Unless you’re in the engineering, metalworking, or woodworking fields, clamps tend to be something that isn’t really a part of everyday life. Even so, they play an important role in securing and creating different things that we use every day. There are many types of clamps out there, all of which serve different purposes and…

In everyday life, there are few things that are more responsible for holding things together than screws and bolts. It’s easy to forget that one of the only reasons they’re able to do so is because they’re driven in by screwdrivers (or drills if you’re pressed for time). Screwdrivers come in a variety of shapes…

If you are interested in woodworking, a key principle you will have to master is the art of varnishing. Typically made from a resinous material, varnishes are liquids that can be used to dye, finish, and protect both the interiors and surfaces of wooden objects. Not only does varnish offer your wood protection from environmental…

We have been using metals for more than 5,000 years, and as long as we have been using metals we have been fighting against rust. With most metals, rust is something that we have all come to accept over time as a natural by-product of their use. We have also found various ways of getting…

Pliers are the type of tool that you don’t realize how much you need until you don’t have them. Pliers have actually been around for around 5,000 years, with the first sets being made of wood. As time went on and different materials were discovered, they were fashioned from metals like bronze and iron which…

Tools are a fundamental part of what makes us the most evolved species on the face of the planet (at least by our measurement). Tools allow us to make so many things, from shelter to furniture, to food, and even other tools! One of the most rudimentary and surprisingly indispensable tools we’ve created as a…

You have just completed your most recent project, and you step back to admire your work, whilst looking for any spots you missed – chips, orange peel, or overspray. You note that nothing is wrong, and you have achieved perfect coverage, and you know that the job is complete, but something is bothering you, and…

Not all woodworkers make the same types of project and some prefer the joy of work with old school hand tools and equipment. If you are one of those, but you have decided to embark on a new woodworking journey making larger projects, then a tool like an electric sander will make those large-scale jobs…

Maintaining the decking outside your home might be a tiresome task, but it sure is a rewarding one when the wood lasts a lot longer than if you left it to the weather. Something that is essential for maintaining your outside deck is to sand it down when it starts looking a bit worse for…

Drywall, also known as sheetrock, has been a miraculous invention, especially for those budget homes. They are much cheaper to construct with than your average brick wall layered with cement, not to mention much faster. But, just because it takes less time to build does not mean it takes less effort. You cannot simply go…

There is no denying the impressive usefulness of a table saw, but it is not something you find very often in the average home. These saws are not something that should be taken lightly, it is a tool that requires careful consideration, and a sure mind that this is the right tool for you and…

Vinyl can be tricky to paint because it isn’t porous. This means that if you want to paint vinyl you will need to choose a suitable paint. Using vinyl spray paints is a good choice because they are affordable, easy to use, compact, and don’t require extensive cleanup. Spray paint is an easy way to…

A paint stripper is the ideal product for removing paint from walls, metal, wooden furniture, and so on. The market is flooded with a lot of paint strippers, but they are not manufactured the same. Generally, the best paint remover is well known for breaking down old paint, coatings on the surfaces, so you can…

The band saw is an essential tool that can replace many other unnecessary machines in the workshop due to it being is suitable for all kinds of projects and materials. A band saw is an important tool in most workshops due to its effectiveness in cutting different materials in a way that humans just can’t…

The thought of painting a cabinet can seem quite overwhelming due to the steps needed to follow and the daunting nature of the task at hand. Should you choose to work using a spray gun you will find the application of the paint easier and quicker which will give you an attractive, smooth finish. What…

Composite decking is a popular choice when it comes to outdoor areas. Since the decking is exposed to all kinds of weather and temperatures, it does require a little upkeep. You will need to keep the surface as dry as possible and sweep the deck regularly to keep leaves and dirt away. Composite decking will…

Wood has played an important role throughout human evolution, even before humans learnt to use it to fuel fire, and it continues to clothe, house, and feed us even to this very day! Different applications require different types of wood, and we have even been able to create new types of wood by combining and…

Whether you are someone who only occasionally works with wood, or are a professional wood crafter, you have likely found yourself with a piece of wood that you were not able to identify. While there are people can identify wood board by just looking at it (or sniffing it), due to years of experience, are…

As the world is prominently capitalist, several commodities have become significantly expensive as a result of the rule of supply and demand. At the end of the day, if something is not available in abundance, such as gold, diamonds, or the latest iPhone, people who want these items are often willing to spend a small…

When crafting, we spend a lot of time focusing on materials and tools that have innovated the industry, or even the resurgence of a particular trend. In more recent years, materials such as wood and resin have been the topic of many blogs and write-ups, but something that is not normally taken into consideration is…

