Since I use my blog so seldom but do email many people with pictures of our house projects this is now house project central.
Quick rundown of this month's project: Staining the back patio.
Clean concrete, choose stain color, choose second stain color because the first is too light, apply second stain color with sponge roller to give it dimension, seal patio with glossy sealer. This took only two weekends. If it wasn't for the dry-time required it could have been completed in a day.
Things I've learned:
Nothing turns out like the pamphlet pictures. Ever.
The guy who built my house cut major corners.
My grass never survives the summer, no matter how hard I try.
Fiona insists on thwarting my healthy-grass efforts.
Even if you try not to, you will still get the stain on the house.
Here are pictures of the progression. I also spray painted my patio furniture. Pretty.
"New" willow furniture, brand new cushions. Can't wait to actually use them. I've since planted the planters and painted the red chairs and the willow furniture black.
Clean concrete ready to stain!
Stain applied, wind-blown and not consistent.
The second color, applied with sponge brush.
Finally, all done! Painted furniture, glossy sealer, potted plants, clean BBQ. Awesome. Come on over everyone!
