In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, Dan shares a blend of practical tips and a pinch of well-meaning guilt to prepare for winter. The show covers a range of topics from winterizing lawn equipment and managing tight painting spaces, to the usefulness of different types of glues. Learn about common glues, their appropriate applications, and essential painting tools for cramped quarters. The episode also provides a guide on selecting the right paint for your projects, ensuring better coverage and long-term durability.

RESOURCES

• Adam Savage's Book

00:00 Introduction and Weekend Greetings

01:03 Dreams and Guilt: A Home Improvement Lesson

02:55 Winter Preparation Checklist

05:47 Painting in Tight Spaces: Tools and Tips

08:08 Essential Painting Tools for Small Spaces

12:40 More Tools and Techniques for Tight Spaces

17:14 Final Tips and Recommendations

23:30 Premium Bathroom Paint: Benjamin Moore's Aura Bath and Spa

23:52 Other Great Paint Options for Different Rooms

24:15 Weird Tool Tips for Painting

24:37 DIY Hack: Behind the Toilet Brush

26:37 Glue School: Choosing the Right Adhesive

29:12 Understanding PVA Glues: Wood Glue, Elmer's Glue, and Mod Podge

33:09 Hot Glue: Quick Fixes and Temporary Bonds

34:23 Epoxy: Strong and Versatile Adhesive

36:37 Super Glue: Small Repairs and Precautions

38:24 Contact Cement: Instant Bonds for Time-Sensitive Projects

39:54 Final Tips and Conclusion

In this after-Thanksgiving special of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, Dan Hansen dives into two key topics: decorating kids' rooms and unique Christmas gift ideas. He offers practical advice on choosing paint colors that both parents and children will love, discusses the importance of involving children in home projects to build their skills and confidence, and shares personal anecdotes.

Towards the end, Dan introduces his annual Christmas Gift Guide with unconventional but profoundly meaningful ideas, encouraging listeners to give experiences and capture family memories through video interviews.

00:00 Welcome and Thanksgiving Greetings

00:33 Introduction to the Show and Topics

03:14 Christmas Tree Decorating Confessions

05:29 Involving Kids in Home Projects

13:47 Choosing Colors for Kids' Rooms

16:39 Navigating Bold Color Choices

21:26 Monochromatic Color Schemes

23:00 Tweaking Colors for Compromise

24:01 Accent and Two-Tone Walls

25:46 Using Wallpaper for Bold Colors

28:30 DIY Murals and Research

31:18 Helping Kids Create a Vision

33:39 Annual Christmas Gift Guide

The Repcolite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, begins with host Dan Hansen discussing the week's tragic global events, including hurricanes, flooding, and unrest.

From there, , the episode takes a look at a few brush hacks from the internet that are just dumb! Don't do these things. They won't save you time and they won't make your work easier.

Additionally, plumbing expert Mark DeVisser discusses the use of PEX pipes versus copper for plumbing in homes, expressing a preference for PEX for indoor use due to efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The episode also tackles the potential dangers of chemical drain cleaners.

Finally, Dan boldly predicts Benjamin Moore's color of the year 2025 focusing on calming and nature-inspired hues, concluding with a reminder about an upcoming Festool equipment demo day.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Update

00:24 Upcoming Topics and Segments

01:19 Reflecting on Recent Events

05:49 Encouragement and Practical Advice

09:45 Transition to Regular Programming

12:07 Paintbrush Myths and Hacks

18:51 Introduction to the Studio Session

19:26 Discussing PEX Pipes: Pros and Cons

25:17 Addressing Slow Drains and Chemical Cleaners

29:09 The Importance of Proper Drain Maintenance

32:05 Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year Prediction

38:47 Conclusion and Upcoming Events

The right dishwasher detergent matters--not just for sparkly results, but also in the protection of your dishwasher and even the prevention of food poisoning!

Hailey's done the research and here are her recommendations:

1. Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Pods
2. Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets Zero
3. Finish Hard Water Detergent

Kevin Hermann from Benjamin Moore joins us to chat about ceiling paint, primers, paint and primer all-in-ones and more.

Are you ready for winter?? In West Michigan, we had an early snowfall that may have thrown you off your schedule. Here's our checklist to make sure you're prepared for another Michigan Winter:

• Add fuel stabilizer to your lawnmowers
• Remove the mower batteries or put on a trickle charger
• Put battery-powered lawn equipment batteries inside but NOT on charger!
• Is your snowblower ready?
• Are your gutters cleaned out?
• and more....

Whenever we do a repaint of a room, it's good practice to throw a coat of paint on the ceilings first, to freshen them up! But many of us (Dan and Hailey included) don't do that! Here's why it's a good idea....

Christmas is rapidly approaching! And while that fills many of us with excitement and anticipation, there are many families in our community who will struggle! Angel Tree is a ministry run by the Salvation Army that allows us to help make Christmas just a bit brighter for kids in our area.

It's a great opportunity for us to get involved and help someone in a very tangible way. Find an Angel Tree donation site, grab a tag from the tree, buy an appropriate gift and return it unwrapped! The Salvation Army will make sure it gets delivered to a child or teen in need before Christmas!

We've got Angel Trees at 4 different RepcoLite locations:

• 473 W. 17th Street in Holland
• 860 84th Street SW, Suite 2 in Byron Center
• 2840 Broadmoor Ave SE in Grand Rapids
• 912 Fulton St SE in Grand Rapids

You can find other locations as well as gift ideas here!

When an appliance quits working, it's frustrating. It's concerning. It's inconvenient. And it's usually expensive. Happily as DIYers, there are a number of appliance fixes we can implement on our own--for very little money. Today we talk about dryers and 5 of the main reasons yours may not be working right now.

Start Troubleshooting with the Simple Stuff

• Is it plugged in?
• Did the breaker trip?
• Is it just overloaded with clothes?
• Is an obstruction preventing the drum from spinning?
• Is the door closed firmly?

Common Problem 1: Is the Door Switch Working?

Once you know the simple stuff isn't the problem, you need to dig deeper. One place to look that could be a cause of the problem is the door switch. Every dryer has one--it's a little lever or button that's visible when you open the door.

• Is it physically broken? Sometimes the tab/lever breaks off and will no longer catch when the door closes. Replacing it is easy!
• If it's not physically broken, it still could be faulty or defective. Look online and determine how to access your door switch and test with a multi-meter.
• **IMPORTANT: If the door switch isn't physically broken, before I took the dryer apart to test the switch, I'd instead pop the bottom access panel off and check for a broken belt (Common Problem 2 below).

Common Problem 2: Is the Drive Belt Broken?

Another common problem is the drive belt. You access this by removing the lower access panel on the dryer and finding the belt that loops over the drum, around an idler pulley and then to the motor.

• In many dryers, the idler pulley is on a lever switch.
• When the belt is in place and taut, the switch is engaged and the machine works.
• When the belt is broken, the switch is disengaged and nothing happens.

Common Problem 3: Is the Thermal Fuse Tripped?

Another common problem is the thermal fuse. Since the 80's, these are installed on dryers as a safety mechanisms to prevent fires. If the dryer is overheating, the thermal fuse trips and shuts off power. It's not a device that can be reset--it needs to be replaced. Happily, it's inexpensive.

• Consult your owner's manual or search for your model online to find the location of the thermal fuse.
• With the machine unplugged, remove the two wire leads and test the fuse with a multi-meter.
• If it's not working, it has to be replaced.

Common Problem 4: Is the On/Off Button Defective?

A last common (and simple) reason your dryer could quit working is a faulty or defective switch....

Today's a HUGE day! We cover a cool project, talk about some great board games, and finally (and more importantly) launch our big Christmas Scavenger Hunt for 2022!

Watch on YouTube

An interesting project that's making the rounds on the internet is turning your subfloor into a finished floor by painting it. Is it a good idea? Or is it one of those really ridiculous internet projects? We talk pros and cons--you decide!

Watch on YouTube

We're joined in the studio by Bob Troszok, Manager of RepcoLite's Plainfield Avenue location and host of The Board Game Shenanigans Podcast. In this segment we talk about Bob's favorite paint project of all time and how much he's grown and learned as a painter. The bottom line is simple: nobody starts as an expert. But you're never going to get good at anything unless you jump in!

Watch on YouTube

Bob Troszok, host of The Board Game Shenanigans Podcast joins us to talk about his top recommendations. Whether you're looking for a party game, or a great gift, Bob's got you covered!

