The South Gibson Star-Times serves the towns of Haubstadt, Owensville and Fort Branch.
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C-2 Fall Home Improvement Tuesday, September 27, 2022 South Gibson Star-Times (StatePoint) A home paint- ing project can be overwhelm- ing, especially if you're a be- ginner. However, if you do the right prep work, the painting process doesn't have to be so intimidating. By following these steps, you'll set your- self up for clean paint lines and amazing results, no mat- ter your skill level. 1. Purchase Proper Sup- plies. Before the prep work can even begin, it's vital to purchase the proper supplies. Create your list by consider- ing the steps you'll take to complete your project: clean- ing the wall surface, taping off edges and then of course, applying paint. As you shop, remember that affordability doesn't have to mean sacri- ficing quality tools. Use new sandpaper and sponges so the surface is smooth and clean to start. Fresh brushes and rollers will lead to professional-look- ing results, and a high-qual- ity, cost-effective painter's tape, like Duck Brand Clean Release, will help with achiev- ing clean paint lines. Despite what many DIYers believe, using a primer is a necessary step, and shouldn't be considered optional. Prim- er acts as a barrier and pre- vents old paint from showing through, so it really can make all the difference. In most cas- es, you'll only need one coat of new paint if the surface is properly primed. Once you've chosen your primer, don't for- get the paint! Select the col- or and finish you prefer; then, purchase a sample and paint a small area to ensure it meets your expectations. 2. Declutter the Space. Once you've grabbed your supplies and decided on the paint color and finish, remove as much out of the room as possible to avoid any damage during painting. Small, easy- to-move furniture should be temporarily relocated to an- other space. Heavy, hard-to- move furniture can at least be pushed away from the wall and protected with covers. Switch plate covers, window treatments and light fixtures can be removed and stored un- til your paint has dried. 3. Make the Surface Smooth and Clean. For the perfect smooth finish, start by lightly sanding your walls to eliminate any existing im- perfections. This will likely cause dust and debris to fall throughout the room, so vac- uum and wipe down walls af- ter you're finished sanding, as the paint will apply more evenly if the surface is clean. The walls can be wiped with a sponge and a mixture of dish soap and warm water. 4. Tape and Protect. The fi- nal step to prepare your room for paint is to tape the walls and protect the floors and any other areas you want to keep paint-free. When apply- ing Duck Brand Clean Re- lease or other painter's tapes, keep the pieces one to two feet in length for the easiest application and securest seal. For an extra-tight hold, use a tool such as a putty knife to smooth down the edges and help prevent paint bleed. As for the floor, cover the surface with an old sheet or protective film to catch any paint drips or spills, taping down the edg- es if needed to make sure no paint leaks through the edges. Once you've followed these steps, you're set up for suc- cess and prepared to begin painting! Time to pick up your brush and start that room transformation. Four steps to prep your room for clean paint lines Five factors to consider when buying a fridge (StatePoint) Shopping for a new refrigerator can feel over- whelming. But knowing your exact needs will simplify the process and help you feel con- fident in your purchase. "A refrigerator can do a lot more for you than hold your food and keep it cold. Some of today's models have features that can truly elevate your kitchen experience," says Pe- ter Weedfald, senior vice pres- ident of sales and marketing at Sharp Home Electronics Company of America. "Know- ing your needs and wants can help you be a savvy shopper." To find the right fridge for your home, consider these five factors: 1. Measurements. Mea- sure the space where you'll be placing the fridge. Not on- ly does your new fridge need to fit into this spot, but you al- so need clearance to open the doors. Having these specifica- tions can help you begin your search and narrow your op- tions. 2. Finish. Consider giving your kitchen a cohesive look by matching the finish of your new refrigerator to your other current appliances. Stainless steel is particularly sleek and easy to clean. With a quick wipe-down, your fridge can look brand new. Ultimately, opt for a finish that you love and that ties your kitchen to- gether. 3. Capacity. Keep your shopping and cooking habits in mind to ensure your fridge size meets your needs. Are you someone who buys a lot of fresh produce and goods? Do you tend to do big grocery hauls? Then a large-capacity fridge is a must. If space is at a premium and you're search- ing for something compact, yet still able to handle your needs, the Sharp SJB1255GS, a 24-inch Bottom-Freezer Counter Depth Refrigerator may be the ideal fit. With two shelves, a spacious 4.2 cubic foot freezer with three draw- ers, and a removable wine rack for quick and easy or- ganization, this innovative space-saving model features well-designed storage solu- tions. 4. Freezer style. There are three main freezer style op- tions you may come across when looking for a new re- frigerator: side-by-side, bot- tom-freezer, and top-freez- er. Determining which style is right for you largely de- pends on what you want as your main focus. For exam- ple, if you use your refrigera- tor more often than the freez- er, a bottom-freezer is a good choice, as it means that your refrigerator shelves will be at eye level. 5. Features. A fter the ba- sics, such as capacity and fin- ish, comes the fun stuff — extra features. These extra features can really set one appliance apart from anoth- er. To get an idea of what's available today, consider the Sharp SJG2254FS, a French Four Door Counter-Depth Refrigerator. A great bet for those who entertain or have growing families and chang- ing needs, it features a triple cooling system that allows you to independently control the refrigerator, drawers, and ice maker for greater flexibility. A multipurpose flex drawer with four independently-con- trolled temperature settings means you can optimize the storage of meats (30 degrees F) or use it as a beverage cool- er (34 degrees F). The flex drawer can also be optimized for deli items and snacks (37 degrees F) or converted to a wine chiller (41 degrees F). To learn more about the latest fridge features and get more appliance shopping tips and insights, visit shop.shar- pusa.com. Looking for a new fridge, or any major appliance for that matter, comes with challeng- es, but understanding the lat- est options available and how they relate to your needs can make the process smooth and simple.