Happy DIY Saturday! Today we are learning how to make candles. Whether you prefer soy, traditional wax or other varieties – making your own candles let’s you customize your own. Today watch a You Tube video for making soy candles in vintage tea cups and then get step by step directions  to make other varieties.

You Tube Video – How to Make Candles in Vintage Tea Cups

Click to watch the video –> How to Make Candles in Vintage Tea Cups

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Whenever we want to add a serene and calming accent to a room, a candle always comes to mind.  Candles bring in natural light, a soothing aroma and  a perfect touch to enhance the decor’ of the space.  So let’s create your own candles with your own touch of style and have them to fit your interior decor’.

Image via: Wedding Planning Services

How to Make Custom Candles

Supplies

Wicks
Fancy Jars
Scissors
Hot Glue gun
Scented Oil
Double Boiler or Steel Can and Saucepan
Wax
Wax Dye
Decorations  (Ribbons, bows, labels, etc.)
Small Spoon or Chopsticks

Image via: Top Weddings

Directions

1. Take out the fancy jars for the candles to be made in and trim wicks (same height as the jar it will be in) for each jar.
2. Put a small drop of hot glue into the bottom center of the first jar being used and hold the wick standing upright in the hot glue until the glue hardens. To help hold the wick in place.
3. Repeat this process for all of the jars.
4. Now you can either purchase and melt store-bought candle wax in a double boiler or fill a saucepan with a few inches of water and put in a clean steel can with wax in it.  When the water begins to boil then the can will act as a double boiler for the wax.
5. Then use a spoon or chopstick to mix the scented oil into the melting wax, one drop at a time, until the desired level of fragrance is reached.
6. After the addition of the fragrance, then start to mix in the dye, again one drop at a time until desired coloration is achieved.
7. When the scent and color have met your standards then pour the wax into the fancy jars stopping a half inch from the top.
8. Let the wax to cool and depending on the size of the jars the process could take up to several hours.
9. Get the decorations that you purchased and once the candles have fully cooled down then hot glue the decorations onto the candles  and place them around the home.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Decorating your hallway is a great canvass for pictures. It provides an excellent area for viewing while walking through places in your home. This leaves no option for people to do anything other than to look at your masterpiece in the hallway. Of course, it’s no ordinary arrangement of pictures but a creative one.

Choosing the right pictures for your hallways may be a bit confusing. However, there are several ways that you can do in order for you to decide which pictures fit your hallways. It’s like a backdrop in your hallways that will add to the interior design of your home. In choosing the right pictures for your hallways, you have to consider several things like the frames, arrangements and lighting.

Image via: Craig Denis

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Frames

Your picture frames play an essential part in choosing your images. It will set the theme on what is your motif. If you want a vintage look in your hallways, then you can set your frames with old-fashioned designs. Ensure your picture frame mounts are secure while hanging. Also, there are frames that looks so elegant and that will definitely make your hallway look elegant.

Arrangements

The arrangements of your pictures matter. This will make or break everything that you have prepared. You may have it done in parallel, vertical or horizontal alignment. It can also be done in random placement but should maintain a system of creativity to make it look beautiful and not messy.

Image via: Pinterest

Lighting

Appropriate lighting are important to illuminate the pictures. It gives life to your pictures and highlights the whole setting. It would be great if you have spotlights for each picture you have in your hallways. The details of the pictures will be noticed in the presence of lights. If you don’t have enough light, choose pictures that are brighter and colorful.

Your display of pictures will definitely provide a fantastic look in your hallways. These pictures will help you entertain people walking into your hallways. Use these tips to help beautify your hallways with gorgeous pictures.

For more home interiors inspiration on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! This week we are going to help you create a wall to hang all of your family photos in a creative way. Whether you have been trying to figure out how to show off your family photos or you want a creative way to show your family growing, here is an awesome idea – a family photo tree.

Today we are going to explore some unique ways to hang your family photos. If you are like me, then you have hundreds of photos piled in boxes or in your computer just waiting to be printed and hung. It seems a tedious task to go through all of those photos, but here is a great idea that will make you want to run to your computer and get those photos printed! Whether you have just moved out of your old house and you want to make your interiors feel warm and welcoming or you just need an excuse to place to display photos, this weekend project is perfect. If you need to sell house fast consider removing pictures from walls to remove too much personalization. Your home will sell quicker!

