Tip of The Week

February 24, 2007

This week’s tip comes from our “Keep the Color Constant” file.

If you have listened to our show, “The Home Improvement Show” on WBT 1110 AM and 99.3 FM, or on line at www.WBT.com, you have no doubt heard us talk to callers who had problems with consistent coloration in grout for their ceramic tile.  There are a lot of things that can cause this but there are some steps you can take before you start to ensure a great end result.  By the way this trick works for paint too.

If you have to use more than one box of colored grout this is especially important.  Combine the dry grout in a large container and “dry mix” it.  Use a trowel and thoroughly mix the grout before adding any water.  This will ensure an even mix of pigment through the grout providing an even-colored end result.

If you have a large room or large surfaces to paint and you need multiple gallons of paint that has been tinted to a custom color you can apply a similar principle.  Get a large, 5 gallon, bucket that is clean and dry.  Pour the paint from the smaller pails into the large bucket and using a drill and a paint mixer, mix the paint.  This will ensure one consistent color for the entire job.  Professional painters frequently call this practice “Boxing” the paint.

Thanks for visiting Ask John and Dave.com and we’ll see you on the air,

John and Dave

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