| How to Distress Furniture Posted: 05 Mar 2019 04:00 PM PST Distressing is a simple process that makes newer furniture look antique by manually adding wear and tear. You can distress wood, laminate, or metal easily by yourself to make your furniture unique. While the project does require paint with a chalky finish and sealing wax, you can finish the rest with tools and supplies around your own home. Once you're finished distressing your furniture, you'll have a brand new piece that looks like it's been passed down for generations! EditDistressing Wood and Laminate - Use chalky paint for your furniture. Chalky paint has a matte finish, goes on with minimal prep work, and is easier to scrape off while you're distressing your furniture. Choose a paint color that matches the aesthetic in the rest of your room.[1]
- Chalky paint is not the same as chalkboard paint. Chalkboard paint is meant to be written on with chalk after it dries, while chalky paint just has an ultra-matte finish.
- You can buy chalky paint from any painting supply store.
- Add dings and dents to the furniture surface for an extra-distressed look. Adding marks to a table surface or furniture legs can make it seem older than what it actually is. Lightly tap your furniture with the end of a chisel or hammer to make indents in the surface. Make the marks random so it doesn't look like an intentional pattern.[2]
- Wear safety glasses in case any wood accidentally breaks off your furniture.
- Experiment with different tools around your house to see what kind of marks they make.
- Sand the furniture if it has a finish on it. Use 120-grit sandpaper to roughen the surfaces on your piece of furniture. This helps the paint adhere better so it's less likely to peel off or chip. Make sure to sand any surface you plan on painting so you get a nice even coat.[3]
- You do not need to sand unfinished wood furniture.
- Wipe the furniture with a damp cloth before painting. Wet a cleaning cloth with warm water and wring it out until it's damp. Wipe all of the surfaces you plan on painting to get rid of any dust or dirt that's on them. Use another cloth to dry any areas that are wet before you start.[4]
- Apply a coat of paint and let it dry. Dip the ends of the bristles in your paint so there's only a small amount on your paintbrush. Start from the top of your piece of furniture and work toward the bottom. Apply a thin layer of paint on the surface so it can dry fast and even. When you're finished with the first coat, leave it to dry overnight.[5]
- It's okay if you still see the wood or laminate underneath your first coat of paint. This can help add to the distressed look of the final piece.
- Paint a second coat onto your furniture and leave it to cure for 3-4 days. Once the first coat of paint has dried completely, put another coat of paint on your piece. Again, work from the top of the furniture down toward the bottom, and paint until it has a smooth matte finish. When you're done, let it dry for 3-4 days so the paint has time to adhere to the furniture.[6]
- Sand edges and common places of wear and tear with 120-grit sandpaper. Corners and edges are usually the first parts that wear away over time, so start by distressing them. Use 120-grit sandpaper to rub the dry paint off of the surface to expose the wood or laminate underneath. Apply light pressure so you don't accidentally remove more than you want.[7]
- Add more distress marks where your furniture touches the floor so it looks like it's been scratched up after moving around a lot.
- Wipe any dust away with a damp rag so you can easily see where you've already distressed the furniture.
- If you accidentally rub off too much of the paint, you may paint over the area again and start over.
- Seal the wood and paint with finishing wax. Wax acts as a sealant to help protect your furniture from any damage. Dip the end of a cheesecloth in the wax and spread it across the surface of your furniture. Work the wax into the surface in a circular motion until it's smooth. Continue waxing the entire piece of furniture so it's sealed.[8]
- Furniture wax can be bought from your local hardware or paint supply stores.
- Wax may take up to 30 days to completely cure, but you can use the furniture after one week.
EditAging Metal Furniture - Wipe any dust and dirt off with a cleaning cloth. Get the end of a cleaning cloth damp with warm water and use it to clean off your metal. Make sure to clean off all of the surfaces that you're painting so the paint can adhere well to them. Dry off any spots that are still wet.[9]
- Avoid sanding your metal since it will leave noticeable scratches.
- Paint 1 coat of chalky paint onto your furniture and let it dry. Buy a container of chalky paint and soft-bristled paintbrush from your local paint supply store. Dip the end of your brush into the paint and apply a thin layer to your metal furniture. Work from the top of the piece down toward the bottom until it's entirely covered in paint. Leave the paint to dry overnight so it has a chance to cure.[10]
- Make sure not to use chalkboard paint instead of chalky paint. Chalky paint has a matte finish and is usually used for distressing, while chalkboard paint is meant to be written on once it's dry.
- It's okay if the first coat doesn't cover the metal evenly since it will make your piece look more distressed.
- Apply a second coat of paint and let it cure for 3-4 days. Once the first layer is completely dry, put on another coat of paint until your furniture has even color. Once all of the exposed metal is covered with paint, let it dry for 3-4 days so the paint has time to settle.[11]
- Don't try to distress the metal while it's curing because the more paint may peel off of the metal than you want.
- Wipe areas with a damp cloth to distress them. Get the corner of a cleaning cloth wet and rub any areas where you want to expose the metal underneath the paint. Work around edges and corners since they're areas where distress naturally happens first. Apply light pressure to lift up the paint.[12]
- If you accidentally remove to much paint, pat the area dry and cover the spot with another coat.
