This is what I've been working on this week (and the book...and the piles of laundry and the humongous mess in my kitchen that's still there after my 9 day trip back home...because I'm outside and the house falls apart when I'm doing a project). Yes, I'm fixin' up the patio again. About 6 years ago I decided to Acid Stain our concrete patio (original plan was pavers). I taught myself how to do it (you know I love a good project and new skills) and it turned out beautifully...very mottled...coffee brown...high gloss finish...perfect.
Two years ago I decided it needed another dose of the clear gloss sealer on top as the shine was gone...problem was the company could no longer ship a solvent based sealer to me as Pennsylvania had changed to a no VOC state. OK, well DH had just sealed the concrete drive and sidewalk with an expensive 10 year water-based sealer and there was some leftover...works for me! So I got out the sprayer and sprayed away...one coat was good, but two coats was even better, right?...I stood back when I was done and admired my work.
The next morning I woke up and grabbed my cup of coffee ready to head out to the patio to bring the furniture back on...AHHHHHHH!!! The patio was GRAY!!!! WTFrick!!!!! I panicked...WHAT HAPPENED?!!! Maybe it's not dry yet?!!! NOPE....DRY!!!! I get out the bucket of sealer and call the company to ask WTFrick?!!! The put me in touch with the 'Specialist' and after explaining what I'm looking at he says 'I keep telling them they need to add "NOT TO BE USED ON SMOOTH TROWELED SURFACES" to the instructions...It's only meant for broomed surfaces!' After seething for a moment I asked what I could do to fix it...his answer 'Well, you can try our cleaner, but I doubt it will come off without using an industrial floor sander'...umm NOT AN OPTION...'Or you can just let the sun and wear take it off.' AHHHH! I bought and tried every cleaner out there to no avail...I tried testing other strippers and sealers...nada.
So, for two summers I've had to look at my mistake...the gray haze still isn't all gone, but I couldn't stand it anymore (who likes to be reminded of their mistakes). When I was in Ohio last week I found some solvent based sealer (actually marked 'Low VOC' as they are moving toward 'Green' as well)...and yes, I bought two gallons and smuggled it over state lines! Stop yelling at me...we're a green family (DH works in the green-build industry)...I have not one, but two recycling cans as large as a trashcan (plus a paper one) that we put out every week....but I couldn't stand my patio anymore...Yes, the solvent based worked...the gray haze is still where some of the furniture covered it up (you can see the gray...see that rectangle right in front for one of my cushion boxes...outdoor rug, umbrella base), but it looks SO much better and SUPER shiny. Oh, and my neighbors think I'm crazy...I have to keep screaming and running at the birds who keep landing on the gazebo frame (top isn't on yet) and sh*tting on my patio...the sh*t will probably be permanently in the finish now....*sigh*.
OK, I waited until it hit 50 degrees this morning to put on the second coat and just came in to find out on TV that we're expecting 'severe thunderstorms and large damaging hail' around 6pm this evening (about 9 hours from when I finished)...the sealer is not supposed to get wet for 12 hours after applying...*sigh*. If I wake up to a gray patio tomorrow morning (or worse...hail chicken-pox marks all over it) you'll be hearing my screams from wherever you live!
Now...back to the "every five-years" job...I hate maintenance jobs that no one will ever notice you did, don't you? I've been sanding the the rust off our wrought iron patio furniture all week with a drill and a wire bit. Here's where I ground the rust off my leg (and my fading bruises from my work at the folks).
Wow, we bought some of this 22 years ago when DD was first born! I've got the first coat of spray paint on (see all the furniture out on the grass...OK, hard to see against our woods, but trust me, there are 11 chairs, a table, a bakers rack and about 10 plant holders out there). I had to take a shower between coats I couldn't stand myself...I was so covered in black spray paint (I no longer look blonde). I wonder what color the rain will turn my black furniture?!
Yes I'm a risk-taker...and I'm blonde (underneath the spray paint). Enjoy your evening...I'm praying for sun...and stay off the patio until it dries!
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15 comments:
It's beautiful! And ouch on the leg.
After all these months....you still crack me up! I want a signed copy of the book!
It looks great. I hope your bruises, etc. go away soon though!!!
You have such a pretty yard! Your leg looks awful! What did you do to yourself?
It all looks beautiful...such a great space for relaxing or a party or whatever...you're pretty amazing!
your patio looks awesome!! I have pebbles that drive me crazy. I think the only cure is to rip the whole patio out for me.
Tina
Your whole yard and patio look amazing. Thumbs down on the leg...
Ahh the second pic has a much nicer colour. And ow.. that leg looked sore.
Ouch... your leg... The wrought iron set must have been heavy. It's the problem most people encounter with wrought iron. So I got myself a wicker patio furniture set. Anyway... I hope you leg heals soon. Nasty cut. And if you can, try buying a more manageable set. It'd be a pain to see you get hurt again. God Bless.
The patio looks awesome, and I dont blame you trying to get rid of the gray. Once you have it just right you want to do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Great job! It looks amazing.
OOOH...it's so cold here in Pittsburgh! Who could do anything outside? I left my windows open in the dining room last night, left to do some shopping this morning and when I got home--all of my LINEN NAPKINS were strewn around the room (we had a cocktail party last weekend...they were still sitting there!). Must have been a might wind!
Love your patio/outdoor project! I am so behind on everything here....still waiting for the final fix-ups from the storm damage (not MY problem...ha!ha!).
Yes, let's meet--for sure. I'm in the South Hills (work in Oakland).....let's make a plan!
As for the sorority thing---yes, my girl is a DZ. Funny thing--when I was in college all the DZ's were blonde.....is that what you are?
If you are a DZ....I know what your tattoo is!
LOL!
Judi
What a beautiful garden. You work SO hard your energy amazes me. I hope its a losing weight thing and that I get that creative when I have lost weight (sighs)Fingers crossed for the weather sweetie x
You are so awesome to take these projects on yourself. I can't even imagine.
It's BEAUTIFUL!! I LOVE the sheen and the color! I hope it still looks so good!
Awww... that must have hurt. Anyway it'd be wise to start with a couple of pieces first, a three-piece set would be ideal. Got a wicker set first, then I just kept adding pieces. I got all the furniture pieces I have on an online sale from http://www.patiosetsmart.com/. They've got really good designs and sturdy furniture. Truly, an amazing value for money.
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