How to Decorate with Family Photos –

Link to video –> Decorating with family photos

Create a family wall tree

This is such a unique idea that will really put some wow on your walls. Take a look at this photo from Pinterest. Essentially, it is a painted tree mural, and once dry you simply hang your family photos amongst the trees branches, making a beautiful family tree! Since we are not all artists, you may need to hire someone to paint your tree. Another, slightly more expensive option, would be to search online for a large wall sticker – the kind that are easily removed and do not damage the wall. However, a wall sticker of this magnitude will be costly – it may be less expensive to hire someone and get a more realistic effect via a painted wall mural.

https://stagetecture.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/family-tree-photos.jpg

Your painted tree can have leaves; numerous branches; birds perched in a nest; and even the ever popular owl hooting from a branch. Use your imagination to make the perfect tree to display your favorite family photos. Also, don’t be shy to mix up the frame sizes, colors, and finishes – this will give a time-worn and well-loved look to your family history.

Adorn your tree with removable flowers.

As well as photos, you could add extra items to your trees branches. Adding silk flowers on the tips of the branches in the spring will make a lovely seasonal aspect to your tree. Flowers can be added with two-sided tape and easily removed once spring is done. In fact, you can add to your tree whatever the season! Think about stringing lights on the wall, making your tree lit-up for Christmas and adding a glow to your family photos.

Whatever design you choose, it is time to get those photos out of that shoebox or off of your computer and have fun making your own family tree this weekend.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4,

Happy DIY Saturday! I thought I would take a break from the DIY home projects and focus on another home project  – MOM! In two weeks it will be Mother’s Day – May 15th and Mom loves to have a yummy brunch prepared just for her. Whether you start making it ahead of time (breads, muffins, cakes) can be made now and frozen so that you will save time and energy when Mother’s Day comes. Other items such as eggs and meat meals can easily be made the morning of and shared with your kids.

Image via: Bake at 350

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Marmalade Muffins

Image via: Food Network

Ingredients

2 oranges
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened, plus more for the muffin tins
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Begin by grating the zest from the oranges. (If you don’t have a Microplane zester, please rush out to the nearest cooking-supply store and purchase one. Thank you.)

Cream the butter and granulated sugar in a bowl with a mixer. Crack in the eggs and mix until well combined, about 4 minutes.

Sift the flour onto a sheet of wax paper. Add it to the bowl. Gently stir with the mixer using as few strokes as possible so the muffins aren’t tough.

In a small measuring cup or bowl, combine the buttermilk and baking soda. Add the buttermilk mixture to the batter and mix until just combined. Add the orange zest and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Grease 36 mini-muffin cups and fill each two-thirds full with batter. I like to use a small cookie scoop to put the muffin batter in the tins. Bake for 12 to 17 minutes, until light brown. Watch to make sure they don’t get too brown.

Now, while the muffins are baking, prepare the glaze: Juice the 2 oranges whose zest you just stole. Add the orange juice and brown sugar to a medium bowl and stir together until just combined, but don’t worry about dissolving the brown sugar completely. You want the glaze to be grainy and textured.

As soon as the muffins are done, drizzle the glaze all over the top. Be sure to thoroughly coat each muffin. Don’t worry if the glaze drips all over the pan; that means more for you to lick up later. Serve the muffins warm on a beautiful platter. Watch your guests’ eyes roll back in their heads as they savor each bite.

Ham & Cheese Quick Bread

Image via: Food Network

This savory loaf is delicious served slightly warm, or toasted the next day and lightly buttered or topped with egg salad for a festive lunch or snack.

Ingredients

Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 1/4 teaspoons dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch cayenne pepper
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons honey
3 eggs
One 6-ounce piece deli ham, finely chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
1 cup shredded gruyere cheese, lightly packed (about 3 ounces)
1/2 cup finely diced (about 1/4-inch) havarti or gruyere cheese (about 2 ounces)
2 scallions, chopped

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9-by-5-by-3-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard, kosher salt and cayenne until combined. In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup milk, the oil, 1 tablespoon honey and the eggs until smooth. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Then fold in the ham, 3/4 cup shredded cheese, the diced cheese and scallions.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup shredded cheese. Bake until well risen, golden brown and a skewer or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small microwave-safe bowl, stir together the remaining 1 tablespoon each honey and milk and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard until smooth. Heat in the microwave until hot and bubbling, 20 to 30 seconds. Turn the loaf onto a wire rack and generously brush with the warm glaze. Cool completely.