• Learn more about The Board Game Shenanigans Podcast

Watch on YouTube

It's time to launch our big Christmas contest for 2022! We've got all the info and a HINT that can help you get your first entry!

• Learn more about the contest here!

It's time for our annual gift guide: a time-honored classic! In this episode, we discuss Dan-and-Hailey-approved Christmas gifts. If you're looking for something that's a step above the usual, check out our guide!

We'll also dig into the 5 D's of Home Staging with home staging expert, Natalie Kaman from At Home Design and Staging!

Watch on YouTube

Buying gifts can be tough! It's difficult to find something unique, intriguing, or interesting. We've got a few recommendations that are definitely "off the beaten path!"

THE LITTLE BOOK OF HYGGE

Hygge has been described as everything from "the art of creating intimacy", "cosines of the soul", "the absence of annoyance" to "taking pleasure from the presence of soothing things", "cozy togetherness" and "the pursuit of everyday pleasures".

This book is for anyone wanting to slow down a bit and find more joy in the simple things!

STAR WARS -- SHAKESPEAREAN EDITIONS

Dan stumbled into these books by accident. They are renditions of Star Wars movies we all know and love, but done with a Shakespearean twist! Each book is written as a play in Shakespearean meter and language. His entire family has had tons of fun sitting around the kitchen table, taking roles, and play-acting some of their favorite movies. It's a great introduction to Shakespeare (even though it's NOT Shakespeare), and it's a great opportunity to break out the voice-actor inside each of us! Check them out! You'll thank us later.

FAMILY PASSES to the BLANDFORD NATURE CENTER

There's so much going on at the Blandford Nature Center, it's tough to say it in just a few sentences. They've got trails to walk, but so much more! With everything from various classes and workshops to a community-supported farm, they're definitely worth checking out! A family membership may be the perfect gift for someone looking to spend a little more time away from a screen....

DAN'S TOP GUN CHRISTMAS

OK. Dan finally saw Top Gun: Maverick and he was over-the-moon excited. Having just received his motorcycle endorsement, all he needs to fully embrace the supreme coolness of the movie, is to get a pilot's license. That's surely no small feat. And so he wrote it off as something that just isn't to be.

And then he discovered the concept of Discovery Flights! A number of piloting schools in our area (Lavion Aero in Zeeland and West Michigan Flight Academy in Sparta, for example) offer an opportunity to fly a plane!

Ranging from $99 to $170 (and up), you can purchase a gift certificate for one of these flights. The lucky person who gets it will do everything from taking part in a pre-flight check, to taxiing down the runway, to actually flying the plane, and bringing it in for a landing. All with close supervision, of course! But it's still a great way to see if piloting is for you. AND, it's definitely a once-in-a-lifetime Christmas gift!

It's been a monumental week. And it all started with a very lucrative offer from Keanu Reeves....

The Holidays are rapidly approaching. And with them . . . come the scammers! Every year, these people crawl out of the woodwork with schemes and tricks, hoping to harvest information from the unsuspecting. Don't fall for it! We'll talk about a few common scams and what you can do to keep yourself and your loved ones safe!

The housing market has been all over the place throughout the year. We started with a crazy seller's market and now, the year is ending with the advantage swinging toward the buyers! We sit down with Ginger Herman from Sue Prins Group Five-Star Real Estate Leaders to get the scoop. Whether you're a buyer or a seller (or both), this segment is crammed with great info!

Dan and Hailey have tackled a LOT of home projects. But in all of that work over all of those years, which project stands out for each of them as their favorite? And why?

Fall is settling in and that means a couple things for sure: the end of Daylight Saving Time for the year and a potential invasion of mice into our homes as they look for warmer digs.

We take a rambling and energetic look at select moments from the history of Daylight Saving Time. Our focus is to figure out who we can blame for it. We turn up a couple likely culprits, but find that the evidence doesn't point their direction. Fortunately, we're able to uncover the main guilty party for DST in the U.S.

The mice are coming! Fall is digging in and that means mice and other pests will be looking for warm places to spend the winter. Is your home going to be a mouse resort? Hopefully not! But, if you do happen to find mice in your walls and running around the edges of your rooms, you need to know how to get rid of them quickly. We go through 8 tips (and a bonus tip that starts the next segment as well) that will help you deal with them if they invade your space!

We start this segment with a bonus mouse-trapping tip and then give away the prizes for our big contest that has been running since the middle of October!

We cover everything from tips for the workshop to laundry room mistakes that we all should correct!

We’ve all seen the little swirls left behind from an orbital sander. Seeing those is a huge bummer because they show through the finish, whether that’s polyurethane, stain or paint. The good news, It’s not Sanders' fault! Swirling scratches happen because we are using the sander incorrectly. Learn all about common mistakes and how to avoid them in this segment.

TOP TIPS For Eliminating Swirls (Pig Tails) When Using Orbital Sander

Start Right

• Hold the sander
• Place it flatly on the surface to be sanded and then power it on
• When it is on the surface, with slight hand pressure, the disc spins at a much more controlled rates
• When it is in the air, it spins very quickly
• Setting it down while it’s moving at that speed can cause skips, gouges, etc. when it contacts your wood
• Also, you may not set it down evenly

Correct Speed, Keep it Flat, and Use the Right Pressure

• CORRECT SPEED IS IMPORTANT!
• Often swirls happen because we move too fast
• We go back and forth quickly
• Instead, sand with the grain at a SLOW and STEADY PACE!
• Especially as you near the final sand
• Rule of thumb: 1” per second
• KEEP IT FLAT
• Sometimes we tilt the sander
• Try to angle it in to put more pressure on certain areas
• Very likely to gouge the piece or create swirls (or both)
• Instead . . . keep it even! Nice and flat on the surface
• USE THE RIGHT PRESSURE
• Let the sander do the work!
• Don’t get overly aggressive!
• Light pressure–just enough for guidance and control
• Don’t bog down the motor!
• If you hear the motor slow
• Too much pressure!
• Will result in swirls
• Instead, let it work itself over the surface

Work Through Your Grits

• Common Mistake
• There isn’t a one-size-fits-all grit usually!
• Instead, start low–with a coarser grit
• And move your way through the different grits until you finish
• Let the various grits each do their job and then move to the next one!
• Don’t skip grits trying to save time – or, if you do, don’t skip more than one
• SO, to make it clear:
• Start with an 80 or 100 grit to remove the finish on a piece
• Then, move to 120 grit, then 150 grit, then 180, and finally 220 or higher if necessary
• Yes, that means you’ll have to amass extra sanding discs
• But, it will produce beautiful flawless results!

Dust Extraction and Dust Removal

• Dust from your sanding can get trapped beneath the discs, creating swirls
• Remove it!
• Attach a shop-vac attachment to your sander
• To remove dust as you go
• Also! Be sure to remove dust in between grits
• When you change sandpapers
• Take time to remove the dust from the surface
• Wipe with a soft bristled brush
• Blow off with an air hose
• Vacuum off

Stop Right

• It’s important to start right
• With the sander evenly on the surface
• With light handpressure
• Before turning on . . . .
• Also important to stop right!
• Stopping while the sander is spinning on your surface is like slamming the brakes on your car
• The tire marks in this instance are the swirls you leave behind
• So lift the sander off the surface before hitting the power button!
• Think of it this way:
• Start ON, Stop OFF

Double Check

• Old maxim–measure twice, cut once
• Same idea applies here!
• Nothing more frustrating than applying your stain
• Only to...

We start in the workshop, head to the bathroom, and then wrap things up talking about how you could win a $1000 Home Improvement Prize Package! It's a full day!

Dan and Hailey discuss all the ways to keep your tape measure accurate. Have you calibrated your tape measure recently? Find out how!

• Listen to Episode 047: Tape Measure Tricks!

Dan and Hailey are Joined by Interior Designer and professor Andy Yates to discuss the daunting task of remodeling a bathroom. From planning to installation, Andy has perfected the process so you can avoid common mistakes.

Dan and Hailey launch phase two of our Giant Paint Giveaway! This time there are multiple $1,000 Home Improvement Prize Packages to win!! Find out how to enter!

• Check out the before and after pictures and vote!

Benjamin Moore just released their Color of the Year for 2023 and it's a doozy! We cover that topic in detail and we also highlight some ridiculously cheap paint tools that work remarkably well. In non-paint-related news, we sit down with Nick Sargent from Johnson Carpet One in Grandville to talk about all sorts of flooring and countertop materials and trends. It's definitely a full day!

WATCH THIS SEGMENT ON YOUTUBE!

