| How to Make Paint Thinner Posted: 04 Dec 2017 04:00 PM PST Over time, paint often loses moisture and becomes too thick to use. While it can be tempting to throw thick paint away, this can be expensive. Knowing how to make paint thinner at home is not only quite simple, but can save you money and time. But before adding any homemade thinner, bring paint inside so it can warm to room temperature. Cold paint will be thicker than normal. EditThinning Oil-Based Paint with Lemon and Linseed Oil - Use lemon and linseed oil to thin paint. Measure out ¼ cup (59 ml) lemon oil and a cup (237 ml) linseed oil into a mixing bowl. Stir the ingredients lightly with a kitchen implement, like a spoon or fork.[1]
- Thin paint with the lemon and linseed oil mixture. Add the mixture little by little to paint, stirring the paint with a paint stirrer as you do so. After adding about half a cup (118 ml) of the lemon/linseed mixture, allow the paint to rest.[2]
- Allow the paint to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Not allowing the paint time to bond with the thinner could result in you adding too much. Allow the paint to sit for roughly 3 to 5 minutes, then resume adding thinner until it reaches normal consistency.
- When the paint clings to your paint stirrer but still runs to its end to drip off, the paint's been sufficiently stirred.[3]
EditUsing Mineral Spirits or Acetone for Oil-Based Paint - Acquire mineral spirits or acetone to thin the paint.[4] Both of these common household products can be used to thin oil based paint. If you don't have either, you can purchase both at your local hardware store or home center. [5]
- Put on a face mask, safety goggles, and rubber gloves. Although less intense than turpentine, mineral spirits and acetone both give off harmful fumes and are quite harsh. If you're worried your clothes might be discolored by drops of thinner or paint, change into old clothes.[6]
- Work in an area with good airflow. The fumes from mineral spirits and acetone, though moderate, can still be dangerous if they build up. For this reason, you should always thin paint like this in a well-ventilated location. Open doors and windows, if necessary.[7]
- Rooms with poor airflow can be improved by putting a box fan in a window or door.
- Make sure the room's clean before turning on the fan; you don't want to blow dust into the paint.
- Pick out chunks of paint when thinning. When pouring your paint into the mixing bucket, you may find solid chunks in the paint. These are difficult to thin away. It may be easiest to pick these out by hand and throw them away as you find them.[8]
- Pour mineral spirits and acetone into the paint in a 1:3 ratio. Generally, try to add 1 part of thinner for every 3 parts paint, or a 1:3 ratio. This means that for 3 gallons (11.4 L) of paint, you'll add 1 gallon (3.7 L) of thinner. Pour half of the paint into a clean bucket, then add half the thinner. Add the remaining paint, then add the remaining thinner.[9]
- Depending on how thick your paint is, the amount of thinner you will need to add may vary.
- The amount of thinner you use doesn't have to be exact. Estimating the amount by eye should be good enough.
- Mix the thinned paint thoroughly. Use a paint stirrer to steadily stir the paint for several minutes. After that, stop stirring so the paint can rest. Now the paint's ready to be stirred again. Add more thinner little by little, if needed, and stir the paint until it reaches ideal consistency.
- Most paints reach their ideal consistency when the paint sticks to the stirrer but still runs and drips off a little.
- Test the paint by applying it to a suitable surface. If the paint applies smoothly, it's properly thinned and ready to be used.[10]
EditUsing Water as a Thinner for Water Based Paints - Use a large bucket to thin the paint in batches. Thinning paint in large batches will ensure more consistent quality. If your project will require a few buckets worth of paint, try to keep the consistency of each batch as close as possible.[11]
- Transfer half of the total paint to the bucket. As you pour the paint into your bucket, pick out any solid chunks you see. For each gallon of paint in the bucket, add a half cup (118 ml) of room temperature water as well.[12]
- Add the remaining paint and water to the bucket and stir. In the same proportions, a half cup of room temperature water for every gallon of paint, pour the rest of the paint into the bucket and follow it with the water. Stir the mixture thoroughly with a paint stirrer.[13]
- Paint that sticks to the stirrer but still runs off the end in droplets should be well stirred.
- Ensure paint consistency with a viscosity cup. Submerge the cup in the paint, raise it above the can, and time how long it takes the cup to empty. All batches should take the same amount of time to drain.[14]
- Viscosity cups can be purchased at most hardware stores, home centers, and paint stores.
- Tweak the consistency as necessary by adding small amounts of water. Some paint may only require a little more room temperature water added before it's as good as new. Severely thickened paint may require a full cup or more.[15]
- Take your time when adding water to the paint. You can always add more, but if you add too much, you may end up needing to thicken the paint.
- Use caution when adding thinner so you don't add too much to the paint. Doing this could make it too thin and cause it to run.
