Take It Off

Painting, more than any job, is about preparation. Some folks just aren't aware of the steps involved when getting ready to paint, while others take short cuts to save time and work. Short cuts in prep often make the job harder and yield less-than-average results.

So to prep by the book, the first place to start when painting a room is removing all switch plates, receptacle covers and other hardware. The time spent painting around doorknobs, hinges and window latches usually exceeds the time spent removing them -- and always results in lots of clean-up time.

Stay tuned to our next tip for more information on paint prepping.

- Stephen Corwin

Bottom of Blender Needs Cleaning To get rid of the gunk, put to 2 to 3 drops of liquid dishwashing detergent inside. Fill blender one-third with water and put the lid on. Turn on and blend away the stuck-on stuff.

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2001