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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-05-17, Page 15THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1989. PAGE 15. Tips on stripping The garages and basements of Canada are filled with untold numbers of interesting pieces of old furniture with part of their old finish stripped off and were aban­ doned when the job became too messy, tedious or did not seem to look like anything when the old varnish was removed. They sit in the dampness and gradually deter­ iorate to a point where they are beyond redemption, even by an expert. Many thousands of inter­ esting old solid wood pieces be­ come useless in this manner every year. The truth of the matter is they are worth the time and effort, particularly if they are built from solid wood (most modem furniture is veneer) and solidly constructed. We are talking not only about antiques but also pieces made as recently as 20 years ago. A FEW TIPS To help you make stripping grandmother’s rocker an easier and more enjoyable chore, see your local hardware retailer and let him advise you on the different types of paint and varnish remover avail­ able. He can also show you a complete line of supplies you will require, including steel wool, sand­ paper, scrapers, putty knives and solvents. He also carries a com­ plete line of stains and finishes and can advise you on what product is best for your particular require­ ments. Here are a few hints to help when you go back to that half­ stripped piece you now have stored in the basement. 1. Always brush the stripper in one direction only. Many strippers are a combination of wax and solvent and the wax rises up to the top, prevents the solvent from evaporating and allows it to do its job. 2. Give the stripper time to do the job. Most people are in too much of a hurry and try to remove the finish before the solvent has had time to soften it. 3. Take all safety precautions. Wear hand, eye and skin protection and be sure surrounding floor and table surfaces are well-protected from the stripper. With the wooden table set, antiques and tiffany lamp fixture, the dining area of Doug and Debbie Trollope’s house is reminiscent of an earlier time. The archway to the left opens into the kitchen. The large windows in the home effectively heat the house by the sun’s rays. BOUMAN’S ’■-’■W" GREENHOUSES IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE OPENING OF OUR NEW GARDEN CENTRE Just 2 km south of Londesboro or 8 km north of Clinton on Hwy. 4 (watch for sign) AVAILABLE WILL BE A VARIETY OF: • BEDDING PLANTS ‘HANGING BASKETS •AS WELL AS CUT FLOWERS FOR MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS OPENING FROM: May 5 ’til June 10/89 HOURS: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. (No Sunday Salas) 523-9571 A Lawn-Lasting Investment Everything old is new again The living room of the Trollope’s home provides a warm and cozy atmosphere. The room is also a perfect showcase for Doug’s talents as a craftsman and upholsterer. All of the wood has been stripped and verethaned, restoring it to its natural beauty. A modern taste of country life continued from page 14 and Debbie says this is only the second roof the house has had. ‘‘We only had to paint it,” she stated. ‘‘And what a view, you can see Cranbrook from up there.” Finally, using a modem innova­ tion Doug and Debbie installed large windows to solar heat their house. Debbie maintains that they seldom use the electric heat they installed and only light a fire in the evening during the winter, keeping it warm throughout the night. Also, all the outside walls of the dwelling were insulated during renovations which helps contain the heat. Debbie has redecorated the house with a country flair. She says the antiques she has collected over the years she acquired from friends, and family and even from the dump. ‘‘It’s amazing what some people will throw out,” she said. Their next project, Debbie said will be the stairway and the two bedrooms. Also there are two back rooms; one upstairs, that has had minimal work done and is currently used as a games room, and one downstairs, that has not yet been renovated which Doug operates his upholstery business from. Debbie explained that the back area is hopefully, in the future, going to become an apartment so, she added smiling, ‘‘we can have income in our old age.” When I asked her if that meant she thought that the family was planning on staying in this house and not going to take on any new challenges, she said yes. “I guess I said that last time but I really hope this time I mean it,” she stated. The John Deere 165 passes its long-lasting qualities on to you and your lawn. Jis powerful 12.5 horsepower engine, hydrostatic drive and tight turning radius sends you up hills and around trees and shrubs easily, so you get smooth even cuts. You’ll appreciate the no-shift hydrostatic transmission — it makes a lawn cutting chore into a fun job. With a John Deere 165 you get a long-lasting tractor and a great-looking lawn for years to come. For the best lawn tractor money can buy, come in and take a look at a John Deere 165. IUI Lawn & Garden UTLl CENTRE_____________ A Division of Huron Tractor Ltd. EXETER BLYTH WALKERTON HWY NO. 4, N. HWY NO. 4, N. COUNTY RD. 3, W. (519) 235-1115 (519) 523-4244 (519) 881-2231 LAWRIE DECORATING 188 Queen St. Blyth 523-4930 We are a FULL SERVICE, Paint and • Pejorating R2 AMA Let us help you with your decorating problems we can save you time and money