These small inexpensive tools can have an incredible impact on your next paint project!

WATCH THIS SEGMENT ON YOUTUBE

We are joined in the studio with Nick Sargent from Johnson Carpet One to discuss the wide variety of products they offer. Plus we will discuss inexpensive options and trends in flooring, countertops and tile!

WATCH THE FULL 18-Minute VERSION ON YOUTUBE

The very bold, 2023 color trends palette by Benjamin Moore is sure to invite strong opinions. Dan and Hailey have a very candid conversation about the recently announced 2023 color of the year.

We cover a wide range of topics! We all know technology has rapidly advanced over the last 10 years . . . but is every advancement REALLY an advancement? Also, if you are getting ready to snag some pumpkins for carving or for your outdoor fall decorating, we've got some tips to keep them looking great longer.

Another question that comes up this time of year involves our decks: is there still time to stain them before we head into winter? Is there any reason to consider that project now? We'll discuss it with painting professional Dean Veltman. And finally, we'll focus on what seems like a silly, throw-away-tool. But could there be some value to it?

What will they think of next? Dan and Hailey discuss all that a smart toilet can offer. 

• Kohler Smart Toilets

The first weekend in October Hailey always rushes out to get pumpkins so she can start decorating for fall and she almost always regrets it. Determined to make this year's pumpkins last longer, Hailey has found the best ways to preserve both carved and uncarved pumpkins.

Dan and Hailey are Joined by Painter, Dean Veltman to discuss common pitfalls when staining a deck, realistic expectations for deck stains plus best practices for staining your deck during the fall.

It may sound like a silly tool to add to the collection but in a pinch the universal socket can be a life saver!

• Universal Socket Tool

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, we cover everything from masking tape to design questions to MERV ratings.

When choosing tape for a paint project, the options range from basic brown masking tape to more expensive products like blue painter's tape and FrogTape. The basic brown masking tape is affordable but often allows paint to bleed under the tape, making it unsuitable for precise masking. 

Blue painter's tape is a middle-tier option that performs well if properly applied by pressing the edges firmly, preventing most bleed. 

FrogTape, the most expensive option, uses paint-block technology, which reacts with water-based paints to create a seal and prevent the paint from bleeding through even without extra pressure on the edges. Specialty tapes for delicate surfaces like wallpaper and freshly painted walls are also available. 

In this segment, I talk about the Festool products we carry, explain their benefits and strengths (very briefly--focusing specifically on dust extraction). I wrap it up mentioning Byron Center's upcoming Demo Day on October 8.

In this segment, I interview Andy Yates from Andy Yates Design, answering questions from listeners about design dilemmas.

• Question 1: Megan from Grand Rapids asks about using a dark charcoal color in her son's small bedroom, including the ceiling. While Megan worries it will make the room feel boxed in, Andy explains that dark colors can actually make a space feel more expansive by receding, but suggests balancing it with lighter elements like bedding, drapes, and lighting.
• Question 2: An anonymous listener asks for advice on dealing with a green color her husband chose for their family room that she dislikes. Andy suggests sampling the paint on the wall and discussing it over time without using negative language. He also offers the idea of hiring a designer for neutral guidance.

On this segment, we talk about furnace filters and their impact on your HVAC system. We discuss the importance of regularly changing furnace filters to maintain the longevity of an HVAC system. But we focus mainly on how higher-rated filters (with a higher MERV rating) trap more dust, but can also end up restricting airflow, potentially harming your system and reducing air quality. 

00:00 Welcome and Weekend Plans

01:15 Upcoming Show Highlights

03:00 Windshield Wiper Woes

07:18 The Great Tape Debate

13:45 Festool Sanders and Dust Extraction

18:40 Quick Break and Upcoming Segment Teaser

19:01 Design Q&A with Andy Yates

19:21 Dark Colors in Small Rooms: A Design Dilemma

23:21 Resolving Color Disputes in Home Design

29:57 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

32:50 Understanding MERV Ratings for Furnace Filters

38:01 Show Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

Today is all about fixing problems and dealing with (and avoiding) mistakes!

Unfortunately, we have all made mistakes when choosing paint colors, the good news is there are simple ways to avoid that! We have 6 lessons that everyone can benefit from. 

Dan and Hailey are joined by Zack Krieger from Ayers Basement Systems to discuss whole home power in the event of a power outage.

Ayers Basement Systems offers more than basement  waterproofing solutions. They offer everything from concrete lifting and insulation to plumbing and electrical services!

With Father's Day only a day away, it's crunch time if you're looking for gifts. And so we decided to pool our knowledge and resources and provide you with a list of never-fail Father's Day gifts you'll be able to pick up today!

We'll also be talking about...

With only 1 shopping day left until Father's Day 2022...

Are you handy? When it comes to projects...

Curb appeal is important all the time...

Who would have thought painting your floor could leave you without hot water! We'll explain how that could happen. We'll also be talking with Lauren Figueroa about decorating with vintage finds (and how to find them). And of course, we'll be listing off the 10 winners of our paint contest and launching Phase 2!

Don't just listen! Watch the segment on YouTube!

We were made aware of an interesting painting experience that resulted in a loss of hot water! It led us on an interesting search where we discovered something we hadn't been aware of regarding water heaters.

Turns out, since 2003, most gas water heaters are equipped with a safety feature called an Flammable Vapor (FV) sensor. And when these (sometimes finicky) gadgets detect what they think are dangerous fumes, they'll shut down the whole unit.

It's a nice safety feature, but definitely something to be aware of if you've got an upcoming project in your home!

• Video on Resetting the FV sensor on a number of different gas valves

Don't just listen! Watch the segment on YouTube!

If you haven't gone searching for vintage decor, furniture, rugs, accessories for your home, you're missing out on an amazing experience! Not only can you save money, take the materials you buy home with you (rather than wait for 7 months while they're constructed) . . . but you also get to experience the "joy of the hunt!".

Interior Designer Lauren Figueroa chats with us about her article in the September/October issue of Grand Rapids Magazine.

• Turkish Rug Empire Website

Don't just listen! Watch the segment on YouTube!

We've selected winners for our Big Paint Giveaway contest and now we're ready to name names and launch Phase 2! Tune in to find out if you won . . . and even if you didn't, we'll tell you about another way you can take home a prize!

We'll be talking about (incredibly brilliant) DIY lessons that Dan learned from his recent vacation. They apply to ALL people EVERYWHERE. They are THAT good. kind of.

We'll also be talking about one of the most exciting art projects we've ever covered on the show: Cyanotype Printing. It's easy, inexpensive, and the results are incredible.

Finally . . . we unleash our biggest paint contest ever!

We are constantly learning lessons in life that can be applied to DIY projects. Whether that is learning to ask for help, knowing who NOT to ask for help or “not feeding your inner seagull” this segment has a lot to offer when it comes to ENJOYING your next DIY project.

Cyanotype prints are the perfect process. They are beautiful, inexpensive, easy and only take 15 min to make! The possibilities seem endless! We discuss how to make them and all the ways you can make beautiful home decor using this process.

• Cyanotype Chemicals on Amazon
• Cyanotype Papers on Amazon

We are excited to give 10 lucky people a $150 gift certificate for Benjamin Moore Paint from RepcoLite! Enter the giveaway by leaving a comment,  telling us what your next paint project is. Contest Ends 09/01/2022 

Want to increase your chances of winning? Follow us on Instagram & Facebook @repcolitepaints and comment on the giveaway posts. Head to https://www.repcolite.com for more details!

Summer's winding down and as we look back to our big DIY hopes and dreams in the Spring, we're feeling a little bummed about how little we actually accomplished. We'll talk about what went wrong, how to correct it, and why it's not so bad. We'll also talk about cleaning and avoiding paint spills. And finally, after a year of waiting, Hailey can finally do her toilet paper topic!

During an annual RepcoLite cookout Dan sprung into action when he noticed paint leaking from a van! We discuss how to avoid paint spills when transporting paint and the best ways to clean up a paint spill so YOU can be a paint spill hero like Dan!

We had high hopes for accomplishing projects this Summer and now that we are nearing the end…depression has set in as we realize we are nowhere near where we hoped. After commisterating, we go through a list of helpful tips on how to get back on track.

Hailey pitched a topic to Dan about a year ago and he has finally come around to the idea; What did we do before toilet paper? We go through the absolutely ridiculous list of what people used before toilet paper and it is sure to surprise you.