The Eggbert’s Sunriser

Image via: Food Network

Ingredients

8 cups frozen diced or shredded hash browns (one 32-ounce package)
20 whole frozen mini potato wedges or steak fries
Canola oil, for frying
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional)
1 1/2 cups diced ham
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
8 large eggs
Salsa or pico de gallo, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Fry the hash browns and potato wedges in canola oil in separate skillets according to the package directions until golden brown and crisp. Season with salt and pepper. (You can also bake the potatoes in the oven, if you prefer.) Drain on paper towels and keep warm.

Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Throw in the veggies and ham; toss around for several minutes, until the onions are just softened. Turn off the heat and allow to stay in the pan.

In 4 individual ovenproof skillets (or one very large one), layer the hash browns, veggie-ham mixture and grated cheese. Place in the oven for a minute or two, until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven with an oven mitt, as the skillet will be hot.

Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a nonstick skillet and fry the eggs to the specifications of your guests.

Place 5 potato wedges over the top of the melted cheese, then top with 2 eggs per skillet. Spoon salsa or pico de gallo over the top and serve immediately.

Get started on your Mother’s Day Brunch ideas, it will be here before you know it!

For more Mother’s Day ideas and recipes, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/diy-saturday-97-how-to-make-mothers-day-brunch-recipes-video/feed/ 0 25742 https://stagetecture.com/diy-saturday-89-protecting-your-belongings-from-fire-or-water-damage-video/ https://stagetecture.com/diy-saturday-89-protecting-your-belongings-from-fire-or-water-damage-video/#respond Sat, 18 Feb 2012 12:19:07 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=23410 Guest Blogger #372, Entry #963, February 18, 2012

Happy DIY Saturday! Today we are talking about safeguarding your home’s belongings from fire or water damage. After a house fire or after a flood or hot water tank leak, most homeowners lose valuable contents in the process.

Image via: Trendir

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Today, watch a video on fire safe boxes. See how important it is to read the box when purchasing and see how a ‘fire retardant’ box is different from a ‘fire safe”. Watch this You Tube video to see which holds up in a house fire, and which one doesn’t.

You Tube Video – Protecting your valuables from a house fire

Guest Blogger – How to Protect your Belongings from Water Damage

Let’s face it, storage units are awesome. They’re a great way to get rid of clutter and still keep your stuff. However, if units aren’t climate controlled, moisture is a problem. Moisture brings with it mold, mildew, corrosion, and general destruction of your stuff – no one wants that. Here are some options to keep your stuff dry:

Image via: Joanna Goddard

Option A – Upgrade

Upgrade to a climate controlled unit, especially if storing furniture. These units are usually more expensive but generally keep your stuff dry. For a little extra monthly expense, you can save a lot more in the long run by not having to replace damaged goods.

Option B – Plastic Containers

The best option for using these in your unit is probably to go with watertight totes. Not only can you keep your clothes and electronics organized, they’ll stay dry to boot. Sizes range from tackle boxes to larger totes.

Option C – Plastic Bags

There are two choices here: Space Bags and Ziploc. Space Bags come with the advantage of compressing things like clothes, comforters, winter coats, etc. However, they’re generally more expensive than Ziploc bags. Ziplocs are simpler to use, too. Just remember to double-bag. There are also bags specifically for mattresses and box-springs.

Image via: Remodelista

Option D – Pallets and Boards

You can’t actually put anything in them, but they will keep your furniture and boxes safe from minor flooding. Not really the best option, here, but they’re great if you’re worried about rising water.

Option E – Plastic Sheeting or Tarps

Wrapping furniture tightly in plastic is not a good idea. Plastic traps moisture, mold, mildew, etc. up against the wood. Your furniture will rot. Furniture of any type is difficult to keep away from water. Wrapping your furniture loosely in a tarp is a good way to keep new moisture from getting at it. It’s not water-tight, so it won’t solve the problem completely.

Option F – Airing Out

Visiting and airing out your storage unit every once in a while is a great idea that helps in a couple of ways. You can remove anything that’s obviously been water-damaged and reassess what you’re keeping in the unit at the same time.

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to keep your stored stuff dry. These options can be used everywhere from storage units to your home. Don’t let moisture and mold infect your stuff, keep it dry and mold free.