You did it! You finally got yourself the door of your dreams, a wrought iron masterpiece with the most intricate design. Painting a metal door is not something to be taken lightly. If you do a shoddy job, the paint will chip and crack in no time at all, giving it a tatty look and…

While most us of think of furniture for its practical uses and its aesthetic appeal, we hardly ever think about how that furniture is put together. The quality of furnishings are inextricably linked to the quality of their construction, allowing a piece of furniture to maintain its structural integrity throughout its lifetime. There are a…

Regardless of what project you are doing with paint, from a school project, or you may be a professional artist, you will always be concerned that the paint will accidentally splatter or spill, particularly if your workspace has a wooden surface, such as a desk, floor, a table, or any other wooden furniture. Acrylic paint…

It is easy to forget that there are other elements than ourselves in this world. While in our eyes, we as humans might be at the top of the food chain, there are elements out there that can make our lives harder if they want to or need to. While most of us feel safe…

If you have a woodturning lathe in your possession or you intend to buy one, and you want to begin creating your own woodturning projects, this article is for you, as we will be providing many inspiring and creative lathe ideas for you to try. With these woodturning projects, you will be able to create…

Do you want to try woodworking, but do not know where to begin? The best place is to first try some small woodworking projects that are easy to do for beginners. Build up your confidence and experience and then you can try something more challenging. To provide you with a few ideas, here are some…

Many of us have some pieces of veneer furniture in our homes. This may be a cupboard in the kitchen or bathroom, a desk, a table, or even a countertop in your kitchen. However, it may eventually begin to look slightly scruffy with scratch marks or stains. This is no reason to discard it as…

Modern materials have made it easy to protect our surfaces from things like water, impact, abrasion, and even things as simple as food stains. One of the most popular substances used to protect various surfaces from exterior damage these days is polyurethane. Polyurethane (PU) is one of the most durable and versatile substances on the…

Are you fed up with never knowing what paint to use on your wooden crafts? Today, many recommended paints promise the best-desired effects when used on our wood crafts. The only problem is that because of the diverse variety on offer, which ones are the best for your particular piece? Furthermore, what kind of craft…

If you’re wondering whether or not you can spice up your pressure-treated wood with some paint, or keep it looking pristine with varnish, the short answer is yes. However, there’s so much more to know about the concept and processes associated with this fulfilling DIY project. Pressure-treated wood can retain moisture from its chemical infusion…

Lacquer is a beautiful, long-lasting finish that may be applied to a variety of wood surfaces. However, it may begin to wear out and discolor over time, just like any other finish. In this case, it may be necessary for you to remove the lacquer from your wood. But, how to remove lacquer from wood?…

Introducing easy woodworking projects for kids can be a great way to help boost their confidence, be creative, and use their hands to build something fun and useful. There are lots of simple woodworking projects for kids, and it is not just for boys either, girls can have just as much fun with woodworking.   …

When it comes to extending the life of wood, polyurethane is among the most often used finishing products. Most wood manufacturers use it in their products to ensure that their wood has a long life span while also providing a shiny appearance. However, every now and then, it may be necessary to remove polyurethane from…

While the world is far from perfect, we can all agree that things are a lot more convenient now, thanks to developments in technology. Our lives are not only easier, but we have far more environmentally friendly and readily available materials for things like construction, home improvement, automobile manufacturing, artistic expression, and even recreational activities….

There is something super classic about working with wood and having the majority of your home made from this beautifully organic material. Trees might be organic in terms of coming from nature, but this is often the reason why it is so expensive to build with. For those families living in areas that are tornado-prone,…

Building with a budget is not the easiest thing to do. There are so many varieties of wood that one could use for affordable home improvements, but they might not necessarily be as versatile as the more expensive options. There are many ways to improve the quality of your less glamorous woods. One fine example…

These days, there is an assortment of ready-made silicone molds you can purchase to use for a variety of things. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and yet you might not be able to find exactly what you require. Why not use one of the resin mold kits? You can create whatever…

Wood has always been a huge part of our lives as a species. From constructing our homes to fashioning our tools and weapons, wood has changed and continues to change the way we live our lives. These days wood has taken on more of a decorative role, from being used in our living rooms as…

You are busy renovating, and by renovating we just mean redoing the finish on all the wood trimmings in your living room, and a new coat of paint on the wall. In this day and age, we are unbelievably spoiled. There are so many options for pretty much everything in this world. From what flavor…