Choosing the wrong dining room table for your space can be a frustrating and expensive mistake! Fortunately, we've got some tips to help you make sure you get it right! We'll also be talking with Interior Designer Lauren Figueroa about a very unique Design-in-a-Day service she offers. Finally, we'll close the show out talking about paint sheens. It's not exciting stuff, but think of it this way: you could pick the right color, the best paint, use the best tools with the greatest skill . . . and still hate the end results because the sheen is wrong. We'll help you avoid that!

Dining room tables are extremely important to our home life and choosing the wrong table can have a big impact. We discuss the rules of thumb everyone needs to know before shopping for a new table.

We are joined by Interior Designer Lauren Figueroa to discuss a design service that has become a huge hit; Design in a Day! Many of us struggle when decorating our homes and yet we don't ask for help because we don’t think we can afford it. That is all changing with the flexible budget friendly option. Find out how it works and how to get the most out of it.

Lauren Figueroa

Lauren's Website

@lfdesigns.co on Instagram

Lauren's Facebook page

You can do all of the right things; find the perfect color, get the best paint and paint tools but if you don't pick the right sheen…it could still mean catastrophe. We walk you through all of the sheens and where/when you should use them.

With Father's Day only a day away, it's crunch time if you're looking for gifts. And so we decided to pool our knowledge and resources and provide you with a list of never-fail Father's Day gifts you'll be able to pick up today!

We'll also be talking about...

DIY Painting 101: Start by estimating how much paint you are going to need! Getting an accurate paint estimate / budgeting for your project can be easy once you know how much paint to buy. Just follow these steps:

1. Measure the LENGTH of each wall AND  the HEIGHT. 
2. Multiple each wall LENGTH by the ceiling HEIGHT. 
3. Add those totals together
4. Subtract square footage from windows and doors

We always recommend 2 coats which means if the room is 408sqft you will be covering 816 sqft

1 gallon will typically cover around 400 sqft. For this example you will need 2 gallons of paint 

Bring in your final number of square feet into your nearest RepcoLite Paints so we can get you the right amount of paint! 

We are surrounded by Lithium Ion Batteries. They are used in everything from phones, watches and  tools to yard equipment, electric scooters and cars. If you have seen any of these devices catch fire it can be frightening and many people wonder if they are safe…In short, yes, they are safe. However, like most things that use electricity,  there are safety precautions everyone needs to know! We are joined by Holland’s Fire Chief to learn all about Lithium Ion Batteries and Fire Safety. 

We know that your days are filled with stress so we thought we’d bring you a story that is sure to make you smile! Bunny the talking dog is an internet sensation and for good reason! Dan and Hailey discuss the possibility of communicating with pets.

• Check out Bunny on Instagram!

It's a project-focused episode this week. Hailey is converting her 100 year-old garage into an art studio and needed to degrease the concrete. She'll talk about what she used and whether or not it's a product she'd recommend.

Dan, on the other hand, took an old, rusty Bistro set that he bought over 20 years ago and restored it to "better-than-its-former-glory." He'll discuss the steps he went through and, more importantly, he'll talk about the temptation to skimp on the prep and how he overcame it!

While both of these projects are ridiculously specific . . . they are loaded with applications and ideas that will apply to many projects around the house.

-->View this segment on YouTube!<--

Hailey's 100 year-old-garage floor was covered with dark oil stains. So many, in fact, that she surmised that the garage had possibly been used for automotive work sometime in its long history.

With all those stains, she decided to go with a heavy-duty, industrial strength cleaner. And then, she read the warnings on the back of that degreaser and decided she wanted something less terrifying.

She settled on ACT Concrete Cleaner. It's pet-friendly, Hailey-friendly, and generally safe. But does it work? She'll let you know in her review!

• ACT Concrete Cleaner

-->View this segment on YouTube!<--

Years back, Dan bought a cute little cast iron bistro set. And then he set it outside and let time have its way with it. Recently, his daughter started using the rusty, spider-infested, ivy-covered set and Dan decided it was time to restore it.

It's a simple project and very specific. Yet, it was surprising how many painting lessons he relearned or remembered along the way. Most surprising is how tempting it really is to skimp on the prep work--even when you KNOW that doing so is a bad idea.

In this segment, we talk about removing rust, prepping surfaces, painting metal, and a lot of other things along the way.

If you're listening to our podcast, we'd LOVE to know! Please email us at radio@repcolite.com and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future segments.

Also, don't forget to check us out on YouTube! And if you do, please click subscribe!

Today's a bit wide-ranging when it comes to topics. The whole first half of the show is about "summer school"--about continued learning and making the most of the time we have! We start with a summer learning experience Hailey jumped into at Ox-Bow in Saugatuck. From there, Dan talks about turning 50 and some of the recent experiences he's jumped into.

Then we shift gears into an in-depth review of the Ego Zero Turn Riding Lawnmower. We know someone who has one and we get his thoughts.

Finally, we wrap up with a quick look at the new and improved Ben from Benjamin Moore. It's a great, budget-friendly paint and now, with some new technology, it's even better!

Hailey recently took an Art class at Ox-Bow Art School & Artist in Residency in Saugatuck, Michigan. We discuss the history of Ox-Bow the campus and her experience taking a printmaking class there. 

• A Vist to Ox-Bow Video
• Art on the Meadow Workshop

Dan has been joking about his midlife crisis after buying a motorcycle and approching the age of fifty. All jokes aside, though,  he has found navigating this crisis means learning new things and that is something we all need more of no matter what age. 

We have talked about EGO Lawn equipment on the show before but this time we are going big! Hear all about the EGO Zero Turn Riding Lawn Mower and how it compares to a traditional John Deere Tractor. Is it worth the money?

Benjamin Moore has recently improved their entry level paint “Ben” . We discuss those improvements and when we’d recommend choosing this product.

• Check out Ben in our online store

If you're listening to our podcast, we'd LOVE to know! Please email us at radio@repcolite.com and let us know what topics you'd like us to cover in future segments.

Also, don't forget to check us out on YouTube! And if you do, please click subscribe!

When gas is pushing $5 a gallon and groceries have become ridiculously expensive, the concept of saving money on home improvement projects is a big deal. On today's show, we talk about how you can cut corners (safely) and save money on your next paint or wallpaper project without compromising the final look!

WATCH ON YOUTUBE (and don't forget to subscribe!)

Working with the best paints money can buy is a great experience. The paint goes on better and lasts longer. Working with the best is always fun. However, we don't always have money to buy the best. And sometimes our particular project doesn't need the absolute best paint. (A spare bedroom maybe doesn't require Aura from Benjamin Moore, for example)

And so, with all that in mind, we talk about some of our favorite "budget-friendly" options and list their pros as well as some of their cons.

BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY PAINTS

• Ben from Benjamin Moore
• Carefree from RepcoLite

BEST PRICED PREMIUM PAINT

• Optima from RepcoLite

WATCH ON YOUTUBE (and don't forget to subscribe!)

When it comes to paint tools, there are certain ones that you can save money on. Sure, they may not be the best tool and there may be some limitations to how well they work, but overall, they'll perform well and at a discount.

However, there are other tools that you should absolutely never skimp on. Let's break them down:

BRUSHES. Believe it or not, brushes are actually a good place to skimp if you're hoping to save some money. Of course, there are caveats. First, I would never go to the cheapest brushes you can find. Avoid dollar store brushes like the plague. They drop bristles left and right and can make any paint project a misery. Instead, if you don't want o spend the money on the best brushes out there, go for middle of the road. Wooster SilverTip brushes are a great option. Wooster Soft Tips will work great as well.

A great brush is still far better--it applies more paint, more evenly, and lasts much longer. But a middle of the road brush can save you some money.

ROLLER COVERS. This is a place you should never skimp. Most of our projects are rolled out. That means that the roller cover is the item most responsible for how good your finished paint looks. A cheap roller cover can make a premium, top-shelf paint, look terrible on your walls. And a great cover can make a cheaper paint look better.

On top of that . . . a good cover, Like Wooster's MicroPlush Cover prices out just over $4. A cheap (garbage) roller cover could maybe price out as low as $1. So a $3 savings per cover. On average, most projects require about 2 covers. Which means you'd be compromising your finished look for a grand total savings of $6. It's absolutely not worth it!

ROLLER FRAMES. There are great roller frames out there (

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, host Dan Hansen celebrates a successful week, including a ridiculously successful shopping experience with his daughter. From there, things get serious and listeners can get insights on how to prevent and effectively clean carpet paint spills. Dan also sits down with experts to discuss trending countertop materials and answers listener questions. And finally, the show focuses on air nailers, corded, and cordless nailers, contrasting their pros and cons.

