Alan Grundemeier asked:


taking murals and colorful inserts add beauty to a kitchen countertop backsplash.

Let’s talk about using murals to add pa-zazz to your backsplash.

Murals need space around them. Space around the mural accentuates the mural and makes it the focal point of the kitchen.

Above the stove is an ideal place to feature a gorgeous mural. The area between the stove top and bottom of the vent hood usually is about 30 inches wide and 36 inches high. If a microwave is mounted below the cabinets, the space will be about 12 inches less to work with.

That is okay. Murals can be one 6 inch tile or 24 six inch tiles. The artist who paint the murals creates the it by how much space is available.

Using murals requires careful planning when designing a kitchen countertop backsplash. My article “How to Design Your Kitchen Countertop Backsplash”,gives the person designing the backsplash basic information for insert placement.

I mention this because the inserts should compliment the mural.

How to place a mural above the stove. To make more wall space available to display the mural, the issue of the stove must be addressed. Three basic styles of stoves are: the drop-in stove top, the freestanding stove with the controls on the rear panel and the slide in stove with the controls on the front with no back panel sticking up.

Of the three, the freestanding stove has a panel that sticks up from the stove up to six inches. The other two stoves have no back panel. These are the stoves that will allow placing a larger mural on the wall, thus enlarging the focal point of the kitchen.

To gain the space covered by a the control panel of a freestanding stove, the stove should be replaced. The easiest stove to replace the old stove with is the slide in stove.

Time to decide on a mural. Murals are normally painted on a 4×4 inch tile or a 6×6 inch tile. Using the 30 inch wide by 36 inch high scenario, a vertical mural 24 inches wide and 20 or 24 inches high will leave 4 inches on each side of the mural and adequate space on top.

This will allow a attractive area on each side of the mural to add a 1/2 to 1 inch border around the mural if so desired.

A vertical mural can be 20 inches wide and 24 to 30 inches high. This also allows space for a border.

The size of the mural depends on what the theme mural is and how light or heavy the painting on the tiles are. the mural is to be a breathtaking focal point, not an eyesore.

Discretion is the key in designing.

Murals are painted on two types of tiles. One is a ceramic tile, made of clay and has a baked on glaze that will not change color when painted. The other material is natural stone. Most of the stone used is called tumbled stone.

This is a process done by the manufacturer that gives the stone tile a rustic or distressed appearance..Tumbled stone is available in stones such as travertine, marble, limestone and some quartz.

The most sought after by the public is Chairo Travertine, tumbled in 4 or 6 inch squares. Many murals are painted on this stone because of the color of the stone, generally light.

keep in mind natural stone is quarried from earth thus the variation of color, giving it the natural beauty of the stone.

The stone murals are more difficult to paint. The artist uses special paints and sealers to capture the colors so they will not fade over time.

Natural stone is porous requiring the stone to be sealed with a penetrating sealer. 2 coats. The stone must always be cleaned with a stone cleaner.This helps retain the beautiful of a stone mural for years.

Cleaners with ammonia will over time dull the mural as ammonia is caustic. Stone cleaners and sealers are available at home improvement stores. Always check the back of the container to be sure it for stone, not ceramic tile.

There are additional materials to use as murals. They are metal tile in copper, bronze, nickel silver and brass. These also require careful cleaning to not scratch the metal.

Glass tiles are very durable with a rainbow of beautiful colors. Glass tile and metal are cleaned by using a non caustic cleaner to prevent scratching.

Metal and glass murals do not require an artist to create a picture. Murals made from these materials are manufactured as murals and need nothing else added.

During my career, I have assisted many people design and install backsplashes with beautiful murals. Adding a colorful mural to your kitchen is similar to adding a painting a work of art to your home.

Tile murals are signed by the artist as they are truly a work of art.

Enjoy your work of art. Everyone desires beauty in their lives.

Alan Grundemeier

Rohit Chopra asked:


The only possible way to be able to find the best possible deal on recreational vehicle insurance is by thoroughly considering and evaluating all of the seemingly best options, so that you can then narrow down that search to a select few, and from there the decision will obviously be much easier. It is incredibly surprising sometimes how completely different recreational vehicle insurance rates can be when comparing one company to another, and this is why it is so important to carefully consider all as best as you can.