Whether you’re into woodwork or paper crafting, the chances are that you use glue to piece together or decorate your workpieces. Crafters of all disciplines can agree that some crafts would be virtually impossible without at least some kind of adhesive, so it comes as no surprise that loads of companies have joined the craft…

There is nothing better than to give life back to an old piece of wooden furniture. Maybe you inherited it from your grandparents, or maybe you found it by chance at a random yard sale and just could not resist it. After all, the item is not broken, it just needs a bit of tender…

Cleaning up can be a drag. On a good day, cleaning up can feel like a deep meditation; you might put on your favorite music and allow yourself to be completely present in the process. There is something so pleasant about coming home to an immaculate house after work, or a sparkly kitchen before you…

In many different industries nylon is a hugely popular material, due in large part to its versatility and strength. This does not mean that nylon does not break. Occasionally, even the strongest nylon can fail. When it does, instead of disposing of a nylon item, choosing to repair the item is a fantastic way to…

There is something truly luxurious about the aesthetics of oak furniture, one that simply cannot be mimicked by other types of wood. If you love the rustic look, chances are you will have an abundance of oak furniture, and possibly oak flooring to instill that aged feel to your home.  Even if you are a…

Bricks and masonry are known to be the most extensively used materials in construction. Although the structure of brick walls offers increased stability and durability, weather damage is always a risk over time. Brick sealant can prevent the moisture from soaking into concrete and bricks, which can, in turn, avoid the onset of damp, cracks,…

As we progress through this world that we have developed up to the nines, we have begun to realize the impact we have on the environment, particularly in terms of farming trees for timber to do all sorts of things with. This is not a long-term option, so some bright sparks have set out to…

One of the best ways to go about protecting your wood while simultaneously giving it an incredible look is to simply use wood stain. Wood stain is really easy to use, happens to be readily available, and won’t drain your wallet either. What happens if the surface you’re trying to stain has an existing stain…

Seeing your beloved furnishings lose their shine can be disheartening, especially if you’ve worked really hard to decorate them just the way you want them. Unfortunately, the passage of time takes no prisoners, but the good news is there’s something you can do about it! If the paint on your old furnishings is beginning to…

You have certainly gazed at cherry wood at some time in your life, whether it is glancing at your grandmother’s antique cabinet or merely scoping out some vintage furniture. Apart from Redwood, this timber is pretty much as American as it gets, but have you ever wondered exactly what cherry wood is? Let us have…

Painted plywood can look great, whether you are creating a new piece of furniture or decorative item from scratch. Perhaps you have an even larger project in mind, such as painting your kitchen cabinets or plywood floors. To get the best finish, you have to have the correct tools, the best paint for plywood, and…

It’s a bit weird that wood can begin to rot when it comes in contact with soil, considering that trees spend their whole lives (and their untimely deaths) stuck in the ground. Then again, trees have nutrients and roots that interact with the soil and allow them to rejuvenate and repair themselves over time. Wood…

The hotly-debated topic about what’s the superior product when it comes to tung oil vs. linseed oil frequently comes up when DIY enthusiasts are looking to seal and preserve their wood. As with all items, there are pros and cons to each of these products. To help you determine which wood treatment will best serve…

How often do you think about furnishings? Probably not that often, until you move into your first house and suddenly need a crash course. The wood you choose can completely change the feeling of a workpiece, giving a unique character to mundane bookshelves or countertops. With all the options that exist, it can be hard…

Stickers are awesome, whether you’re supporting a cause or letting everyone that drives behind you know that you have a baby on board, stickers allow us to express ourselves and even make one another laugh. Although they’re fun, some messages don’t age very well, stickers become a bit battered, and some become a bit long…

We have all been faced with a situation where we have a piece of old furniture that is old or not the color we want, and you would like to change it. Most good quality or old pieces of furniture have a top or sealing coat of varnish. So, if you want to change it,…

We understand that oil stains on concrete are unappealing to the eye, but it is so much more than that! These stains also have a negative effect on the results of any coating you paint onto the surface, such as concrete sealer or epoxy paint. This means that it is essential to thoroughly clean the…

We, as humans, have characterized our workmanship with the tools that we use. From hammers to wrenches, and the most iconic of all of them is the saw. Throughout our development, saws became more and more embellished, from the simple hand saw types that were created long ago, to the power saw types, there is…

Aluminum is a popular metal as it is strong, lightweight, and has other desirable properties, which makes it very useful. However, aluminum can break, and this is where a good aluminum epoxy can be beneficial. Aluminum epoxy filler can be used to help fill cracks or patch a leaky pipe. You do not have to…