Show Rundown

00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap

00:30 Shopping Adventure with Daughter

03:48 Upcoming Show Topics

04:11 Paint Spill Prevention Tips

12:04 Dealing with Paint Spills

19:01 Countertop Questions with Village Custom Interiors

21:20 Answering Home Improvement Questions

21:44 Formica to Quartz Countertop Transition

23:38 Exploring Countertop Material Options

26:14 Pros and Cons of Countertop Materials

31:19 Trending Backsplashes for Kitchens

32:47 Choosing the Right Nailer for Your Project

38:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

We cover a lot of ground today--or, at least, we cover some very diverse ground! It all starts with a quick look at a cool project: repairing an antique frame (or at least making it better!).

From there, we take a deep dive into the Sous-Vide--a kitchen appliance that promises to save you time and help you produce the best meals you've ever made.

Finally, with all that delicious food you're likely to make with the Sous-Vide, we know the next problem you'll be dealing with are ants and other pests, coming for their piece of the feast. We've got some alternative insecticides to help you eliminate those unwanted guests!

Durham's Water Putty is an inexpensive product that covers a lot of ground. If you don't have some in your DIY arsenal, you need it!

In this segment, we talk about an antique picture frame Dan found at an antique store a couple weeks ago. The frame was relatively intricate and sadly, a bit of that detail work had broken off with age. The missing section was glaring and accounted for the cheap price on the piece.

After looking at it for months, Dan bought it planning on painting the missing section with a metallic gold color, hoping to blend it in. However, when he got home, he remembered that he had a canister of Durham's Water Putty. Durham's, among other things, can be carved and shaped once it hardens.

He went to work and after an hour or so, had puttied in the missing spots and done a fair job of carving in a close-enough representation of the pattern. It's not perfect and there's a different approach that he could have taken with the Durhams that would have worked better. But still, after a beautiful paint match, the damaged corner fades out of sight while hanging on the wall.

• Check out our video of the first segment!

Sous-Vide Chef and RepcoLite employee par excellence joins us in the studio to talk about a kitchen appliance that he's LOVED for the last 4 years: The Sous-Vide. He makes the case that the Sous-Vide helps you prepare the best-flavored food you've ever eaten . . . while at the same time making the whole preparation and cooking process simple. Is the Sous-Vide right for you?

• Here's the Sous Vide Peter was talking about on the show

Ants and other pests in the home can be a real pain in the neck! If you're dealing with that, there are some options other than your standard pesticides.

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. While living, they are responsible for producing almost 30% of our oxygen. And once dead and fossilized, they can be ground up into a fine powder that works well for filtration, polishing, and . . . bug killing.

Just sprinkle some diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home and any bugs with an exo-skeleton who crawl through it will be short for this world. Just wear a mask while applying it and you should be fine. There's a lot more to read about and here's a great place to start!

BORAX ANT KILLER

The internet abounds with recipes using...

It's the Fourth of July Weekend and so we're looking at a couple things that are uniquely American! We'll be digging into some fun facts about the 4th as well as an architectural element of our homes that is distinctly American--the front porch. Do you have one? Do you use it? Whatever situation you're in, we've got some creative solutions so you can get out there and enjoy your summer.

We'll also be talking with realtors Sue Prins and Ginger Herman about the current state of the real estate market. Do we need to be worried about another housing market crash like 2008? Sue and Ginger have some positive (and calming) news....

There's a lot we know about the Fourth of July. BUT, even more importantly, there's a lot of fun/cool stuff we don't!

For example: did you know that a teenager designed the current American flag in 1958? Yep . . . he made room and added a couple stars . . . and there you go: history was made! His name was Robert G. Heft and you can learn more by clicking here.

Another interesting fact is that 3 Presidents, who had all signed the Declaration of Independence, died on July 4. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams (both on the same day), and James Monroe 5 years later.

Moving on . . . the 4th is all about Flag Etiquette (or should be), so we were surprised to find that snippets of the original Star Spangled Banner have been sold at auctions over the years. It somehow just feels wrong...

Finally, here's a couple last facts that aren't really so surprising . . . Americans spent over 1 billion dollars on fireworks every 4th and . . . also not surprising . . . over 45,000 people visit the emergency room on this same day every year!

We're all hearing some doom and gloom coming from the media about the real estate market. They're throwing around phrases like "bubble bursting" and "housing crash" and the always popular: "just like 2008."

Is that the case? Is that really where we're at or where we're heading? Sue Prins and Ginger Herman from Sue Prins Group Five-Star Real Estate Leaders don't think so. In fact, they believe there's a bit of a silver lining to everything that's going on right now.

Sue Prins

Real Estate Professional

Sue 's Website

Front porches, whether you realize it or not, are distinctly American. They contain elements found in other cultures . . . but we've taken those concepts, melted them all together in our big melting pot, and produced a product as perfect as a fresh apple pie: the front porch.

Unfortunately, while front porches were a big part of life from the mid-1800's to just before World War II, they ended up kind of taking a back seat as indoor plumbing arrived. That moved the outhouse out of the back yard and made that area much less horrible to spend time in--as a result, those spaces became our go-to's for outdoor living. Also, air conditioning and TVs in every house brought people inside for even more time. And so the value and use of the front porch waned.

However, we think it needs to be brought back! Front porches create a vibe of leisure and community--spaces

Groceries (and everything else) are getting extremely expensive. Today, we talk briefly about some of our tried-and-true money-saving tips when it comes to stocking the pantries.

We'll also be taking a deep dive into some color theory and talk about how to choose exterior colors like a pro!

Finally . . . we need to address an elephant in the room: Dan's a hypocrite. But chances are, he's not the only one . . . .

When it comes to saving money at the grocery register, the best thing you can do is plan those meals!

Yes, it's work. No, it's not fun . . . but when you sit down and plan out the meals for the week, working out all the ingredients necessary, and then make your purchases based on that plan . . . you dramatically cut down on the unnecessary purchases. Before doing this, I was always buying one-off items that made sense as I stood in the store trying to imagine what the meals would be. But later, when they sit in my pantry, I realize they're not a meal. And they're not a part of any of the meals I actually made. They're just extra. Maybe I'll use them eventually . . . but I don't want to spend money on food I'm maybe going to use eventually.

Along these same lines, another easy way to save money is to make use of your local grocery store's online order and curbside pick-up system. If your store offers this, it's a crazy simple way to save money. I order online, arrange a time to pick up the items, and then am in and out in 5 minutes. I never set foot in the store and I'm never buying the extra add-ons that I don't really need. Yes, I sometimes miss out on some special prices, but I'll trade that for the savings on ridiculously unnecessary trinkets and gadgets that I'm currently enjoying!

Another idea that's counter to common thought on this regard is to avoid buying in bulk. I'm sure it works for some people. Maybe it works for most people. But for me, when I do it . . . all it means is that my kids eat in bulk.

The most recent example is a box of 38 granola bars. Normally we buy the box that has 10 of them in it. And it lasts a week. But recently, I found the big box. The Bulk Box. The Box of the gods. And so I snagged it, knowing that now we would have granola bars for weeks and weeks. Yes, I knew the kids might tend to want to eat them quickly, but I also knew that with a quick conversation and some reasoning, they would see that by limiting their intake, we would save money as a family.

So I put the box in the cupboard, explained the situation to the kids, and then, amidst much nodding and agreeing, we went our separate ways. Two days later the box was empty. Even I hadn't listened to myself. The lure of 38 granola bars was too enticing. I think I ate 14 of them myself.

Bottom line . . . when we have an abundance of something . . . we treat it like we're rolling in cash. That we'll never run out. And we eat it faster than when we have a smaller amount we need to stretch.

There are tons of other ways to save money. We're not experts. We know what works for us, but if you've got a system that's utterly brilliant and you'd like to share it with the world (or at least with us) please reach out: radio@repcolite.com!

Choosing colors for the exterior of your home (or for an outbuilding of any kind) is stressful! You want to get it right because it's a big area to paint and a big investment . . . but also because everyone in your neighborhood is watching to see your results.

Here is a quick look at some of the details we cover in the podcast:

COLORS WILL LOOK LIGHTER OUTSIDE. Lighting and scale dramatically affect the appearance of colors outside. Because the sun is the ultimate light source and because colors outside are usually painted on much larger areas, they end up

With Father's Day only a day away, it's crunch time if you're looking for gifts. And so we decided to pool our knowledge and resources and provide you with a list of never-fail Father's Day gifts you'll be able to pick up today!