- If you are concerned about your ability to successfully thin paint on your own, this service is usually offered at a hardware or home improvement stores. Be aware, however, that you will typically have to pay a small fee.
EditThings You'll Need - Lemon and linseed oil
- Mixing bowl
- Stirring implement (like a spoon)
- Paint stirrer
- Mineral spirits (or acetone)
- Breathing mask
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket
- Room temperature water
- Viscosity cup (optional)
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Play Emperor Posted: 04 Dec 2017 08:00 AM PST Emperor is a more complex and challenging version of solitaire. It's played with 2 decks of cards. The goal of the game is to move one card at a time in order to build sequences. Playing doesn't require much set-up, so deal yourself a game of Emperor whenever you've got time to spare. EditDealing the Cards - Clear a playing space. While you don't need a ton of space, a comfortable playing surface helps. Emperor involves moving and stacking lots of cards, so it can get a little messy. Leave enough space for 10 splayed piles of cards, 8 stacks above that, and 2 more stacks somewhere to the side.
- The 10 piles are the tableau piles, which are used to build descending sequences of cards.
- The 8 stacks form the foundation, where you build upon the Aces.
- The other 2 stacks are the stock pile, where you draw cards to play, and the waste pile, where you throw away unplayed stock cards.
- Shuffle together 2 decks of cards. Emperor is played with 2 standard decks of 52 cards. Remove the jokers if they're among the cards.[1]
- Deal a line of 10 face down cards. Keep the cards separated for now. The 10 cards form the tableau piles where most of the game is played. You don't get to look at these cards yet.[2]
- Deal 3 more cards face down on each pile. Lay each card so it exposes a little bit of the card underneath it. This way, you can easily see how many cards are left in a pile. Each pile should now have 4 cards in it. Again, avoid peeking at these cards.[3]
- Flip over the top card on each pile. Expose the first card on each of the 10 piles. These cards are what you'll use to begin the game.
- Place the remaining cards in a separate pile. Keep the remaining cards together and place them near you. Flip over the top card. These 64 cards are your stock and, starting with the top card, can also be added to the tableau piles.[4]
EditBeginning the Game - Move the cards in the tableau first. When you start playing, your first move is to work on the tableau piles. Transferring the face up cards to different piles enables you to make more moves, including flipping over face down cards and clearing piles. Look for the aces first to move them to the foundation. Then spot any tableau cards of similar rank but opposite color.
- Place aces in the foundation row. Leave a space above the tableau to store the aces. For now, move any aces exposed on the tableau. When you start drawing from the stock pile, add any aces you get. Place each ace side by side to form 8 separate piles.[5]
- Match cards of opposite color and one lower rank. Cards moved to the tableau piles follow a specific pattern. First, the card on top has to be a number one less than the bottom card. Both cards also have to be opposite colors.[6]
- For example, if you draw a ten of spades, you can only place it on a jack of diamonds or hearts.
- Move the top cards in the tableau to unlock face down cards. Tableau cards can only be moved one at a time. Moving the face up card exposes or "unlocks" the top face down card under it, which can then be flipped over and played. Do this anytime you uncover a face down card during the game.
- Draw cards from the stock pile when you're out of moves. In addition to the tableau cards, your other main playing option is the stock pile. When you have no more moves left on the tableau, pick up the top card on the stock pile. Each time you draw a card, it can be placed on the tableau, foundation, or waste pile.[7]
- If you draw an ace, move it to the foundation. Otherwise, you may add it to a foundation pile if it is matches the suit and is one number higher than the card beneath it.
- Discard unused cards in a waste pile. Cards from the stock pile can't always be played. Check the tableau first, and if you can't play the card you drew, place it face up next to the stock pile. Every card you discard goes face up on top of the last one. That top card is always playable, so look for opportunities to move it to the tableau after moving other cards.[8]
- Once cards are in play on the tableau, they cannot be discarded.
- Move sequences of cards as needed. As you play the game, you'll build sequences of opposite color cards of descending rank on the tableau. At any point you can pick up all or part of this sequence and move it to another pile. The same rules apply, so the sequence has to be played on top of a card of one higher rank and alternate color.
- For instance, if you have a sequence of cards from a 6 of hearts to 2 of spades, you can place the entire sequence on a 7 of clubs or spades.
- For a tougher game of Emperor, stick to moving only one card at a time.
- Replace cleared piles with any available card. After a while, you'll be able to eliminate some of the tableau piles. Count this as an empty space and fill it as needed. Any card available to be played can be moved there to start a new pile. During the game, you are always allowed to keep 10 tableau piles.[9]
- For instance, you move all 4 cards from one pile so you only have 9 tableau piles left. Move a face up card from the tableau, a tableau sequence, the stock pile, or waste pile to start the new pile.