Polyvinyl chloride is a thermoplastic that is well-known for its usage in PVC pipes, which is utilized for a number of purposes, ranging from domestic to commercial, as well as in handicraft. The substance is inexpensive and simple to cut, and it can be put together in minutes to form a lasting connection. A PVC…

Most people have not given the art of bookbinding much thought, leaving it to the professionals to sort broken books out for them. But imagine the satisfaction of being able to bind your own book, or repair your favorite and most sentimental novel yourself. You won’t know until you have tried and succeeded at the…

As we moved away from the industrial revolution, more and more research was done on substances that had the potential to make our lives easier. Some of the substances developed during these times were epoxy, epoxy resins, and epoxy adhesives. Adhesives in particular had a strong impact on the way we live our lives and…

There is nothing worse than when your child’s Mother’s and Father’s Day gifts take a tumble and smash on the floor. Especially when the gifts are those “World’s Greatest Mom” or “Dad of the Year” mugs that are ever so cheesy, but you hate to see broken because it was a gift from your child….

Your outdoor brick shed requires some sprucing up inside and out. There are years of weathering that have taken place and the paint is chipped and flaking, making it look petty tattered. Stripping paint from brickwork might seem like the most laborious and daunting thing to take on, if not impossible. In this tutorial, we…

You may be wondering why there is even such an invention as spray adhesives. Well, there are several reasonable and utterly convincing reasons why one should be on the hunt for the best spray adhesives. But what is spray adhesive? This is our topic for today, and we will be diving into all the explanations…

Imagine this: You have just moved into your new house rental and upon arrival, you noticed some paint splatters from a shoddy paint job. Unfortunately, this is also when you realize your landlord cared little for the aesthetics of the house and is not doing much to fix it, so it’s up to you. Your…

It is pretty easy to glue similar surfaces and items as you purchase a specific adhesive to do the job. However, if you wish to glue metal to plastic or two different materials together, it can prove to be a little more difficult. Metals and plastics are difficult to bond as they are both non-porous…

When the question of how to glue plastic to wood comes to mind, most people would just laugh or shrug it off, thinking it impossible. But, with the advancement in technology and the invention of new and improved products most things are possible today, including gluing plastic to wood. This tutorial is dedicated to determining…

The majority of things nowadays are made from some form of synthetic material. This has resulted in coatings such as primers, paints, and adhesives being formulated for these synthetic materials. Before the advent of synthetic and wood construction materials, the most popular building material was brick. Painting brick is something that has been done for…

When completing a DIY project, using a good quality and effective glue or adhesive can make the world of difference when it comes to the finished product. It really is the difference between a finished product that you are excited to show off to anyone who will give you five minutes of their time and…

Adhesives are an important part of the DIY and industrial sectors of our lives. It is unavoidable in most cases unless screws and bolts are required instead. Even though there are adhesives that dry and cure transparently, there are some cases where too much glue was applied, or the surface it was applied to was…

You may wonder, what is a cord of wood? During the cold months of winter, the perfect spot to be is curled up in an armchair in front of the fireplace while we watch the snowfall outside. One problem with that image is that fires require wood to burn, and if you do not take…

As you were reaching for the tea, thinking to yourself, why on earth is it so high up, the sleeve of your gown caught the sugar bowl and brought it crashing down to the ground. Now you have done it, your grandmother’s sugar bowl passed down for generations is lying there in bits. What a…

It is imperative after tiling that you use a tile grout sealer. It is quite a simple process to do. However, with the overwhelming number of products available on the market, you might be confused about which tile grout sealer you should purchase. The best grout sealer all depends on the location of the grout,…

Removing glue from plastic may seem like a frustrating task, whether you are simply removing some spilled hot glue, or having to remove some frustrating glue residue left behind by a label. Some methods can make the process easier. The main goal is to break down or soften the glue while in no way damaging…

It’s a rainy night, and you have bathed and settled into bed. The lights are off, and you nestle down enjoying the relaxing sound of the rain outside, but then, there is that annoying tap, tap, tapping, sound again – a leak in the roof. Now, instead of a luxuriously deep sleep, you have a…

If you are someone who needs to wear glasses all the time or simply requires glasses for reading, one of the most irritating things that can happen is when you find yourself with a pair of broken glasses. This is something we are sure you have experienced at some point, and if you are unable…

Drywall is often used to build ceilings and walls during construction or renovations. When the drywall has been installed properly, which means mudding and taping have been done, it will be necessary to apply several layers of paint to work well with your color scheme and décor. First, the drywall will have to be coated…