We'll also be talking about what it takes to be "handy". A lot of us tell ourselves (and others) that we're all thumbs. That we're not mechanical. All of that. We don't believe you! You're handy. You just don't know it....

Finally, we walk you through a quick curb appeal checklist. These are some key areas of our home that are often overlooked. How does your home measure up? Tune in to find out!

With only 1 shopping day left until Father's Day 2022, we decided to put our brains to work to come up with the best, easily-attainable, Father's Day gifts for any budget! Joining us is RepcoLite's own Ryan Mullen, a new father for the third time!

The Money Bags Category

• Local Craft Beer or Liquor (Ryan's Idea)
• An Experience for Dad -- Batting Cages, A Baseball Game, A Concert, etc. (Hailey's Idea)
• A DEWALT Atomic Series Reciprocating Saw (Dan's BRILLIANT Idea)

The "I've Got No Money But Still Care" Category

• A DIY Plaster Mold of Your Child's Hand (Hailey's idea)
• A DIY Yard Golf Game (Dan's Idea)

The "I've Got SOME Money to Spend . . . But Let's Not Get Crazy" Category

• Movie Tickets for a Dad's Only Movie Event (Ryan's Idea--He's thinking the new Top Gun looks pretty good...)
• A Car Vacuum (Hailey's Idea)
• A French Press Coffee Pot (Dan's Idea)

When everyone had explained all of their recommendations, we let Ryan vote on the best gift idea. I won't tell you who he picked . . . but he couldn't have been more correct in his choice.

Are you handy? When it comes to projects or repairs around the house, do you jump in? Or do you look the other way and hope things somehow just get better?

Not long ago, I was speaking with a friend about a lawnmower repair I had to tackle. When I finished recounting the experience (there were some ups and some really exciting downs), he shook his head and said "well, you can do that because you're handy. I'm just not good at stuff like that."

That statement was remarkably eye-opening to me because I would never have thought of myself as "handy." I know other people who are handy. I'm not them. In fact, I usually think of myself as a hack. Sure, I'm a good "tryer" and a relatively quick learner, but handy? No.

And yet, here was my friend, looking at the work I'm able to accomplish, completely convinced that I'm one of the lucky ones: the few, the proud, the Handy.

Being handy is a great thing. Sure, there's the satisfaction of repairing something and the sense of pride that goes with it. But there's also the huge savings you experience when you DON'T need to bring something to a fix-it shop or hire a professional.

Well, that idea about me being handy turned into a great conversation. Hailey and I dig into what it takes to be handy. And really, we come to the conclusion that we're all probably handy. Some of us just don't realize it.

Where do you fall in the mix? Listen to the conversation and let us know what you think! You can email comments to radio@repcolite.com. We'd love to chat about this topic! It's one of our favorite concepts.

SEGMENT 1: The Butter Zone

Two things are accomplished--sort of--in this segment! First, if you had grubs on your yard last fall, NOW's the time to treat for them. Secondly . . . Dan has a new refrigerator and it doesn't seem to be functioning correctly. So . . . he's placed a thermometer inside. This is both a great idea and a terrible idea. We'll tell you why!

SEGMENT 2: Peel-N-Stick Wallpaper Recant

Several weeks ago, we recommended that you DO NOT use Peel-n-Stick wallpaper on a full room installation. We based that conclusion on a personal experience. However, a few weeks later, we had another personal experience and now, we've changed our minds dramatically.

REPCOLITE LOCATIONS THAT CARRY WALLPAPER BOOKS

• 17th Street RepcoLite in Holland
• Lakewood Blvd. RepcoLite in Holland
• Byron Center RepcoLite
• Plainfield Ave RepcoLite in Grand Rapids
• Fulton Street RepcoLite in Grand Rapids
• Kalamazoo RepcoLite

Find ALL of our locations here!

SEGMENT 3: EGO Yard Equipment Revisited

A year ago or so, Hailey and I both jumped into EGO battery-powered lawn equipment. And initially, we LOVED it. However . . . it's been a year. How do we feel about it all now?

Learn more about EGO here!

SEGMENT 4: The Saugatuck Antique Pavilion

We LOVE to highlight area businesses that stand out! The Saugatuck Antique Pavilion is another one. If you love shopping for antiques and haven't been here . . . it's time to plan a day trip.

Learn more about the Saugatuck Antique Pavilion here!

Today's show is basically the presentation we gave on June 1 and 2 at the Sunnybrook Country Club in Grandville. It's a yearly event that RepcoLite hosts and Hailey and I called this one: Down the Rabbit Hole

SEGMENT 1: Meet Our Guides

In this first segment, we introduce you to the topic and also to our guides:

• Elizabeth Gilbert
• Frank Gehry
• David Lynch

SEGMENT 2: Recognizing Fear

One of the key requirements to living creatively is learning to recognize fear.

SEGMENT 3: Being Curious

Another key trait of creative people is that they are constantly curious! Get out there, ask questions, stop "knowing" so much and be a detective!

SEGMENT 4: Taking Time to Daydream

A third train of creative people is that they take time to daydream . . . to let their mind rest . . . or to "play and experiment with reality."

SEGMENT 1: The Field Guide

It's a simple thing . . . but it can bring about a lot of fun for the whole family. Pick up a field guide--for birds, wildflowers, trees, whatever--and turn your outdoor time into a great family scavenger hunt of sorts!

SEGMENT 2: Aura Reformulated

Benjamin Moore's Aura is the best paint they've ever made. AND, it just got better! We sit down with Benjamin Moore's Kevin Hermann to talk about what improvements have been made and what you can expect from this premium product moving forward.

SEGMENTS 3 and 4: A Trip Down the Rabbit Hole

RepcoLite and Benjamin Moore are hosting "Down the Rabbit Hole" coming up on June 1. It's a deep dive into some creative pioneers and we'll talk about what it is they do that helps them continually find new ideas. In these segments, we talk specifically about what Hailey and Dan each have personally learned in the process of preparing the event.

You can learn more about Down the Rabbit Hole here!

SEGMENT 1: TICKS

It's already tick season! They're gross and their annoying and dangerous . . . but you can avoid them. As long as you've got the right info!

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: Common Paint Questions

At RepcoLite.com we have a chat function--like most websites. However, ours is manned entirely by one guy who's always ready with an answer! Peter Ogle runs the chat from 8 AM to 9 PM every weekday and he will go to ridiculous lengths to help customers get the answers they need. Today we talk with Peter about a few of the most common questions he gets. And, he regals us with a story of his most epic chat.

SEGMENT 4: Down the Rabbit Hole

Coming up on June 1, RepcoLite is hosting our premier yearly event: Down the Rabbit Hole: Finding, and being found by, the next new idea. It's all about creativity and learning how to reignite and recharge your own! And, it's also about free wine and desserts! If you're in the area and would like to join us, you can learn more and secure your tickets here!

SEGMENT 1: Stain or Paint?

We received a great question from a listener regarding some cedar columns outside his home. They're bare wood and he wants them white . . . what's the process, and what products should he be using: Solid Color Stain or Paint?

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: 8 Steps to Staying on Budget for Your Next Project

Andy Yates from Andy Yates Design joins us to discuss 8 ways to stay on budget. With supply shortages and rising prices, this is critical info if you're starting, or thinking about starting, a home renovation or a new build!

SEGMENT 4: Hailey's New Best Friend, Lomi

Hailey has replaced her inner circle of friends with a new favorite: an appliance named Lomi. Lomi is a countertop composter . . . and Hailey adores it.

• Check out Lomi for yourself!

SEGMENT 1: Lead Paint Dilemma

Hailey's older home has some peeling paint and is in need of some work. However . . . the whole project took a turn when she discovered that the existing paint is lead based. We discuss what the project looks like now and all the things you need to know if you're in the same situation.

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: Beekeeping 101

Recently Hailey started considering a new hobby: beekeeping! To get her feet underneath her she attended a meeting hosted by the Grand Rapids Bee Club and was blown away by all the info presented.

SEGMENT 4: Steel Door Facelift

A listener posted a question regarding her front door--a steel door with badly peeling paint. She wanted to know what she needs to do to get it looking great again! It's a terrific project with a big payoff and we cover all the bases....

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, Dan revisits the topic of raised bed gardening and shares a humorous update about an overwhelming success with tomato plants.