EditBuilding the Foundation and Winning - Build on the aces in an ascending sequence. The goal of Emperor is to move cards from the other piles to the foundation during the course of the game. Unlike the tableau, foundation cards are piled in ascending order. All of the cards in a pile are from the same suit.[10]
- Any exposed card on the tableau, along with the card you draw from the stock pile and the top card on the waste pile, can be moved to the foundation when they're in sequence.
- For example, you have an ace of spades in the foundation. The only card you can place on top of it is the 2 of spades. Then you'll need to play the 3 of spades.
- Win by completing the foundation piles. To win the game, all you need to do is complete the foundation by moving all 8 kings there. You'll have to build up all 8 aces in sequence, clearing out the tableau, stock, and waste piles to get there.
- End the game when you have no moves left. During some games, you'll run out of moves. When you are unable to move any cards on the tableau and therefore can't complete the foundation, the game is over. Shuffle all the cards together and try again!
EditThings You'll Need - Playing space
- 2 decks of cards
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Start a Home Salon Business Posted: 04 Dec 2017 12:00 AM PST A home salon business can allow you to set your own work hours and be your own boss. It can also create a more intimate atmosphere for your clients and help you save money on the expense of renting or owning a work space. To start your home business, you will first need to register and insure it. You can then determine what services you will offer and set up your salon so it is accessible for your clients. You will need to work hard, and smart, to ensure your home salon is profitable for years to come. EditMeeting Initial Requirements - Obtain permission to run your business from your landlord, if you are not the owner. If you do not own your home, you will need to ask your landlord or mortgage provider for permission to run your business in your living space. This will ensure the owner of the home is comfortable with you operating your business from the home.[1]
- If you already own your home, you do not need to worry about this step.
- Determine the legal structure of your business. Start by deciding if you are going to be the sole owner of the business. If this is the case, your legal structure is a sole proprietorship. If you are operating the business with a partner as co-owners, your legal structure is a partnership. You can then note the legal structure of your business when you apply for a business license and register your business.[2]
- For more information on determining the legal structure of your business, contact your local Small Business Association.
- Get a business license through your local business council. You will need to get a business license to operate your salon from home. You can do this by registering your business with your local city or town council. The requirements for getting a business license will vary from state to state and country to country. Check online or call your local business council for more information.[3]
- In some U.S. states, you can apply for a business license online through your local city council's website.
- In some areas in the U.S., you must get a business license within a certain number of days before you can legally open your business to clients.
- Most areas require you to have a Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN) to apply for a business license, which you can get through the government tax authorities.
- Get business insurance. Your home insurance may not cover your business needs. You may need to add insurance for home businesses so you are covered in the event of an incident. Business insurance usually covers your stock, your electronics, and your liability for clients who come to your home salon.[4]
- Speak to your home insurance provider for more information on home business insurance.
- Speak to an accountant about paying taxes on your business. You will need to organize your business taxes so you pay them properly and your business is seen as legitimate by the IRS. Ask your accountant for advice on how to determine how much you will pay in taxes each fiscal year.[5]
- The legal structure of your business will affect how you do your taxes and how much you pay in taxes. Talk to your accountant for more information.
- Get a cosmetology license, if required by where you live. You may need to have an up to date cosmetology license to operate the salon legally where you live. If you do not already have a license, you can apply for one at your local beauty school or institute. You will have to do training and classes to become certified and earn your license.
- Look online for beauty schools in your area who offer cosmetology licensing. You can also contact a beauty institute in your area to find out if they offer licensing.
EditDetermining Your Services - Offer basic services like hair cutting and styling. You may do haircuts and styling yourself or hire stylists to work in your home salon. You may focus on particular clientele, such as women or men only. Or you may be open to anyone, regardless of gender.[6]
- You may also cater to a specific hair type, such as Black hair or hair that has been treated or dyed.
- Think about what areas you are interested in focusing on and what suits your skills best as a hairdresser or stylist. You may also look at what any competing hair salons in your area are doing and focus on hair types or styles that they do not offer.
- Include services like blow drying and shampooing. You may offer these services free of charge for your clients as part of their haircut. If you do blow drying and shampooing, you will need to make sure you have blow dryers on hand as well as shampooing stations in your home salon.[7]
- Consider doing hair coloring and hair extensions to boost your business. If you want to add some variety to your services, you can also do hair coloring and dyeing. You will need to have the necessary coloring and dyeing materials on hand to do this.[8]
- You can also offer hair extensions to your clients. This may be a good option if you are skilled at doing hair extensions and want to attract clients who use hair extensions to your salon.
- Add services like facials and make up styling for variety. Some salons will offer additional services that fall outside of haircare, such as facials, make up styling, and waxing. You may offer these services if you want to offer some variety to your clients. However, you may need to hire staff to help you do these services.[9]
- You may start with basic services first and then see if adding other services like facials, make up, and waxing make sense for your home business. They may be good options if you are not getting as many hair clients as you'd like or if you'd like to try out different skills on your clients.
