your guests may not have the same tastes, so try to pick things that you think everyone would agree on.
- Think about food and drink options. Before you throw your New Year's Eve party, you will want to consider how you are going to handle food and drink. You may choose to offer all the food and drinks for your guests or ask them to bring something to share. Whichever option you go with, knowing what to expect in regards to refreshments can help make your party a success.
- If you want to provide all food and drink yourself, think about which items your guests might prefer. Try to provide something you think everyone would enjoy.
- It can help cut down on costs if you ask your guests to bring something to pass.
- Plan out activities. It can be a good idea to tell your guests what they can expect to be doing during the party. Most New Year's Eve parties are centered around the ball drop and the midnight countdown. However, you can plan whatever fun events you might want to include in your party.
- Planning an evening of music, food, and good conversation can make for a simple and fun party.
- You might try offering board games for your guests to play together.
- Your party might feature a fun competition. For example, the best dressed guest could win a prize.
- Tell your guests what activities they can expect in the invitations.
- Send out invitations. Once you've planned the location, the guest list, and the schedule, you can create and send out invitations. The invitation will list all the information about the party and will let your guest know that they are welcome. Consider some of these methods of sending the invitations:
- By mail.
- By email.
- Making an e-card.[3]
- Using social media.
- By phone call.
EditSetting Things Up - Set out drinks. Most every party has some kind of beverage available to guests. Exactly what kind of beverages you offer will depend on your guest's preferences. Think about what your friends and family would like to drink and put them out during the party. Keep some of these tips in mind when considering which beverages might be a good idea:
- You should always provide water for your guests.
- Most adults will enjoy an alcoholic beverage. Try to provide some beer or wine for guests.
- It can be a good idea to have soft drinks available at your party.
- Your guests might enjoy coffee and tea.
- If there are children coming, you may want to have something like juice or milk ready.
- You can ask your friends and family to bring some drinks to the party.[4]
- Offer the right food. Nearly all parties will offer some kind of food to guests. Exactly what kind of food will depend on how many people are attending, how much you can budget for the food, and how long the party goes on for. You can make a meal or just offer snacks, depending on what you think will be best for your guests. Consider some of these tips when providing food for your guests: [5]
- A simple snack tray is usually provided at parties. This snack tray may have things like crackers, cheese slices, and fruit or vegetables.
- You might try making a group meal for everyone. This might be a big pot of soup or stew, something that can feed a lot of people at once.
- You could try asking your guests to bring something for everyone to eat.
- Provide tableware. Although food and drink are big parts of a party, you'll need to give your guests a way to enjoy them. Providing things like plates, cups, napkins, and silverware are just as important as providing the food and drink itself. Make sure you have enough supplies to help keep your party running smoothly.
- You should have enough plates and cups for everyone at the party.
- You might want to buy paper or plastic tableware. However, these can make the party more costly.[6]
- Make sure you have napkins or paper towels handy.
- It can be helpful to have a trashcan out for everyone to use.
- Decorate. To help make your party feel complete, it can be a good idea to add some decorations. These decorations can be as extravagant or simple as you would like. Try using some of these simple decoration tips for your New Year's eve party:[7]
- Keep your Christmas decorations up to maintain the holiday look.
- Make your own decorations. For example, you can make a gold bow tie garland by painting bow-tie pasta noodles gold and stringing them together.[8]
- Wrap tinsel around the end of a toothpick or drink stirrer.[9]
EditEntertaining Guests - Have a way to watch the ball drop. A big part of New Year's Eve celebrations is watching the ball drop at midnight. It can be a good idea to have some way for your guests to watch the ball as it descends at midnight. You might try using some of these methods to bring the ball drop to your guests:
- Make sure you subscribe to a television channel that covers the event.
- You can find live streaming coverage of the ball drop online.
- You might move the party to a local bar around midnight to watch the countdown together.
- Play some music. A great party is often not complete without music. Music can help any party to feel alive, and your New Year's Eve celebration isn't any different. Think about what kind of music you and your guests might want to listen to and build a great playlist for the party.[10]
- Consider the musical taste of those attending your party. Avoid songs that might make some guests uncomfortable.
- Make sure you have enough music to cover the length of the party.
- You could try streaming services like Pandora to play music during your party.
- Try to find a good volume level for your party.
- Make sure everyone is engaged. The point of a party is to celebrate. During the party, it's a good idea to spend some time with everyone who attended. This can help make them feel welcome and included in the celebration. Always keep an eye on guests to make sure they are having the best time possible.
- Plan fun group activities. For example, you might build a photo booth or offer some games for people to play.[11]
- If someone looks alone or bored, bring them into a conversation or start one up with them.
- Introduce new people to one another.