- Seal the paint with finishing wax to protect it. Dip the end of a cheesecloth in the finishing wax and pick up a small amount from the container. Rub the wax onto the paint in circular or back and forth motions until it's clear. Coat the entire piece of furniture so it's protected and won't get easily damaged.[13]
- If your furniture feels waxy, keep buffing it out with a cloth until it doesn't.
- Wear safety glasses if you try to add your own wear and tear to your furniture.
EditThings You'll Need EditDistressing Wood and Laminate - Chisel or hammer
- Safety glasses
- Chalky paint
- Cleaning cloth
- Bristle paintbrush
- 120-grit sandpaper
- Finishing wax
- Cheesecloth
EditAging Metal Furniture - Cleaning cloth
- Bristle paintbrush
- Chalky paint
- Cheesecloth
- Finishing wax
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Clean an Airpods Case Posted: 05 Mar 2019 08:00 AM PST While most owners consider the cleaning of AirPods wireless headphones important, cleaning of the storage and charging case isn't as much of a priority. But keeping the charging and storage case clean is important for keeping your Apple gear looking and performing like new, and keeping it hygienic, too. A quick, thorough cleaning of your AirPods case will extend the life of your gear, get rid of all that unsightly pocket lint, and eliminate nasty bacterial growth. EditCleaning the Outside of the Case - Give the case a general cleaning. Start by using a scratch-free microfiber cloth for a general rub-down and preliminary cleaning. Wipe down the exterior of the case, and get rid of any easy-to-remove lint, dirt and wax.
- Dampen the cloth with a little liquid if necessary. You may use a little distilled water to help you along in your task; for more difficult grime, dampen the cloth using a small amount of isopropyl alcohol. But only use a very small amount of liquid. Dry is best, if possible.
- Your AirPods and their storage case are not resistant to liquids, so be careful to not get any fluid in the charging ports, or on the AirPods themselves.[1]
- Use cotton swabs to rub free any dirt or stains on the outside of the case. A swab gives you pinpoint accuracy, and lets you muscle through the gunk. If necessary, dampen the swab with distilled water to loosen dirt and wax. If you have really difficult-to-remove, caked-on dirt to contend with, moistening the end of a swab with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol should do the trick.
EditCleaning the Inside of the Case - Get inside the charging ports as well as you can. Use a cotton swab or cotton ball to clean the charging ports—where your AirPods sleep when they're not in your ears—and other nooks and crannies. You want to remove as much dust and lint as possible from the contacts to ensure that the case continues to charge quickly, and to prevent shorting out.
- Get into the grooves on the top of the case. Keeping these grooves clean will keep your case looking new. Dampen your swab with a little water or alcohol, as necessary. But don't use enough to soak the cotton, as you do not want drips falling into the electronics of the case. You can gently work wax and dust from these difficult areas with a swab that is only lightly dampened.
- Use a toothpick to work on more stubborn grime. This is where bacteria can really get a foothold. A plastic or wooden toothpick should really help you to clean out the cracks and fissures in the case, especially around the lid. Be gentle and methodical, though. Patiently work the waxy buildup free gradually without applying too much force.[2] Here are a few other useful tools that will help you keep your AirPods case hygienic, and looking and charging like new:
- Tape or 'tack. Use either one to pull dirt, lint, and wax buildup free; if you're using tape, use a good-quality product that will not leave behind adhesive. Press the piece of tape or lump of tack firmly into grooves to pull wax and general buildup from the cracks on the lid and top of the case.
- A soft eraser. Use it to rub stubborn stains and dirt away.
- A soft toothbrush. Only use soft or extra-soft, and put it to work gently scrubbing dirt, dust and lint from crevices and the Lightning connector.[3]
EditFinishing the Cleaning - Rub down the case again with a microfiber cloth. Your AirPods case should be looking almost new by now. The last step is a quick finishing polish using a dry microfiber cloth. Rub the case down gently and firmly, giving it a last going over to complete the cleaning process.
- Give your AirPods themselves a once-over. Wipe down each AirPod carefully. If there is gunk in the grilles, gently brush it away with a toothbrush. You can use a tiny amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab for dried-on wax, but be very careful not to get it near the grilles and speaker elements.
- Place the AirPods back in their charging case. They'll be ready for their next usage.
- Do not use abrasives or aerosol cleansers to clean your AirPods or their storage case. Also avoid solvents other than 70% isopropyl alcohol. Any harsh or heavy-duty cleanser will likely mar the glossy finish of your AirPods and case, and could damage your ear.