Sasha Smith is a blogger with EZ Storage self storage facilities. EZ Storage offers units in many sizes with locations in the Boston area, including Framingham, Newton and Natick.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday and welcome back from the holidays. This New Year is always exciting because it’s when we start thinking about what home improvement projects did we delay until after the holidays, well it is now time to get back on track.

Today, we are going to help you prepare your walls for painting. Wall preparation can be more important than the finished paint, because it will make the difference as to how good your walls will look at the end.

Image via: Apartment Therapy

Watch a You Tube video for removing wall paper, smoothing out the surfaces, and more. Then my guest blogger will give you tips for prepping your walls for a flawless paint finish.

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You Tube Video – Lowe’s – How to Prep Wall Surface Before you Paint

Guest Blogger: How to Prepare your Walls for a Flawless Paint Job

Painting is the fastest and most economical way to freshen up a room. A new coat of paint can instantly liven up even the dullest of spaces. However, in order to properly achieve the desired look, you’ve got to properly prepare the walls. Without proper preparation you’re doomed to regret not spending another half day prepping.

Preparing a room for painting may sound boring, time consuming, and dull. Well, guess what? You’re instincts are right. Nevertheless, all efforts will be well rewarded once paint starts going up on the walls and ceiling.

Image via: Rowdy-Rendezvous.Tumblr

Preparing your walls

1. Free the room of unnecessary clutter. That includes anything from the walls that is removable. It is important to remove light cover switch switches, outlet covers and anything else that screws to the wall like curtain rods.
2.  Move the furniture out. If the furniture is big just push it to the center of the room and cover it with a plastic sheet or a drop cloth. Don’t use old bed sheets as any paint dripped on them may bleed through to your furniture.
3. Meticulously clean the entire room. Sweep the floor, wipe the trim boards with a wet spongs and remove cobwebs from the ceiling and corners. Wash the walls with a solution of water, vinegar, and ammonia. Paint will not stick to dirty walls as well as it will to clean walls. Use a mop with sponge head in order to reach ceilings.
4. To make the walls look flawless patch all cracks, holes and nicks. Make sure to fill in every nail and screw hole that you won’t be reusing. You may have to open cracks up larger in order to get the putty to lie in there properly. Always do two coats of putty. Sand the first coat, wipe down the area, and do a second coat. The finish will be much more professional and well worth the bit of extra effort.
5. If you don’t feel that your hands are steady enough, you can use blue painters tape on trim and baseboards to protect them. Just remember to use the blue tape and not regular masking tape. The blue tape is made to remove easily without sticking to the walls. Before you remove the tape score the edge of it to release any paint from it. If you don’t you may end up accidentally pulling large chunks of paint off your freshly painted walls.

Proper preparation is truly more important than the painting itself. It’s what separates a professional painting job from you regular run of the mill job.

Lucas Jenkins is the author of this article and he has lot’s of ideas that he’d like to share with you on his blog. He’s buying new rugs for his home right now and has written some fresh content about where to buy bathroom rugs. He’s also on the lookout for the out of style, or so he believes but his wife tells him otherwise, 5 pc bathroom rug set.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas

Best of 2011 – #1

How to Install Interior Stone Veneer (Video)

We made it to #1 of Stagetecture’s Best of 2011! These last 5 days I have showed you the top 5 posts of 2011 that were chosen by you, my readers. Today, we are at #1, and it is a DIY Saturday on how to install stone veneer in their home. While we all love the look of beautiful stone in our homes, veneer is a great option that is more affordable, and we can install it ourselves! Congratulations to all you DIY’ers, once again proving that homeowners love their DIY projects.

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Happy DIY Saturday! Today celebrates our 40th DIY Saturday, and we have covered so many projects. I hope you have taken advantage of them, or at least they’ve given you ideas for what projects you will be starting soon.

As we continue through ‘home renewal’ month, I thought about the need to bring your outdoors inside your home, as well as bring your indoors outside. This creates a union between your inside and outside that feels and looks great. Today, we’re going to see how to install interior stone veneer to a wall. Stone Veneer Wall Ideas or How to Install Faux Stone Panels are perfect for homes that want a rustic or more textured look to their interiors.

How to Install Interior Stone Veneer (Video)

How to Install Faux Stone Panels

This stone veneer option is gorgeous in a contemporary home. Another option is White Natural Stacked Stone veneer wall that can add beauty and value to your home.