Plastics play a large role in today’s world, and whether you are for or against plastic as a material you cannot hide from the fact that it forms an inescapable part of everyone’s everyday life. Plastics are not only ubiquitous, but can also be found in creative aspects such as 3D printing. To make the…

Every time you buy a bottle of shampoo or conditioner, take a swig from your milk jug or spray your cleaning detergents over your counters, you are working with bottles that are made from HDPE, or High-Density Polyethylene plastic. This plastic is quite sturdy and warp-resistant, but it can be quite difficult when it comes…

Jewelry making is great for both a hobby or a professional jewelry maker. Special tools are required to create jewelry, no matter how good a craftsperson you are, and you will need good jewelers glue to stick pieces of jewelry together in the making process. You could also want to make jewelry repairs, like if…

Adhesives for carpets have been manufactured to withstand years of footfalls, scuffing, and trampling. When removing your old carpets to then put down new flooring, you may be unhappy to see residual carpet glue remaining on your subfloor. These adhesives hardly ever fail, but it is a result of this that carpet glue can be…

If you are an avid DIYer or a professional woodworker, you will be accustomed to how annoying it is when you get something sticky and staining on your hands. Luckily, if you manage to spill some wood stain on the skin of your arms, hands, feet, or any part of your body that was not…

Shoes. Few things stick with you from the moment you are born to the day you die, literally every step of the way. A new pair of shoes can leave you feeling like a new person, the smell of those fresh soles, those crisp laces and straps, and a tread that has never seen the…

When selecting a sealer for your concrete or asphalt driveway it might seem difficult to decide which product to choose. Which driveway sealer is the best is linked to a few aspects which include the condition of your driveway, the type of driveway, your budget, and the finish you are hoping to achieve. The following…

If you are looking to distress wood, you will need a sense of adventure, a desire to experiment, and a little creativity. If you consider this when tackling a distressed wood project, you will achieve a stunning rustic, aged look. Your finished item will then add to the overall aesthetic of your desired design style….

Plastic is becoming ever-present in our day-to-day lives. Plastics are durable, easy to work with, cheap, and can be made in ridiculously large quantities. It’s no surprise then, that between Europe and North America these countries use up to 200 pounds of plastic every year! However, plastic is no friend to the environment, which is…

Working with glue is not for the impatient. There is no rush when you are wanting a long-lasting wooden structure, as there are already so many variables at play threatening to make all your efforts worth nothing. If you are looking for information on how long wood glue takes to dry, or how to make…

Remember those Happy Meal toys you couldn’t wait to get your hands on as a kid? Do you remember the texture in your hands and the lingering scent of a junior cheeseburger as you played with them for the first time? Well, some of those toys were made through the classic process of resin casting…

Imagine that your youngest child had this amazing idea for a craft project at school. They begin to build away, only for them to end up in tears because their Styrofoam has melted in the glue. Styrofoam is a special material and you cannot simply use any old glue. In this article, we break down…

Wherever you look, this popular material is everywhere. Of course, we are talking about vinyl! This versatile product can be found in flooring, upholstering furniture, making handbags, and even inflatables. Vinyl is often used for both domestic and industrial reasons. Although vinyl is a tough and reliable material, its durability, like any other material, will…

When you think of glue, you might not consider something like an adhesive for rubber. This is because it is still not an extremely common thing, and many times, broken or damaged items are simply thrown away or replaced without repairing. However, if you are looking for a good rubber glue, then read further to…

From shag to Persian, carpets provide a plush and warm feeling to a room, adding a whole other element. It can be hard to clean a carpet, however, as they tend to hold and attract dirt. If you get glue on a carpet, whether it be super-strength DIY glue to an industrial adhesive, that glue…

You may be thinking about refinishing an old wooden chopping board, or perhaps a set of wooden bowls, but many of the finishes available have toxic ingredients and chemicals that could harm one’s health if ingested. Thus, when finishing wooden items that are likely to come into contact with food or your mouth, you will…

Most wood projects are not finished until they have received a coat of polyurethane. However, before you begin to apply it, you will need to understand the drying time for polyurethane. There are several different types of polyurethane, each with its own curing times and unique properties. We have put this guide together to equip…

As a DIY-er, crafter, or professional carpenter, there will eventually come a time when you will need to use glue to stick metal and wood together. You want to select the appropriate adhesive for metal to wood, as not all glues available will provide a permanent bond when it comes to gluing the likes of…

If you do not take the necessary steps to seal and protect your wood, the elements will damage it, leaving it dry and ugly.  If you are looking to enhance the wood’s grain or wish for the stain to be the same as its surroundings you will need to coat the wood. Coating the wood…