The episode features guest Ali Bryde from Mustard Seed Beginnings discussing her detailed journey of a challenging wood floor refinishing project, offering insights and personal anecdotes about the process.

Dan also provides valuable tips and guidelines for painting in the fall, addressing temperature concerns, product recommendations like Benjamin Moore's Element Guard, and the importance of timing and weather conditions for successful exterior painting.

00:00 Introduction and Raised Garden Bed Update

02:00 Upcoming Show Topics

02:37 The Paint Point: Finding Beauty

09:05 Ali Bryde's Wood Floor Refinishing Project

19:58 Choosing the Perfect Walnut Stain

20:29 Sampling and Testing the Stain

21:43 The Staining Process

23:05 Dealing with Setbacks

24:17 Applying the Finish

28:31 Living Through the Renovation

30:10 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

31:56 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion

32:59 Fall Painting Tips

Segment 1: The Glass Cleaning Miracle

Last weekend, Dan stumbled into a streak-free solution to cleaning windows. It's ridiculously simple and chemical free. Basically, you just need water and these special, microfiber rags (link below). The best news? The system really works!

• MicroFiber Glass Cleaning Rags

Segments 2 and 3: Bookshop Magic

From time to time, we highlight what we call "Gems of West Michigan"--businesses we want more and more people to know about because we think they're amazing. Well, this week, we interview Aimee Chipman, owner of the Bluestocking Bookshop in Holland to talk about the Bookshop Magic that keeps her customers coming back again and again!

Check their website for renovation updates, shopping links, and more!

• The Bluestocking Bookshop

Segment 4: Mural Cover-up

We've talked about painting murals onto your walls, but we've never really talked about painting OVER them! If you're ready to cover over a mural and get back to a single color on your wall, there are a few things you'll want to know to make sure you get great results....

SEGMENT 1: Chicken Trouble!

The chickens across the street from Hailey got out the other day. At first, it was cute. But then, she found that they had The Hunger. Before she really knew what was happening, they were running around, eating road kill, and . . . Well, she'll tell the story. We also highlight the Wooster Sherlock 9" Roller Frame which is on sale through April.

SEGMENT 2: Good Earth Tree Care

Brett Nelson from Good Earth Tree Care joins us to talk about rock climbing, pruning, tree removal, and a wide variety of ways to tell if a tree or branch is unhealthy.

SEGMENT 3: Luxury Vinyl Plank

Nick Sargent from Johnson Carpet One in Grandville joins us to talk about one of the most popular and versatile flooring products out there.

SEGMENT 4: Reviving Old Hardwood Floors

Luxury Vinyl Plank is a beautiful option for many of us, but there's still nothing like hardwood. If you've got old floors and you're interested in bringing out their natural beauty, we can help!

SEGMENT 1: How to Complete Your Spring To-Do List

We all mean well! But sometimes life just gets the best of us and we don't wrap up our projects as quickly as we wish. Today we talk about a simple method that will help you get the most important jobs cross off that to-do list!

SEGMENT 2: State of the Real Estate Market, Revisited

Last week, Sue Prins and Ginger Herman were in the studio talking about what it looks like out there for people trying to buy a home. However, there was one thing Sue wished she had clarified. Well, she's back this week to dot those "i's" and cross those "t's"!

SEGMENT 3: Budget-Friendy Ways to Transition Your Decor from Winter to Spring

Andy Yates from Andy Yates Design joins us and dishes out a number of designer tricks to easily move our homes from the cozy feel we created for winter into a more open and airy aesthetic as we head into Spring.

SEGMENT 4: Compost Tea

If you're composting, here's a tea mixture that you may be interested in!

Instructions

Tools you will need:

• 5 gallon bucket
• Mesh compost tea bag (a 5 Gallon Strainer works great!)
• Aquarium aerator
• Aquarium thermometer

Steps:

1. Put 1 large handful of compost, 1 handful of garden soil, 2 handfuls of straw, 3–5 leaves from a healthy plant into the tea bag, tie the bag tightly and submerge it in the bucket of water. 
2. Add 1 cup of  fish hydrolysate and 1 cup of seaweed extract liquids directly to the water. 
3. Place the aerator in the bucket and turn it on. 
4. Brew the tea for about 36 hours
5. Monitor the  temperature—the optimal temperature is between 68° and 72°F.
6. Compost tea should smell yeasty not like ammonia 

Using It:

1. Always use the compost tea right away--do not store it.
2. Dilute it to a 3 parts tea to 1part water ratio before spraying. 
3. Gently pouring the tea out of a watering can be better than spraying because the sprayers can actually kill the microbes you’ve been growing 
4.  Apply early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid burning leaves in the midday sun.
5. Compost tea is great for raised bed gardens! Typically you want to apply it every 14 days 

SEGMENT 1: Paint Clean Up

Spring's here and, for many of us that means Spring Cleaning . . . . So, with that in mind, we talk about some proper ways to dispose of paint tools and also answer one of the the most common questions we receive: "Do you dispose of unwanted latex paint?" The answer is "Yes!" and we've got all the details on this segment.

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: The State of Real Estate

The Real Estate market is still crazy! Maybe even crazier than it was a year ago. To get the scoop on what it looks like out there, we sit down with Sue Prins and Ginger Herman from Sue Prins Group Five Star Real Estate.

SEGMENT 4: Paint Superheroes

The supply chain is causing all kinds of shortages world wide. And, of course, this even trickles down to paint. For years now, we've spent many segments lauding all the positives of Paint Superheroes like Scuff-X and Advance from Benjamin Moore. BUT, as the ability to get those products becomes tougher, it's important to point out that there are TONS of great products out there with their own super powers. If you need an alternative to a paint product, we've got answers!

SEGMENT 1: Where's the Paint?

We sit down with Kevin Hermann from Benjamin Moore to talk about the state of the paint industry. Paint companies world-wide are struggling to some extent, to get the raw ingredients necessary to make paint. What's going on? How are things looking? And when's it going to get better?

SEGMENT 2: Carpet Trends 2022

In this segment, Nick Sargent from Johnson Carpet One in Grandville joins us to talk about what 2022 will bring in terms of carpet styles.

SEGMENT 3: Picture Rails

Dan hung some art in his living room and couldn't, for the life of him, get the pieces in the right spot. So he kept adjusting and moving them and pounding new holes in the wall. In the end, his plaster walls looked like they were they scene for a mob hit. That led him into a long internet search and he ran into an old design concept that might be worth a new look: Picture Rails.

SEGMENT 4: Avoiding Finish Regret

There are a LOT of paint finishes out there. And finding the right one for your project isn't always easy. We walk through the basics AND give away a Bluetooth Speaker to a lucky listener along the way. (And yes, for some reason, we end up referring to it all segment long as a radio. We don't know why....)

SEGMENT 1: Harald Bluetooth, Part 1

Most of us don't think twice about the technology behind some of the items we use everyday. And if we do, chances are we certainly don't think about how that technology got its name or its logo. Well, today, we look at the surprisingly old (and fun) origins of the Bluetooth name and logo. This segment is part 1.

SEGMENTS 2 & 3: Harald Bluetooth, Part 1

We sit down with Andy Yates from Andy Yates Design to discuss the design trends of 2022 and what that means for all of us. If you're interested in contacting Andy, his info is below!

• Learn more about Andy Yates Design

SEGMENT4: Harald Bluetooth, Part 2

We finish up the Bluetooth story and talk about how you can win a JBL Flip 5 Speaker just by asking a question!

See, we're looking for questions from our listeners that we can answer on the show. If you'd like to leave a question, there are a number of options!

• Ask a question on the RepcoLite Website
• Ask a question in the comments on our contest post on Facebook

OR use the coolest method and actually RECORD your question using our Telbee web app! It's easy and a lot of fun . . . AND you could end up on the show!

• Record my question with the web app!

SEGMENT 1: The Power of Pickles

Pickles and pickle juice may have some remarkable health benefits! Here are just a few!

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: Skip's Painting--An Origin Story

We sit down with Dan Schipper from Skip's Painting to talk about Aura Bath and Spa and Scuff-X from Benjamin Moore. However, along the way we end up the importance of finding satisfaction in the work we do....

SEGMENT 4: Our NEW Favorite Paint!

We knew RepcoLite's new OPTIMA was a tremendous wall paint, but we had no idea how remarkable it really is! Hailey put it to the test on a tough project in her dining room and was stunned at the workability, hide, and coverage it offered as she went from white walls, to a deep blue.

• Check out Optima here!