Experience is very important when it comes to buying recreational vehicle insurance, and after comparing all coverages and premiums, the best idea is to ask the insurance company, broker or agent the following questions: Does your insurance company specialize in RV insurance? Does your company know and understand my needs as an RVer? How long has the company been providing RV insurance? How can you look after my claim? Do you provide 24-hour claims service anywhere in North America? What happens to my premiums if I have a claim?

Another idea to save money on your recreational vehicle insurance is to make fewer claims on your insurance, in order to keep your premiums down. There are several important travel tips you can use in order to save yourself from making more claims on your insurance than you need to, and the best tip is to bring along an emergency tool box on your RV adventures. This tool box should contain at least the basics, which are: adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, pliers, jumper cables, flashlight with extra batteries, road flares, and duct tape. Also, before any trip with your RV you should be sure to get a complete travel check-up for the vehicle, including inspection of all the belts and hoses, headlights, tires, and turning signals.

Other good tips to remember are to make sure that your cooking vent hood is clean to help avoid fires, and to make sure that you leave a detailed plan of your trip along with phone numbers where you can be reached with a family member or friend.

There are several places in particular that offer recreational vehicle insurance, and making yourself knowledgeable about the rates, features, and reliability that is offered is the best way to make sure that you are not only getting the best possible deal, but that you are making the best decision for you and your own personal needs.

Ultimate Washer asked:


In today’s struggling financial environment, savvy business owners know the importance of offering their clients a multitude of services in order to maintain – and even increase – profits.

Take a good look at your pressure washing equipment. If you have been satisfied to offer standard cleaning services, than you may be missing out on a great opportunity to gain more customers and make more money.

Duct cleaning is a great way to increase business – and profits – in a sagging economy. As more and more homeowners and businesses realize the importance of keeping their heating and cooling systems clear of debris and mold for a safer (and healthier) environment, they are looking to professionals like yourself to offer the duct cleaning services they need.

Requiring little investment and the purchase of a few small accessories to affix to the pressure washing equipment you already own and use, duct cleaning can increase your business almost immediately for a fraction of the cost of adding other services.

By investing just a few hundred dollars in duct cleaners, you will be able to market your cleaning services to clients in a whole new way by adding these important cleaning services to your business repertoire:

Cleaning heating and air conditioning ducts in both residential and commercial/business sites Cleaning out trash chutes in manufacturing plants, hotels, and other businesses Vents (all types and sizes) Restaurant hoods Tanks and more … much more

In addition to providing you with a way to offer your customers and clients these important services, adding Air Duct Cleaners to your power washing equipment can also allow you to clean Pipes, Kegs, Chutes, Chimneys, Gutters, Barrels, Containers, Drains, and Hoods quickly and easily.

The perfect accessory for any hot or cold pressure washer, duct cleaners are made of a corrosion-resistant material, and feature a state-of-the-art carbide swivel made of the highest quality Swiss made craftsmanship.

With so many different duct cleaners available on the market today, you may be wondering which one(s) will best suit your needs. Here is a quick rundown of the most popular accessory models:

The Fixed Duct Cleaner

Designed especially for use with water and cleaning additive at high r.p.m., the fixed duct cleaner is perfect for vertical chutes since it does not offer an adjustable arm.

Adjustable Duct Cleaner

The adjustable arm on this model allows the user to spray at different angles for a perfect 360° cleaning.

TYR Mobile Unit

The perfect tool for cleaning horizontal ducts, this mobile cart unit features side to side and height adjustments which keep the duct cleaner from bouncing against the walls and possibly causing breakage or damage to the duct while cleaning it.

Vertical Silo Cleaner

This handy unit is a self-guiding cleaning device that can be used on virtually any surface. Adjustable guides and interchangeable spray arms, make this the perfect tool for cleaning silos ranging from 7′-12′ in Diameter.

