Whitewashing Cabinets

If you want to modernize those old cabinets and cannot afford to replace them, try Whitewashing them. Whitewashing is an inexpensive technique that will give your cabinets a southwestern or country look, depending upon the colors you choose.



All you will need for the process is white paint (enamel has a very nice look on cabinets), the complementary color paint (we'll use green here), two paint brushes, denatured alcohol and LOTS of rags. Also, a test piece of wood to practice the technique on and to have as a sample before actually whitewashing your cabinets.


Start by cleaning and degreasing the cabinets with a solution of water and TSP which can be purchased at your local hardware store. Since you will have to remove the doors of the cabinets anyway to paint, it will be easier to remove them before cleaning. You can then take the doors outside for cleaning and painting, they will dry much faster outside.


Once your cabinets have been cleaned and dried, begin by applying a coat of white paint. Start at the base of the cabinets and work your way to the doors. This way, once you are ready to re-hang the doors, you can be sure the base will be completely dry. Depending on the climate, paint can take longer to dry in humid conditions, so take that into consideration when tackling this project. The rule of thumb is to wait at least 24 hours before going to the next step.


Once the bases are covered with a coat of white paint and totally dry, apply a coat of green (complementary color of your choice) paint directly over the white coat. Again, wait until this coat is completely dry before proceeding to the next step, which is to apply another coat of white paint over top of the blue. Allow 24 hours of drying time for the third coat of paint, now it's time to Whitewash.


First using your practice piece of wood, dip a rag into the denatured alcohol and rub it against the wood as lightly or as heavily as you desire, depending on the consistency you are looking for. If you want just a little of green to show through, rub lightly, for a bolder look, rub heavily.


Your now ready to revitalize the cabinets. Be sure to change rags once they become tacky. If you find you've rubbed too much color off, you can always repeat the steps.

After you have completed whitewashing the doors, attatch them to the base cabinets. Add coordinating handles that can be found at your local hardware store. You'll now have an updated, modern kitchen. Party Time!

Replace That Moldy Caulk

Moldy caulking in the bathroom not only looks bad but it can be a health hazard to those who may be sensitive to mold. If you've scrubbed and cleaned the moldy caulk to no avail, it's definitely time to replace it. Here are a few tips to help you replace moldy bathroom caulk.

Step 1:
Gather your tools first. You'll need a pointy instrument to remove the old caulking. A small screwdriver will work in most cases. For that stubborn caulking, you may need to use a razor knife. You'll also need rubber gloves, mineral spirits, a stiff brush, rags, and plastic bags as well as the new caulking tube, or caulk and a caulking gun. Make sure it is tub and tile caulk.

Step 2:
Clean the tub or shower area in the bathroom that you'll be working in. Remove shampoo bottles, soaps, washcloths, towels, razors, toys, sponges, rubber duckies or whatever else is in the area you'll be working in.

Step 3:
Remove the old moldy caulk by carefully inserting the screwdriver under a loose section of caulking. Pull the caulk towards you instead of trying to scrape it to avoid scratching the surfaces. Pull as much caulking loose as possible, then use the razor knife for the more stubborn areas. Try cutting smaller sections of caulk with the razor knife to remove them.

Step 4:
Clean the area that had the moldy caulking before replacing it with the new caulk. Wipe out any small specks of left over caulking with a dry rag. If the area to be caulked is deep, you can use a paint brush to sweep it free of the old caulking. Next, make sure to remove any old caulking lines with the mineral spirits. Dampen a rag,wipe it over the line and use a stiff brush if necessary. Allow the mineral spirits to sit a few minutes for it to work, then wipe it off with the rag. Remember, wear gloves during this process. Allow everything to dry.

Step 5:
Apply the new caulk using a tube of caulking or a caulking gun. Using a smooth and steady motion, apply a bead of caulk for the full length. After you've applied the new caulking, wet your index finger then apply a small amount of pressure and run it over the new caulk in the same smooth and steady motion. Your wet finger will make the caulk more uniform in appearance. Whether using a tube of caulk or a caulking gun, try using only one long stroke to apply the caulk.