- Countdown. The focus of the evening will be on the countdown to midnight and the new year. As the clock approaches 12, you'll want to gather everyone around and get ready for the countdown. This can be a great way to bring everyone together and end your New Year's Eve party on a high note.[12]
- Most people start counting down around 10 seconds from midnight.
- Some people enjoy opening a bottle of champagne once the clock strikes 12.
- Feel free to make up your own traditions for the countdown.
- Wrap things up. Once your guests have enjoyed ringing in the New Year with you, it's time to bring the party to a close. Make sure your guests all have a safe way home or are comfortable with the accommodations that you have provided. You may also want to clean up a bit while the party is coming to a close. After the party is over, get some sleep and enjoy the new year.
- Before going to bed, it's a good idea to make sure that all the leftover food and drink are put away.
- You may also want to put all the trash in a bin or bag.
- Removing decorations, sweeping, and other cleaning can probably wait until the morning.
- Never let someone drive drunk. If your guests are driving home, make sure they are sober.
- Properly planning your party can help make it a success.
- Make sure you have enough room for everyone you plan on inviting.
- Think about what foods and drink your guests might like the most.
- Try to play music that you think everyone will enjoy.
- Counting down the last 10 seconds of the year is great tradition.
- Do not let anyone drive drunk.
EditThings You'll Need - Food
- Drinks
- Plates, cups, and silverware
- Entertainment
- Decorations
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Dye Natural Hair Posted: 27 Dec 2017 12:00 AM PST Natural hair is African-textured hair that has not been straightened, relaxed, or chemically-treated in any way. The curl pattern can range from loose to tightly-coiled. Although beautiful, natural hair requires extra care when it comes to dyeing. The process is harsh, and if you don't do it correctly, you can damage your hair. Knowing which products to use will also help the color show up better. EditPreparing to Dye Your Hair - Wash your hair 3 to 4 days before you dye your hair. You want your hair to be clean, but not too clean. Washing it 3 to 4 days beforehand will ensure that your hair is free of dirt and build-up, but has developed enough oils to protect it during the dyeing process.[1]
- Avoid using too many hair products 3 to 4 days before you dye your hair. This includes mousse, gel, and cream.
- Condition your hair on the day you choose to dye it. You can use a leave-in conditioner cream or spray. Allow your hair to air-dry, or speed up the process using a hair dryer on a cool setting. Once your hair is dry, you are ready to dye it. The conditioner will help keep your hair nourished throughout the process.[2]
- Bleach and tone your hair if you want a vivid, pastel, or blonde shade. Separate your dry hair into 4 equal sections. Apply the bleach to partings within those sections, starting from the ends, to make sure each strand is saturated. Leave it on for the time recommended on the package, but check your hair every 5 to 10 minutes in case it develops faster. Rinse the bleach out, then follow up with shampoo. Apply purple hair toner, afterwards following the instructions on the bottle.[3]
- Don't lighten your hair more than 3 levels at once. If you want to go lighter, go to a trained stylist, and be prepared for multiple sessions.
- You can tell how many levels you're lifting your hair based on the developer volume you use, from 10 to 40. A 30 volume developer typically lifts 3 levels.
- Consider balayage. This way, you won't have to retouch your hair as often because your roots will already be their natural color.[4]
- Buy a boxed dye specifically formulated for natural hair. The box will say that it is for "natural hair" or "women of color" on it. This type of dye is different from other boxed dyes in that it is much gentler. It is also designed to work on darker, more porous hair.
- If you have long hair, buy 2 to 3 boxes of hair dye in case you run out.[5]
- If your hair is short, 1 box of hair dye should be fine.
- Dye a thin strand of hair to test the color and porosity. Mix up your dye according to the package instructions, then apply it to a thin strand of hair behind your ear. Wait for the time recommended on the package, watching the strand closely. Rinse the dye out, then note the following:[6]
- If the strand didn't dye well, your hair is not porous. Do 2 dye sessions to avoid over-processing your hair.
- If the strand dyed faster than the recommended time, your hair is very porous. You should cut down the processing time.
- If the strand got the right color with the recommended time, your hair has medium porosity, and you are good to go!
EditDyeing Your Hair - Protect your clothing, skin, and work area. Drape an old towel or a dyeing cape around your shoulders. Apply shea butter or petroleum jelly to the skin around your hairline, ears, and nape. Pull on the plastic gloves included in your kit, then cover your floor and counter with newspaper.[7]
- Divide your hair into 4 sections. Start by parting your hair vertically down the middle, from forehead to nape. Next, part your hair horizontally at eye level, from ear-to-ear. Secure each section with a clip or hair tie. Don't worry if the sections are too thick at this point; you will be dividing them up further as you dye.
- Prepare the dye according to the instructions in the package. In most cases, you will need to pour or squeeze the dye (small bottle or tube) into the developer (large bottle), then close the developer and shake it. Sometimes, the kit also includes a nourishing oil, which you should add with the dye as well.
