A question from a homeowner in Saint Paul: “I’m looking for tiles to repair/restore my 1907-1908 sanitary bathrooms. I need 2-inch hexagonal vitreous china tiles from Beijing and subway wall tiles, originally made in England. Where do I look?” Here is my reply: “To find any original tiles from that period, the only way I know to […]
Read MoreWhen Bob Kieca recently spoke of retiring some time in the next few years, I was suddenly overcome with a sense of mild panic. You see, Bob and his wife, Charlotte have run their small mom-and-pop paint store in Minneapolis for more then 40 years. I have known them and been a customer for about […]
Read MoreOne of my latest restoration challenges was stripping many layers (at least eight) of paint from four plaster ceiling medallions. Still doing work in Kelli and Tom Kline’s 1887 Victorian home here in Oak Park, we were dissatisfied with the many paint layers which seemed to be hiding delicate plaster details. We put off doing […]
Read MoreFor the Do-It-Yourself Homeowner (and Professional!) To avoid serious injury, read, understand and follow the directions provided with all tools, especially power tools. Don’t use tools for anything other than their intended function. Don’t work when you’re tired. Work at an easy pace, never rush. Avoid the use of alcohol and narcotics, etc. before or […]
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