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Prepping the Wall Surface for Applying Veneer Stone

Locate the wall studs using a stud finder and mark with an “X” on the ceiling. Beginning at the bottom of the wall, staple builder’s felt horizontally, overlapping the felt 2 inches. Use continuous sections of felt across the wall with no vertical seams. Vertical seams can allow water from the mortar to damage the underlying surfaces. Nail metal lath over the felt, with the “cups” of the lath toward you and facing upward toward the ceiling. Secure with roofing nails to the wall studs. Lath will feel rough to the touch, when running your hand downward. The “cups” in the lath are designed to hold the mortar in place and not allow it to slip downward on the wall.

Applying Mortar Scratch Coat for a Stacked Stone Wall

Mix veneer mortar to the consistency of creamy peanut butter and apply to the metal lath with a finishing trowel. Use a downward motion initially to fill the “cups” in the lath with mortar. Continue adding mortar until a thickness of ½ inch spreads evenly over the lath. Use a notched tiling trowel to comb across the mortar while still pliable to create grooves for better adherence of the mortar applied to the stone veneer. The scratch coat of mortar will dry overnight.

Designing the Layout of the Stones

On a flat area, use painter’s tape to outline an area the size and dimensions of the wall being covered with the stone veneer. Lay the stone in this area until you create an attractive arrangement. Leave an area between the stones the width of a finger and stagger the shapes and sizes of the stone. If your prefer the stone already in place, consider Stone Veneer Wall Panels that could save you time.

Installing the Stone Veneer

Mix the mortar to a pudding consistency. Spray the back of each stone and the wall with water. Begin at the bottom of the wall. Apply mortar around the edges of the backside of the stone, leaving an opening in the center. Press the mortared stone against the wall, wiggling it back and forth slightly. Mortar will ooze out on all sides. Do not get mortar on the face of the stone; it will stain. Leave a space the width of a finger between the stones. Use an angle grinder with a diamond wheel to make any necessary cuts to the stones. Continue until all stones are in place.Use a striking tool and a whisk broom to remove excess mortar from between the stones to allow room for the application of grout. Allow the stone veneer wall to dry overnight.

Grouting the Stone Veneer Wall

Fill a grout bag with mortar mixed to a pudding consistency. Squeeze the mortar out the tip of the grout bag into the opening between the stones, beginning with the vertical joints and then the horizontal. Allow the grout to protrude slightly above the stones. Allow the grout to cure one hour and use a striking tool to dress the grout.To give a classic look to the grout, use the striking tool to remove some of the grout, slightly recessing the grout below the level of the stone. For a rustic look, dress the grout level to the face of the stone. Brush the grout joints with a whisk broom to create a natural finish. The wall will cure in 48 hours.

For more Faux Stone Panels ideas look here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! Have you ever wanted a designer look in your bedroom, but can’t figure out how to get it without spending a fortune? Look to your bed, it is the focal point of the room and the headboard behind it can make all the difference.

Image via: Beds Headboards

Today’s DIY Saturday I compiled a few You Tube videos from HGTV from their designers to help you make your own custom headboard. From upholstered ones, to beautiful reclaimed wood rustic ones, you name it, your custom headboard is within your grasp!

Creating a Headboard

Upholstered Headboard

Floating Headboard

Slatted Wooden Headboard for under $100!

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! If you are like most homeowners, the ability to make your home more convenient with technology is important. Whether it is using automatic lighting controls, thermostat controls or other remote controlled devices, homeowners have a new found freedom when installing these devices.

Image courtesy of Building Designz

My Guest Blogger today shows you how the Verve ^TM Living Systems works in this You Tube video, as well as points out helpful information that can be used in a home, hospitals, assisted living facilities and more. Automatic devices can help with ambiance, as well as functionality for those with disabilities.

As part of our individual commitments to live a green lifestyle, it’s important to consider the energy consumed by the buildings we spend the majority of our time in.  For many of us, this means a closer look at where we call “home” be it a house, apartment, dorm room or our favorite hotel.

It’s our job to familiarize ourselves with new technology that we can apply to our everyday lives to achieve our goal of reducing overall energy consumption.  One of the latest trends in home living is the home automation system.   Technologies like those used to develop wireless, battery-less controls for HVAC systems, lighting and other electrical loads.  These control products may seem like a luxury today, but will one day be as common as granite countertops or stainless steel appliances.  In fact, according to a recent study featured in Electronichouse.com, home automation systems are expected to explode by 2016 as more digital capabilities become available with mainstream home technology providers.