- You may also find a tube or bottle of conditioner in your kit. Save that for later.
- Add a packet of color corrector if you are going for a much lighter shade, such as blonde, to prevent it from turning too brassy. Read the instructions on the packet to find out how much you should add.[8]
- Apply the dye to your hair from mid-lengths to the ends. Separate your hair sections into partings, as you did when you were bleaching, to make sure the dye is saturated throughout your hair. Starting with a small parting in the back, apply the dye to the middle of the shaft. Work the dye towards the ends, then move onto the next section. Do the back sections first, then the front.[9]
- Be sure to tie or clip the sections as you finish them.
- Do not apply the dye to the roots just yet.
- Repeat the process, then comb the dye through your hair. Use the same technique as in the previous step: apply the dye to the middle of the shaft, then work it down towards the ends. Do the sections in the back of your head first, then to the ones in the front. Once you have your hair dyed, remove the clips/hair ties, then comb the dye through your hair using a wide-toothed comb.[10]
- Again, don't apply the dye to the roots just yet. Your roots will process much faster, so you want to save that for last.
- Comb your hair correctly: start combing from the ends, then work your way to just above the middle of the shaft.
- Apply the dye to the roots of your hair, starting from the lower layers. Use the nozzle of the applicator bottle to apply a line of dye to your roots, close to the scalp. Rub the dye into your hair, away from the scalp and towards the middle of the shaft, using an applicator brush if needed. Continue in this fashion, starting with the hair in the back and finishing with the hair in the front.[11]
- When you get to the front, do the bottom-most layers first. Save your front hairline and center part for last.
- Wrap pieces of aluminum foil around your hair. Wrap squares of aluminum foil around sections of hair, making sure to fold it over the ends. Don't worry if your roots are exposed. The aluminum foil will help trap the heat and help your hair absorb the dye better.[12]
- Consider wrapping a larger piece of foil around your head, then a towel. This will trap the heat further. You can also use a plastic shower cap to achieve the same effect.
- Allow your dye to develop for the time recommended on the package. How long this takes depends on the brand that you are using. It can be anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. Use the timer on your phone, stove, or microwave to do this; you can even use an egg timer or a watch.[13]
- Rinse the dye out with cool or warm water, then condition your hair. Once the time is up, remove the towel and aluminum foil. Rinse your hair under cool water until all of the dye is out and the water runs clear. Apply the conditioner that came in the kit to your hair, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse it out with cool water.
- Do not use shampoo or hot water. Both of these can cause the dye to rinse out completely.
- If your kit did not come with conditioner, use any color-safe or sulfate-free conditioner instead.
EditMaintaining the Color - Wash your hair with cool water to maintain its color and health. Hot water not only damages hair and causes it to become more frizzy and dry, but it can also cause dye to fade faster. If you want softer, healthier hair, wash it with cool water. This will also help the dye to last longer.
- Stick with sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Products made specifically for color-treated hair would also work. Avoid using shampoos and conditioners that contain sulfates, however, as they will remove the dye from your hair.[14]
- Moisturize your hair with oils, butters, and creams. You can use store-bought oils and butters, or you can use natural ones, such as coconut oil and shea butter. Apply the oils, butters, and creams to your hair whenever it starts to feel dry.[15]
- Deep conditioner your hair at least once per week. The deep conditioning mask can be homemade or store-bought. Apply the mask to damp hair. Cover your hair with plastic wrap, wait 20 minutes, then rinse it out.[16]
- If you are using a store-bought mask, make sure that it does not contain sulfates.
- Limit the heat styling and chemical treatments. Bleaching and dyeing is very harsh on hair, so you want to give your hair a break. Don't relax your hair after dyeing it. If you want to straighten your hair, use a good heat protectant and a low-heat setting on your flat iron. When possible, allow your hair to air-dry.
- Use cream or liquid eyeshadow to get temporary, funky-colored streaks. Wash it off at the end of the day with water and shampoo.[17]
- If you wish to dye your hair more naturally, consider using henna dye instead.[18]
- You can try using a regular hair dye, but be aware that it may damage your hair. The color may also not show up as well.
- If your hair came out too brassy, you can wash it with a purple toning shampoo or conditioner.
- If you got hair dye on your skin, wipe it off with an alcohol-based makeup remover. If you got hair dye in your sink or counter, use rubbing alcohol instead.
- Dyeing your hair may change its curl pattern. Some people have noticed that if they bleach or lighten their hair, their curls loosen.[19]
EditThings You'll Need - Boxed hair dye for natural hair
- Wide-toothed comb
- Old towel or dyeing cape
- Shea butter or petroleum jelly
- Sulfate-free conditioner
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment