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Contributors: Kim Palmer, Lynn Underwood, Connie Nelson, Kim Ode and Nicole Hvidsten.
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Finding your favorite DIY tools
Posted by: under Home Improvement Updated: November 19, 2009 - 10:11 AM
Most DIYers have discovered that getting the right tool for the right project makes a huge difference in time spent wisely - or spinning your wheels.
Before I start an interior paint job, I make sure we have these two items: FrogTape (made by Inspired Technologies in Le Sueur, Minn.) and Dap DryDex dry-time indicator spackling compound.
The Frog tape is a pro-level tape that resists bleeding and tearing and leaves crisp edges when pulled off the wall surface. It claims to have a 21-day interior clean release, meaning you can leave it on the wall for a LONG time. At home, we left it on for 3 or 4 days and it pulled off just fine. It had very minimal bleeding, too. It costs more (around $5.99/60 yards), but worth it. Locally, it can be found at Lowe's and many independent hardware stores. Read more about it here.
My husband found a similar type of contractor tape made in Canada, Painter's Mate Green, but we have not tried it yet. It claims to have an 8-day clean removal. I'll report back on this tape in a future post. Find more information about this tape here.
The second product I love is Dap DryDex spackle (http://www.dap.com/, around $4.50/1 pint). It's simply more fun to use
because it goes on pink and dries to a white color to indicate when it's time to sand and start the primer. When I'm working on a large room, this helps me keep track of the wall prep order.
What are your must-have tools and supplies? Share your tips with us.
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