On the drive home, I started to have a pity party, but then remembered something that I had read in my latest "Proverbs 31" magazine...praise! So, I wiped away those tears and started to lift up praises, one by one. "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving. " Col. 4:2 My pity part was quickly over, and I'm at home now blogging--and I really need to be cleaning!
I've been reading comments on some blogs about the Blissdom conference last weekend in Nashville. It sounded like fun! One of the tips that I read from an attendee about blogging was finding your voice. Some blogs are only about this and others only about that. That's what we expect to read when we visit our bloggy friends. We have come to appreciate what their voice reflects. I started thinking about my voice. When y'all visit my blog, bless your hearts, there's no telling WHAT randomness I'll be writing about! I'm too ADD--adult onset with children and self diagnosed--to be that focused on one thing. I never know what I'll post about. And, I hope y'all are OK with that!
One of my favorite things to do is look at magazines and blogs for decorating ideas. I have a ton of areas in my home that need attention! The only room that is completely redone is the downstairs bathroom. It's pink and green and black! Too cute! The boys are slowly getting used to it...they'll have to unless they want to repaint! I'll post pictures at some point of the before and after (I haven't taken the after pics yet which is why I can't show them!!). What I would love to do is this. Maybe....just maybe, once a week or every two weeks, post a decorating dilemma at my house or at a friend's house. Give y'all some pictures to see and hopefully, you'll have an idea or two or three as to what you would do. And...all of this is on a budget people! A tiny little budget!
Here's my decorating dilemma for this week. How do you paint an ugly laminate desk that is in WONDERFUL condition? I would love for it to be black not laminate. I need for the paint to stay on said desk on not peel off! Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Ok, I've gone from Wal-Mart to a lost debit card to "Proverbs 31" magazine to budgets to laminate desks. I told y'all I was ADD!!
Many hugs!
15 comments:
Girl you are too funny!! Makes me think about when we are on the phone chatting... sometimes you jump all over the place in thought. lol!!! You are too cute!
Hey girl! Nothing wrong with a little adult ADD. :-) Sounds like you've found your voice. :-)
I've never painted laminate furniture (shocker, I know) but here is what I would do.
Clean it REALLY well to get rid of any oils that might prevent paint from sticking. There's something called TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) that you can use to clear off any film on the surface. It's available at any hardware store. You don't have to use it but it might help.
Then I would sand the whole thing with a fine or medium grit sand paper. The idea being to scuff up the surface of the laminate so the paint has something to stick to.
Then I would use Kilz primer (either spray or roll-on) to create a good base coat. Two or three light coats are better than one heavy coat.
Then you should be able to paint with whatever color you choose.
Hope that helps.
Kimba
It doesn't bother me at all that you are all over the place...I am adult ADDer too! :) I think that is often why I get in blogging funks because I think what I want to say isn't what people are expecting to hear. It is funny because I have been thinking all morning about a post that would be totally off topic. As far as the desk, I just recently investigated this issue because I too have a piece of furniture with a laminate top that I want to pain. Everything that Kimba said is right on with what I discovered. I plan to start mine as soon as the weather is consistently good...can't wait to see how yours turns out!
I have NO decorating ideas, but just wanted to say I'm glad your day got better. God is good.
You're funny, Susan...your comments about your voice and your poor readers.
I haven't a clue about the desk. What if you lightly sanded it? I heard that lightly sanding any non-stick surface will make the paint adhere. You can also cover it with a primer. WHen you get your primer...make it a couple shades lighter than the finished color...so that would mean make it a dark gray...easier to cover. Paint places will tint primer for you. I did this on a metal storm door. It seemed to cover pretty well except for the inner lower side because of the condensation I guess. But the exterior of the storm door has not peeled. Anything besides metal should be a breeze to paint.
Light sanding, tinted primer, paint. Check with your local Sherman Williams or Bear provider...any paint provider with the seemingly more experience paint pros.
Love ya,
Paula
Hi Susan, I've read that thing about your "voice" before, and I think the readers that stay with you stay because they like that there is always something different! Some people need to know what they can expect to find, and others love the unpredictablility and freshness of a blog that isn't stuck in this mode or that! I can go either way!! I love them both...that's why I'm back!! :)
I find so much solace God's goodness to me...sometimes all it takes is so very briefly glancing His way amidst the strees of it all, and He mightily blesses us!!
He is good all the time!!
Have a great Friday!!
Blessings,
Becky
I guess I should have previewed that comment!!
It should read: I find so much solace IN God's goodness
and glancing His way amidst the STRESS of it all!
Somebody on my blog said she was the typo queen..guess I'm the princess!!
;o)
Becky
Oh I love that you are random! You are such a dear!!!!!
I love the decorating dilema idea.
Kimba - you advice is exactly what I was thinking! Great minds think alike! hee hee
I too love to decorate and have tons of magazines! Are you sure we aren't related? ;)
I have never painted laminate furniture...sorry!
It is amazing how a verse will come to mind and set things into perspective.
-sandy toe
Kimba got the facts on the paint job. I wouldn't worry about using TSP to clean it as long as you clean it first to remove dirt and oils.
Be who you are on your blog. That's why we come back. I love to hear about your running adventures but I like the random stuff too. Some people have a more pronounced purpose for their blog, but that doesn't make it the rule. People read what interests them. That being said, you have a great Voice. :)
funny. :)
I love your blog. Mine jumps around too, so we can be add together :).
I actually have painted laminate furniture. Yes you have to sand it, and then primer it. I found for primer the roller went on thinner. I put 3 coats. Then I let it dry over night. Next I painted. I did a 3 piece tv cabinet thing for my scraproom. Let each coat of paint dry overnight. Then get a clear sealer. This step was important, because when you place items on a painted surface and let them stay, it will stick to the items and peel your paint. I used high gloss paint too, and everything water based. Also I prefered the brush when it came to the paint, just like the way it looked better on the finish.
Here is the link to my photo blog, you can see the 3 piece unit in the photos of my scrap room if you want to check it out. http://3dcaligirl.blogspot.com/2008/09/challenge-5.html
Hope it works for you.
Love,
Carol
Hi, Susan! The Lord has been putting that same scripture on my heart! "Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful." I love watching for Him to work through prayer...and then being thankful. :)
OK, you will have to post a "before and after" of the said furniture piece! I have to helpful hints, but I'd love to see it when it was done! :)
Oh...and a 30%! That's is downright exciting. I got a 15%...and tossed it in the trash! That 30% is a keeper!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Susan,
I just love your voice. I always find my heart beating a little faster after a visit here. You write just like you talk, which I adore. Since we can't visit in person, I get my fill by stopping by.
Too funny about the 30% off coupon at Kohl's. Debbie got one too and she and I did a little shopping together last week.
I'll leave it to others to add their two cents to your desktop dilemma. (I know sanding and priming are involved.) All my creative energy is going toward grouting a table top I've been tiling.
Blessings and prayers,
Kelli
Friend, I love your ADD! You write how I live...I'm not kidding. My real-life conversations leap from one end of the spectrum to the other, all in the same breath! It's always a delight for me to visit you here; you keep it real and invite me to do the same.
Thanks for your presence in blogland. Besides, in some weird kind of way, you make me want to be a better runner! Now that will preach my friend.
peace in your week~elaine
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