In order to offer your customers the most comprehensive cleaning available to keep their heating and cooling systems working at peak capacity, be sure to contact Ultimate Washer about the tools and accessories you will need in order to offer this highly-sought-after cleaning service.

larey asked:


The north side of my house is covered in mold on the vinyl. We live on a VERY steep mountain and a ladder would be very dangerous on our land. What would be the best way to clean it? I’ve read of power washers, but that you can’t spray them upwards otherwise you risk getting water behind the siding.

Mary B asked:


In the house that I rent, there is a brick floor in one of the rooms (strange, I know). I have a puppy, and he’s used this as a bathroom more than once. We clean up individual messes, but it’s not doing the trick. I need to take everything out of the room and clean the floor.
My question – how should I do this?
Mop and a bucket of soapy water? Does anyone have better suggestions?

maa quality cleaning asked:


MAA Quality Cleaning has been in business for over 10 years and have established a reputation for quality. We look forward to showing you that is well deserved. Please give us a call for your free estimate at: 571-721-9396 or 571-501-0191, you may also email us at maaqualitycleaning@yahoo.com

Here is our Scope of work:

Kitchen: Clean the complete stove, lift stovetop and clean area that holds burners, clean burners, drip plates, knobs, inside the oven, oven racks, broiler and side of stove. Clean outside of the dishwasher, inside of door, racks and burners. Clean on the top and underneath range hood, clean the fan filters and light cover. Clean inside and out of refrigerator check all shelves, racks and drawers. Clean inside and out microwave. Check sink and drain baskets are clean. Shine the faucet and handles. Clean from the top of the back splash to the front of countertop. Cabinets/Interiors: Doors, faces and interiors are clean. Drawers/Interiors: Drawer’s faces and interiors are clean. Clean all light fixtures and covers. Clean all cover plates. Clean and mop entire floor, make sure area under appliances is clean. Clean all baseboards. Clean window and window track. Clean window blinds including headrail and valance. Check all that walls are clean. Check that the ceilings is clean. Check that window screen is clean.

Bathroom: Clean the tub, clean the shower, clean inside and out, bolt caps, toilet seat and toiler seat hinges, shine the mirror, clean inside and out medicine cabinet, clean shower door, track, frame and remove water deposit. Shine all faucets and handles. Clean sink, clean and shine towel bar and toilet paper holder. Clean light fixture and cover, clean exhaust fan cover, heat lamps, cover plates, baseboards, bath vanity, drawers, and clean and mop floors.

 

Living Room: Clean all fan blades and light covers, clean all coverplates, clean all window sills, clean window and window tracks, clean sliding doors and door tracks, clean all blinds including head rail and valance, clean all light fixtures and covers, clean window and sliding door screens, clean heater vent, thermostat, and check walls, ceilings, and baseboards are clean.

Bedroom(s): Clean window and window tracks, sliding door and door tracks, clean all fan blades and light covers, clean blinds including head rail and valance, clean all light fixtures and covers, clean window and sliding door screens, clean closet doors, shelves, poles, and tracks. Clean heater vent and thermostat.

Balcony: remove all spider webs on walls and ceiling using a broom and wash if necessary, clean all railings, sweep throughout and clean light fixtures and covers.

Front door area: clean outside of front door area, clean door frame, clean threshold, clean all light fixtures and covers adjacent to the front door, clean both sides of door.

Miscellaneous: Check and clean water heater area, remove all debris and dust around or near the water heater, clean all shutters, clean fireplace – remove ash and debris.

We thank you in advance for taking the time on reviewing our services and once again look forward on hearing from you and showing you that is well deserve.

flighter@rogers.com asked:


Two years ago I stained my deck, I did all the usual proceedures, used Behr Stain Remover (no. 64) followed by their cleaner (no. 63) and then used the 501 Natural Cedar to stain it. I rushed in some spots and now the stain looks more like a bad painting job. The stain didn’t really sink into the wood, it is still a bit tacky to this day. I want to redo it, what is the BEST way to do so? Sanding? Using the Stain Remover again? A powerful cleaning solution?

leslie asked:


I have lichen, black algae and moss on my roof and chimney Does anyone know of any products or home made remedies? Thanks!

djnp asked:


We having vinyl siding in which it is shaded until about 3 in the afternoon. Just wondering what anyone has used to clean theirs and does bleach work or will it dry out the siding?