Going green and saving money aren’t the only benefits to being consumption conscious though.  A variety of today’s home automation systems allow you  to enjoy customized luxuries including the ability to create unique lighting scenes, manage climate controls, and even customize the design of your living space with movable wireless switches. These types of home automation technologies continue to attract mainstream consumers and have become more abundant outside of the home and in commercial spaces including hotels and universities.  This trend continues as facility managers move towards conscious consumption in their operations.

Verve ^TM Living Systems, a company that develops and markets innovative energy-saving automation products, recently launched a new collection of home automation products designed to save energy and reduce costs without having to sacrifice comfort. Many Verve products are wireless and can be installed in either new or existing buildings without the need for additional wiring.  And because the products do not require batteries, ongoing maintenance and replacement costs can be eliminated.

Energy efficiency and conscious consumption start in the home, but they also extend to where we work and play. There are various energy management solutions on the market to help us reduce our carbon footprint and live a more green lifestyle. Verve ^TM Living Systems is one example of a simple, affordable way to control both comfort and energy costs. For more information on Verve ^TM Living Systems products, visit vervelivingsystems.com.

Dianne Pisarek is President, Masco Technological Innovations with a proven track record of success in a broad range of disciplines.  She has more than 25 years of executive and managerial experience in marketing, product development and team selling within industrial, manufacturing and retail sectors.  She has been deeply involved with the development of the Verve ^TM Living Systems brand since 2006 and is Vice Chariman North America Co-chair and Board Member of the EnOcean Alliance.

For more DIY Saturday‘s on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! Granite countertops are one of the top upgrades that homeowners are outfitting their kitchen and bathrooms with. Rightfully so, granite is beautiful, durable, and if maintained, can keep looking good for years into the future.

Image courtesy of The Design File

Today’s DIY Saturday, I show you a You Tube Video on how to remove common stains from your granite countertops – from oily peanut butter stains, to ink. Then read tips from my Guest Blogger on how to keep your granite countertops shiny and looking like new.

You Tube video – How to remove stains from your granite countertop

Guest Blogger – How to keep your granite countertops shining

You might wonder why you need to add a granite polish to your granite cleaning routine. You use a granite cleaner regularly and have the granite sealed every year. Why use a polish in between? One reasons is that polish leaves a water resistant layer to prevent liquid penetration. Granite will stain if certain liquids penetrate the surface. By depositing a special wax into the pores and microscopic cracks of granite, you are protecting the surface from that stain potential. Quickly cleaning up stains is the first line of defense. However, sometimes you do not notice a spill until later. The polish helps keep that stain from appearing.

Granite polish: Helps fill pores of counter

Another reason to use granite polish is it helps fills tiny cracks and pores to keep the smooth finish you expect. The finishing process for your granite will leave a visibly smooth surface. However, if you use a microscope or a magnifying glass on the surface, you will see microscopic pores and cracks on the surface. That is part of the stone’s natural essence. Those openings will attract dirt and debris. It is also the place where liquids can penetrate, leaving stains behind. A good polish will lay down a layer of carnauba wax and other emollients to fill those tiny spaces.

Image courtesy of Dreamy Kitchens

Restore luster of your granite

A third reason to put a granite polish in your maintenance routine is it will restore the luster of your granite. Daily cleaning can dull the shine of your countertops. Even with the best countertop cleaners, your cleaning process may leave a bit of residue behind. With a polish, you remove that residue during the polishing process and it makes your countertops look great. You also lay down a layer of carnauba wax into those cracks and pores. That wax offers a beautiful shine that even the best cleaner cannot leave. It will protect your countertops while making them shine in the light.

Remove scratches on your granite

A final reason to bring a granite polish in is to remove faint scratches on the surface. You can spend a great deal of time cleaning your granite. That will help remove the potential abrasives left on the surface. However, life happens. You may see a dulling of the sheen over the next few weeks. By using a polish every week or two, you can remove that dulling layer. The polishing will smooth out the microscopic scratches. It will fill in deeper scratches with wax. That will make the appearance look even better.

This blog post was written by FreeDigitalPhotos.net. Try restoring shine to your granite countertops after using this granite polish.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.