Episode 231: Escape Rooms, Unusual Trim Colors, Steam Cleaning, Removing Wallpaper

SEGMENT 1: Escape Rooms

Out of the Box Games and Toys is a gem of West Michigan! They have an AMAZING selection of unique games and toys. The Zeeland location has something extra special we needed to experience for ourselves…an Escape Room! Learn about what an escape room entails and if we made it out in time!

  • Out of the Box has 3 locations. Find them in Kentwood, Zeeland and Holland. 
  • The Zeeland Location is the only store with Escape Rooms. These rooms can hold 6-12 people depending on which room you choose. They also vary in difficulty and are friendly for a variety of ages and skill levels. 
  • Escape Rooms are designed around a theme and require you to work as a team to solve the puzzles and riddles in order to make it out.

SEGMENT 2: Unusual Trim Colors

Usually the first color that comes to mind when painting trim is “white” but we want to challenge that convention. Using a color other than white on trim can actually be the best of both worlds. We discuss when/where it makes sense.  

  • Painting trim colors other than white started to gain popularity about 5 years ago. At the time it seemed ridiculous but it’s proven to be a design choice that has a lot to offer.
  • Using a color on trim can have a big design impact without overwhelming the space. This design is easiest to implement in rooms with defined starting and stopping points.
  • If you love color but also want to maximize the light in your space using white on the walls and color on the trim could be the compromise you have been looking for. 

 

SEGMENT 3: Steam Cleaning

Hailey has a new steamer!… That may not sound terribly exciting but you would not believe all the things you can do with Dupray’s Neat Steam Cleaner. Hailey gives a full review after putting it to the test.  

  • Tested the steamer on a stove top to remove serious carbon build up, on wool upholstery to remove a black grease stain, carpet stains and more! Amazing results. 
  • Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner is extremely simple to use, stores easily, reaches 50 psi, heats to 275 degrees, comes with 10 attachments and can produce continuous steam for 50 min. 
  • Easily eliminates; dirt, grease, soap scum, stains, 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, bedbugs and mold. You can use it on; floors, furniture, toys, kitchen appliances, car interiors, grout and tiles, bathrooms and more. 

SEGMENT 4: Removing Wallpaper

Wallpaper gets a bad reputation because people believe that it is extremely difficult to remove. However, wallpaper can be easily removed if properly installed. It may be tempting but painting over wallpaper instead of stripping it can lead to problems. 

  • Stripping wallpaper is another perfect use for the Dupray Neat Steamer we discussed in the previous segment! The large paddle attachment works great and has been well reviewed for this application. 
  • If you decide to forgo the steamer here are some supplies you will need: DIF, Paper Tiger, Spray Bottle, Large Putty Knife, Hot water, Lots of towels.The most important thing is letting the DIF product and water do the work for you. Don’t rush! 
  • Water based paint CAN be used over wallpaper but does have the ability to cause paper to bubble. Oil based primer is better if you do decide to go down that road. Just remember paint will make the seams of wallpaper very obvious no matter what paint you use. Once the wallpaper is painted over it is much more difficult to remove.

Episode 230: Art Appreciation 101, Dealing with Grubs, and Fall Painting

SEGMENTS 1 & 2: Art Appreciation 101

ArtPrize is back for it’s 10th year! We discuss the process of viewing art and ways to create a better connection with what is in front of us. We encourage everyone to go out and enjoy the events and festivities. 

SEGMENT 3: Dealing With Grubs

Innocent looking problems in the yard can turn out to be a whole lot of yuck. Are those brown patches of grass pointing to a bigger problem? Find out what to look for and how to fix it.

SEGMENT 4: Fall Painting

Cooler weather heading into fall is a great time to finish last minute paint jobs. HOWEVER, there are still some factors to be aware of. Find out what the cooler temps mean for painting.

Episode 229: Composting 101, The Fireplace Paint Job, Refrigerator Makeover

SEGMENTS 1 & 2: Composting 101

Fall is on the way and it’s the perfect time to start composting! If you’ve never tried your hand at this, check out these segments. We’ve got all the info you need to jump in with confidence!

SEGMENT 3: The Fireplace Paint Job

Painting a brick fireplace is a big commitment but it also makes a giant impact on a space. We have talked about projects like this in the past so we decided to tackle it ourselves and LOVE the results. Tune in to hear about what we learned after we started painting and what tools you need to avoid our mistakes.

SEGMENT 4: Refrigerator Makeover

This is an unusual one, but every now and then, someone asks! The question? Can I paint my refrigerator? Of course! We’ll tell you how….

Episode 228: The Arctic Tern, Renovation Loans, and the Solo Stove Fire Pit

SEGMENTS 1 & 2: The Arctic Tern

We speak with RepcoLite’s own James Van’t Slot about a major DIY project he undertook a number of years back: building a sailboat! Click here if you’d like to check out the images James captured during every step of the project!

SEGMENT 3: Renovation Loans with Stockton Mortgage

Amanda Lehman from Stockton Mortgage gets us all up to speed on a loan that could help you snag your dream home!

SEGMENT 4: The Solo Stove

We’re heading into fall and that means campfires! If you’ve never heard of a Solo Stove Fire Pit before, we highlight the main reasons you’ll want on. Number one on the list? It’s smokeless! On top of that, we talk about a new contest that will run in all of our stores this September, giving you a chance to win one!

Episode 227: Safety First, Dealing with Paint Shortages, Home Buying Hope, the Order of Decorating

SEGMENT 1: Safety First

Dan rips his pants…and to put it all behind him we recount a few stories that might help you slow down. We are all guilty of rushing and not taking proper safety precautions…but is it worth it?

SEGMENT 2: Dealing with Paint Shortages

Product shortages are the never ending story right now in almost every industry. We are joined by Kevin Herman; Benjamin Moore Territory Rep to get the scoop on what we are experiencing in the paint industry. We will leave you with a few things to keep in mind during your next visit.

SEGMENT 3: Home-Buying Hope

Hailey got a house! It’s been months of searching but it’s finally happened. We go through her house buying journey and what she learned along the way. If you are looking or thinking about looking for a house these tips might help.

SEGMENT 4: The Order of Decorating

Whether you are decorating an entire house or just a room, the task can be daunting. The trick that can help you is; working “in order”. Many of us paint first but there are some problems that can create…

Below are some of the neutrals we recommended on air:

Episode 226: Unfinished Business, Painting Vinyl Floors, Touch-up Science, Stud Finders

SEGMENT 1: Unfinished Business

We have made some promises over the year and we haven’t forgotten! Learn weather that raving review of EGO Lawn Equipment has stood the test time. Plus an extra tip that we forgot to include in the camera as a tool segment.

Here are the segments we referenced if you’d like to revisit them:

SEGMENT 2: Painting Vinyl Floors

I’ve seen more and more pictures on instagram and pinterest showing painted vinyl and linoleum floors in kitchens and bathrooms. It’s a simple project with a huge impact especially if you have a limited budget. However, it’s not a perfect solution, tune in to learn what they don’t show on instagram. 

SEGMENT 3: Touch-up Painting

Recently we had a listener reach out about touching up paint in her living room. She used the same color and finish but the touch up paint did not blend in and she was back at square one. Learn what you can do now that will save you from the same fate. 

SEGMENT 4: Stud Finders

You won’t want to miss this confession…as we revisit the topic of drywall anchors, Dan hears his favorite words. Plus we review the easiest and most accurate stud finder we have ever used!