Broom Closet Repair

The side entrance, again is one of our challenging cosmetic renovations. In 2008, we removed red and green plastic tiles and molding asbestos mastic.

So far in 2010, we've conquered the basement steps from hell, and now we've overcome the slasher pepto bismol broom closet.

Here are some photos from the closet repair.

Stair Treads

I ordered these stair treads for $14.95 from Amazon. They came in a pack of 7, which is just what we needed. They work great for this type of application. We simply needed something that would prevent slipping, hide dirt and footprints, and look nice at the same time. These are machine washable. Let's see if they can hold up to four cats, and the amount of debris from our projects.

They are already being put to the test.

Exhibit A



Finished Steps


Before:


"Who would have thought that a 90 pound female armed with only a hair dryer in one hand and a paintbrush in the other could have conquered the steps from hell? Now, you know."

-Phil

Basement Steps Makeover

Projects at the house have slowed down since Christmas. It's been difficult to get the ball rolling again. I was sick over the last couple of weeks, and managed to fracture a rib while coughing...Well, I'm gradually feeling better and hope to accomplish some things on the winter project list again soon!

We've faced some really tough cosmetic challenges in renovating this house, one of them being these basement steps. I've wanted to tackle them for a long time, but could not get away from my other projects. Finally, we've made a huge difference in their appearance.








How We Did It:

1. removed disintegrating, and peeling rubber stair treads. (they had been painted white and had gum stuck to them, and were covered in grime.) using a crowbar, and a hairdryer to soften the mastic glue.

2. stripped black mastic glue using Bean-e-doo mastic remover which I was able to get at a pretty good discount from a seller on eBay. Great product, not reccomended for wood, but it did do the job without hazardous chemicals which was a concern for us, as we have four cats.

3. Stairs scrubbed & cleaned with soap and water

4. Wood puttied where it was necessary. Allowed that to dry.

5. Sanded wood putty, & lightly sanded peeling paint & rough surfaces. (avoid breathing lead dust.)

6. applied Zinsser Peel Stop to peeling paint and rough surfaces.

7. Applied 1 coat of Kilz Casual Colors One Coat Paint (Dark Umber)

Allow that to dry and apply one more coat where necessary.

In a few days the stairs will be finished and dry enough to install some pretty carpet stair treads which I ordered from Amazon.com