EditSetting up Your Salon - Name your home salon. Choose a name that will be catchy and memorable to clients. Keep the name short so clients can remember it easily. You may name your home salon after yourself or after a close friend or family member. You can also pick a name that suits a salon and gives off a calming or attractive vibe to clients.[10]
- For example, you may choose a name like "Cynthia's Salon" if your name is Cynthia. Or you may pick a name like "Pink Blossom Salon" if you like flowers and the color pink.
- Create a budget for materials and equipment. Determine how much you can afford to spend upfront on materials and equipment for your home salon to get it going. A basic set up with a salon chair, a salon sink, and a salon mirror can cost $1000 USD new, or a bit cheaper used. Look at your budget and determine if you can afford to buy new or if you need to get used materials and equipment.[11]
- Keep in mind you will also have to invest in hair products on a regular basis.
- You may also need to pay to make surface adjustments to your home, such as painting or decorating it, so it looks appealing to clients.
- Get financing for the salon. Starting a business from home will require a certain amount of financing to be successful. You may apply for a business loan from your bank or ask family or friends for loans. You can also try mortgaging your home or selling personal property to finance the salon.[12]
- Another option is to find an investor who would be willing to put money into the salon as a silent partner or as a co-owner.
- Invest in a good salon chair. Your home salon will need at least one good quality salon chair so you can service one client at a time. To save money, get an all-purpose salon chair so you can use it when you cut, style, and shampoo your client's hair.[13]
- You can buy salon chairs at beauty supply stores or online. They range in price from $100-$300 USD.
- You can save money by buying a used salon chair. Make sure the chair is in good condition before you buy it.
- Get a salon sink. You will need a large, ceramic sink to wash and shampoo your clients' hair. You may decide to get the sink wall mounted in your salon or invest in a wet station, which is a sink on wheels. The wet station can be moved around your salon as needed and often includes extra storage for hair products.[14]
- If you are short on funds in your budget, you can use your home sink or bathtub to wash your clients' hair.
- Put up a mirror for clients. Install a large mirror in front of the salon chair so your clients can see themselves as you cut or style their hair. You can buy mirrors made for hair salons at a beauty supply store or repurpose a large mirror for your salon. Make sure the mirror is good quality and reflects your clients properly as they sit in the chair.
- Depending on the size of your home salon, you may install several mirrors so your clients can see themselves in different areas or from different angles.
- Buy hair products. Stock up on hair products like shampoo, conditioner, and toner. You may also invest in hair spray, hair gel, and hair mousse so you can style your clients' hair.[15]
- Look for brand name hair products that your clients will be familiar with and trust. You can buy hair products at a beauty supply store or online.
- If you are offering hair coloring and hair extensions at your home salon, you will need to stock up on products for these services as well.
- Arrange the salon so it meets the requirements for home businesses in your area. Depending on where your home salon is located, you may need to make adjustments to the space so you can operate your business legally and safely. You will need to put up a permanent wall between the salon and the part of the house where you live. You should also try to have an entrance used by your clients at the salon, and not for people going in and out of your house.[16]
- You may also be required to have a separate bathroom for your clients that isn't used by the rest of the household.
- Contact your local business council to find out the exact requirements and make sure your home salon is up to code before you open it.
EditMaintaining a Profitable Salon - Advertise your home salon to potential clients online. Use social media to promote your home salon to clients. Make a Facebook page for your home salon and invite friends to like or share the page. Create an Instagram account for your home salon and update it regularly with photos and videos that show off your hair styling or cutting skills.[17]
- You can also build a website for your home salon or hire a web designer to do this for you.
- You can also put print advertisements or flyers for the salon in the local newspaper and in your neighborhood.
- Keep your prices reasonable and competitive. Look at what your competitors are charging and keep your prices within range so they are reasonable for clients. Make sure your clients feel they are getting good services for their money.[18]
- Do not undersell your services or offer too many discounts, as this can lead to a loss in profit. Try to keep your prices competitive and the quality of your salon high so your clients keep coming back.
- Offer return clients incentives and rewards. Give return clients a discount on their services. Create a promotion where clients can earn rewards or points for every dollar they spend at your salon.[19]
- You can also create a referral program, where clients get a discount for referring friends or family to your salon.
- Join a professional organization for salon owners. Look for a Professional Beauty Association in your area. Become a member of the organization so you can get access to professional guidance and support for salon owners. You can also network and meet other salon owners through these organizations.[20]
- Some professional organizations charge a fee upfront or on a yearly basis to join.
- Adjust your salon as it grows. As your home salon business flourishes and you attract more clients, you may consider adding in a second salon chair or another wet station. You may also hire another stylist to help you serve more clients. Adjust your salon as needed so you can keep up with demand and ensure your business grows steadily year after year.[21]
EditSources and Citations
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