SEGMENT 1: Painting the Ceiling Like the Pros

Kevin Hermann from Benjamin Moore sits down with us to talk about how the pros paint ceilings!

1. Use a ceiling paint -- not just a flat wall paint!
2. Brush Cut the ENTIRE ceiling in first
3. Keep a wet edge when rolling and work across the ceiling in 4' x 4' squares
4. When you apply your second coat, roll the paint in the other direction (if you go East-West for the first coat, go North-South for the second)
5. Don't overapply your paint
6. Turn the heat down a little before you start!

Some products to consider:

• RepcoLite's Elements Ceiling Paint
• Benjamin Moore's Super Hide Zero
• Benjamin Moore's Premium Ceiling Paint (great when you are painting with a color on your ceiling).

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: Garage Heaters

Hailey has big plans to turn her garage into an art studio. Thing is . . . we live in Michigan. And that means she has to find a way to heat it in the winter and cool it in the summer. Here are some of the heaters/air conditioners she's found that might work...

SEGMENT 4: Zombie-Defying Paint Kits

Well. The whole zombie thing was just big talk. To be honest, there's not much these kits will do in that event. However, if you do a fair amount of painting at home, having a stocked set of supplies ready to go can really save your project. We explain how....

SEGMENT 1: Ironing Wood

Sure, it's an old trick . . . but we've never tried it before. This week we try to remove dents and dings from unfinished wood with water and an iron. And the results were amazing!

SEGMENT 2: Home Gym Colors

Last week we talked about creating a home gym. This week, we dig into some colors you may want to consider.

SEGMENT 3: Caulk 101

In the paint world, caulk is probably one of the least flashy topics! And yet, when it's done right, your project will look amazing. When it's done poorly (or not done at all) . . . well, the results suffer.

SEGMENT 4: Dual Flush Toilets

We received a question about Dual Flush Toilets and conversion kits. Are they worth it? Well, to get the answer, we contacted the experts at Service Professor and Mark DeVisser from Great Lakes Plumbing.

SEGMENT 1: A Skunky Valentine

What do you do when your dog is sprayed by a skunk? Break out the tomato juice? Toss her in the bathtub? Actually, the right answer involves baking soda, peroxide, and a little dishsoap--just don't leave it on the fur too long, since peroxide could bleach it! Here's the article we reference along with a tried and true recipe for de-skunkification.

In this same skunk segment, we "about-face" and transition to some Valentine's Day Trivia. Do you know why women of the middle ages ate hedgehogs? Check out the segment to find out!

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: No More Scary Basements

Basements often feel uninviting. (And that's putting it mildly). However with a little bit of work and some paint, you can take that old, block wall "dungeon", and brighten it up significantly. We talk about everything you'll need to know to get the project underway.

SEGMENT 4: Home Gym Flooring Options

In this segment, we sit down with Nick Sargent from Johnson Carpet One to discuss a wide variety of floors for your home gym--everything from heavy-duty rubber for weight lifting, to easy clean floors for yoga. You can learn more about Johnson Carpet One right here!

In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, sponsored by Benjamin Moore, Dan reflects on a renovated hotel experience that sparked thoughts on balancing modern updates with preserving old charm in both homes and hotels. The episode explores the impact of paint colors, wallpaper patterns, and furniture styles in maintaining a home's character. The show also features a detailed interview with Ken Ciezadlo, Vice President of Sales at Benjamin Moore, discussing advancements in paint technology, including the GenX colorant system and standout products like ScuffX and Regal Select. Additionally, the episode delves into the different types of air nailers, their ideal uses, and factors to consider when choosing the right nailer for various home improvement projects.

00:00 Introduction and Vacation Story

01:35 The Renovation Disappointment

04:38 The Charm of Old Homes

06:51 Tips for Renovating Older Homes

12:25 Interview with Ken Cisadlo

20:03 Industry Evolution and Challenges

20:19 Repcolite's Product Development

21:37 Exciting Product Launches

23:08 Scuff X: A Game Changer

24:45 Advancements in Paint Technology

28:46 The Importance of Independent Retailers

30:17 Future Innovations at Benjamin Moore

35:58 Choosing the Right Air Nailers

40:30 Electric and Battery-Powered Nailers

41:00 Conclusion and Sign-Off

SEGMENTS 1 and 2: The Art of Purging (the Home)

Getting our homes decluttered and organized isn't always easy. It takes work--physical and emotional! On the show today we talk about some of the reasons we all hang onto far too much stuff . . . and better, we discuss some positive steps to help you start the purge!

SEGMENTS 3 and 4: Primers 101 with Dean Veltman

We've all heard about Paint and Primer all-in-one products. Today, we sit down with professional contractor, Dean Veltman from Veltman Painting, to discuss his thoughts on those products. From there, we walk through some of his favorite primers for tough situations.

SEGMENT 1: Tool Snobbery

Hailey is a very particular person...some people might even say snob. While that may be true, one thing she is NOT a not a snob about is tools.  

• Good tools can definitely make jobs easier, safer and faster. They are absolutely necessary for professionals or serious hobbyists. 
• If you are like most DIY'ers, however, there are tools that can make a project easier but are not going to be used on a regular basis.  
• In this case we do advocate for finding entry level tools. You do not have to buy a $400 chop saw to use it 10 days out of the year. 
• Don't let tool snobbery keep you from tackling a project, just find something safe and affordable.

SEGMENTS 2 and 3: The Five Laws of Interior Design

We have come up with our own Laws of Interior Design...while we did technically make these up... they are actually really solid and will hopefully help people who struggle to get their home looking just right. 

• THE FIRST LAW: IT’S OK TO TRY TO BREAK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE ONLY TO END UP BACK IN IT. It's good to push ourselves once in a while but sometimes we try something new only to find out it's not for us. 
• THE SECOND LAW: LET THE SPACE TELL YOU WHAT IT NEEDS! Listen to the architecture of the home so your design works it with instead of against it. 
• THE THIRD LAW: IT’S OK TO GO SLOWLY! You don't have to figure out the entire design at once. Sometimes doing one color at a time is less overwhelming and can help give you real direction instead of forcing it. 
• THE FOURTH LAW: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF SAMPLING COLOR IN YOUR SPACE! Far too often people pick paint colors without sampling them. Scale, lighting and texture can change a color's appearance dramatically. It's worth the extra time to get it right and feel happy about your results. 
• THE FIFTH LAW: IF YOU’VE GOT A PAINT PROJECT ON THE HORIZON, START WORKING ON COLOR CHOICES NOW! If you are going to put these laws into practice, waiting until the last minute is not an option. Give yourself time!

Also, we mentioned that a number of RepcoLite locations have In Store Color Consultants who will do an in-home consultation should you desire that!

Here are some details:

• In store Consultations: Always Free!
• 1 Hour In Home Consultation: $85
• In-Home Consultants are at the following locations:
• 17th Street (Holland)
• Fulton Street (Grand Rapids)
• Plainfield Ave (Grand Rapids)
• Chicago Drive (Jenison)

Stop by or call any of those locations for more info!

SEGMENT 4: Our Apologies to Plastic Drop Cloths

Last week we talked about canvas drop cloths and ended up disparaging plastic drop cloths. In fact, we were drop cloth snobs. And so we wanted to give them their time in the limelight as well. There definitely are places they can be handy!

SEGMENTS 1 and 2: Organizational Skills for the New Year

Many of us aren't as organized as we'd like to be. It's a goal, sure, but getting there isn't always easy. In these two segments, we talk about a number of skills to develop that will help you on the journey. (And yes, it's a journey... Understanding that is part of the recipe for success!) Here are some of our recommendations:

• Have a place for everything and put everything in its place
• Put items away now, rather than later
• Tools
• Dishes
• Dirty clothes
• Develop a productive routine
• Open and deal with mail on a daily basis
• Have a set day for watering plants
• Wash dishes after every dinner
• Label everything!
• If you go down the road of storing items in totes . . . label them!
• And maintain those labels -- when items change, relabel
• Stay positive and remember it's a PROCESS

SEGMENT 3: Steps to Creating a Home YOU Love with Lauren Figueroa

Connect with Lauren here!

SEGMENT 4: Drop Cloths

You may think drop cloths are boring, but you'd be SO wrong! Sure they are absolutely critical to have on hand when you tackle paint projects around the home, but there's so much more you can do! Just google "drop cloth projects" and sit back!

We talk about a few of the fun things people are doing with drop cloths and highlight a sale that we've got running right now.