ne uanadian unlampion, i uesday, Juy Ub, 200b -A3 How to finish your floors and furniture like a pro (NC)Refinishing furniture, woodwork and floors is much easier than most people imagine you just have to go about it one step at a time. According to Eric Chaimberg of Swing Paints, the coun- Ai Roses Ai Perennials try's leading manufacturer of wood finishing products, pro- fessional finishing results can be achieved if you follow sev- Ai Glass Giftware Ai Hardy Water hues eral important steps. Based on years of experience and know how, Chaimberg says the most important thing to remember is "a good start (Idadîng al Concrete Paiy Cast Iran Wo Fbregls & Cerarnc always means a good finish." And the best way to ensure a Al Potted Shade & Flowering Trees good finish is to take your time and prepare the surface (Up ta and inciuding 4Omm sizes) properly. Be sure you have all the materials you will need before you start. Here is a host of items Chaimberg says you will need prior Al Connon Premium Weed & Feed Lawn Food to beginning any project: • Bristle or foam brushes • Rags or cheese cloth Ai Garden Lanterns & Torches • Steel wool or synthetic Pads • Gloves • Drop cloth Al Indoor Containers, Baskets & Pottery Surface Preparation Set yourself up in a clean, well-lit area. For previously fin- Select Annuals (Iaciadsg Haaging Baskets, Pianters & Fiais af Annoais> ished pieces, Chaimberg recommends you use a cleaner, such as, Circa 1850 Furniture Cleaner to remove all dirt, grime, wax and polish from the wood. For tougher stains, you may want to try Circa 1850 Super DeGooper. Any repairs that need to be done such as filling nail holes or Select Concrete Statuary & Pottery dents should be completed after stripping but before sand- These Speciais Expire Jaiy 16, 2005 at 5 pe at the Gardes Centre HWY #5 ing and staining. Sanding The next step is to lightly sand the wood to provide a smooth uniform surface. "Sand enough to obtain the desired finish smoothness yet not enough to gouge the wood or sand through the veneer," Chaimberg says. Stripping closes the grain of the wood to the penetration of stain and finish. Sanding reopens the grain, evens out any discoloration that may have been left by a previous stain, and erases any scratches or blemishes in the surface. Finishing To add a protective finish to your surface, Chaimberg rec- ommends using Circa 1850 Bowling Alley Polyurethane. "Apply this clear finish to those tired old floors or that newly stripped flea market find and you'il appreciate how fast it dries," he added. "It dries so fast you can re-coat in as little as two hours. Imagine being able to apply 3 coats in just one day." Because of its non-yellowing clear formula, all you'Il see is the beauty of the wood shining through. And your wood sur- face will be protected with the same hard, durable finish used on bowling alleys. Chaimberg says Circa 1850 Bowling Alley Polyurethane is recommended for use on all interior wood surfaces; including floors, cabinets, doors, furniture, and paneling. For more information or tips on finishing visit On Ail Evergreens, Flowering Shrubs, Shade Trees and More. www.circal850.com. Save up to 30% at This Location Year Round! Waterdown & uh A t eGarden Centre (Up383 Dundas San nasc 40mm izes 7 Rh o dy e5 nrs eas WaAezdo Phase: 905.689.4631 An R ESmum FWae 905 689 3554 C. B. VANDERKRUK HOLDINGS LTD. "iJNttE. FAIiOW ST, H AURSl M. F 8 arn 8 pm Sat 8 a 5 pm Cosed Sundays select Annuals. clung Hin Bse, Patr& lsoAnus