EditThings You'll Need - Microfiber cloths
- Cotton swabs and cotton balls
- Toothpicks
- Distilled water, or 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol
- Tape, 'tack', a soft eraser, and an extra soft toothbrush
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Chia Seed Pudding Posted: 05 Mar 2019 12:00 AM PST Chia seed pudding is a nutritious pudding that's easy to make; you don't have to cook a thing! Throw together the basic ingredients in a few minutes, then let the mixture sit for a couple of hours or overnight to develop the pudding's texture. Add any flavors or ingredients you like to create endless variations! EditIngredients EditBasic Pudding - 6 tbsp (90 g) of chia seeds
- 2 cups (473 mL) of milk
- of vanilla extract
- of sweetener
Makes 2 servings EditAdding Flavors - 1 tsp (2.3 g) of powdered cinnamon
- Fruits cut into pieces
- 1 tsp (7 g) of fresh ginger
- 1-2 tbsp (20 g) of peanut butter
- 1-2 peanut butter cookies
- 2 tbsp (14.76 g) of cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp (15 g) of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (37.5 g) of nuts
EditMaking the Basic Pudding - Combine milk and chia seeds in a bowl or mason jar. Pour 2 cups (473 mL) of unsweetened milk of your choice, such as coconut, almond, cashew, or 2% milk, into a bowl or mason jar. Dump 6 tbsp (90 g) of chia seeds in after the milk.[1]
- Mason jars are great if you want to make several batches of chia seed pudding and easily store them to take on-the-go.
- 1 cup (236.5 mL) of basic chia seed pudding has about 10 g of protein, so it's great for a post-workout snack!
- Stir in vanilla extract and sweetener and mix everything together. Put of vanilla extract and of honey, maple syrup, or any other sweetener of your choice into the bowl or mason jar. Stir the milk, chia seeds, vanilla, and sweetener together thoroughly with a spoon.[2]
- You can skip the sweetener if you want to cut down on sugar.
- If you are using a mason jar, put the lid on and shake all the ingredients together instead of stirring them.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. Leave the bowl or jar on the counter at room temperature once all the ingredients are well-combined. Check the consistency of the mixture after 5 minutes.[3]
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes if it is still mostly liquid after only 5. It should start to thicken a bit before you give it a final stir and refrigerate it.
- Stir the mixture again to break up any clumps of seeds. Use a spoon to give the pudding a final stir. You want to break up any clumps that are stuck together before you refrigerate the pudding so that it has an even consistency.[4]
- You should still stir the pudding with a spoon if you are using a mason jar so that you break up any clumps with the edges of the spoon.
- Pulse the chia seed pudding in a blender if you want a smoother texture. If you don't like the texture of chia seeds, you can easily break up the seeds. Pour the mixture into a blender and pulse it until you get a smooth consistency.[5]
- Put the pudding in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours or overnight. Put the lid on the jar or cover the bowl and place the pudding in your refrigerator. Let the pudding sit for at least 1 hour to thicken. The longer you leave the mixture, the more pudding-like it will get.[6]
- Check on the pudding after 1-2 hours, or in the morning the next day. It should have a thick, pudding-like texture. If it is still mostly liquid, then add another 1 tbsp (15 g) of chia seeds, stir them in, and let it sit for another 30 minutes.
- Chia seed pudding will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
EditAdding Flavors - Add cinnamon to the basic pudding recipe for a spicy-sweet flavor. Stir 1 tsp (2.3 g) of powdered cinnamon into the pudding before you let it sit in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to get absorbed by the chia seeds.[7]
- You can sprinkle more cinnamon on top of the pudding for serving, and even garnish with a stick of cinnamon if you want!
- Top the pudding with fresh fruit to add flavor and texture. Cut up any fruits of your choosing into bite-sized pieces. Serve them on top of the pudding after it has thickened, or layer them in a mason jar with the pudding in the fridge.[8]
- Use banana, kiwi, mango, pineapple, papaya, and other tropical fruits to make a tropical chia seed pudding.
- Combine strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries to make a mixed berry pudding. You can simply cut the strawberries in half and leave the other berries whole.
- Experiment with layers of different fruits and chia seed pudding in mason jars to have a variety of healthy snacks ready to go!
- Mix fresh ginger into the pudding for a healthy twist. Grate or finely chop 1 tsp (7 g) of fresh ginger root. Mix it into the pudding before you put it in your refrigerator to rest and thicken.[9]
- 1 tsp (7 g) of fresh ginger is about a piece of ginger root.
- Try adding of fresh lemon or lime juice for an added kick with the ginger.
- Add peanut butter and cookie crumbs to make a sweet treat. Mix 1-2 tbsp (20-40 g) of peanut butter into the basic pudding after you mix the chia seeds and milk together. Crumble 1-2 peanut butter cookies on top of the pudding for serving.
- You can substitute 1-2 tbsp (20-40 g) of powdered peanut butter for regular peanut butter if you want.
- Put cocoa powder and brown sugar in the pudding for a chocolate flavor. Mix 2 tbsp (14.76 g) of cocoa powder and 2 tbsp (15 g) of brown sugar into the chia pudding before you put it in the fridge to thicken. Stir until the pudding has an even color and there are no lumps of cocoa.[10]
- Try drizzling the pudding with honey for serving if you want to make it extra sweet.
- Sprinkle nuts on top of the basic pudding for more flavor and protein. Add 1/4 cup of nuts (37.5 g) of the nuts of your choice on top of the pudding right before serving. Nuts are a good source of protein and will add a crunch to the pudding.[11]
- Try almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, or a mixture of several types of nuts.
- Chia pudding does not freeze well.
- Don't leave the pudding out overnight without refrigeration.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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