Month: August 2015

How to Update Your Brass Bathroom Hardware to Trendy Bronze

DIY Shower DoorsWhen it comes to making updates to your home, kitchens and bathrooms are usually two of the biggest projects that bring the most return on your investment. It may be, in part, because those are the two places where we end up spending most of our time. And of course, you want to feel comfortable, and be able to relax in those rooms. When you walk into an outdated bathroom, it’s hard to relax. You find yourself thinking about all the changes you want to make and end up avoiding the room. Your bathroom should be a serene escape from the outside world.

One of the biggest outdated trends we see is brassy hardware. Of course, updating all your old brassy hardware in one full sweep is not cheap. Luckily, there is a cheap, do-it-yourself alternative that will instantly update your bathroom. It’s also a very easy DIY project. Here’s how to get started updating your bathroom now:

Gather Your Bathroom-Updating Supplies

To start, make sure you account for all of the items you plan on updating. Once you have an inventory, go to your local hardware or craft store and purchase enough cans of Rustoleum oil rubbed bronze spray paint as well as a bottle of brown paint primer. Also have a smooth grit sanding block on hand .

Related Read: How to Clean Shower Door Tracks

Spray Paint Your Hardware the Right Way

  • Start by using painters tape and newspaper or a tarp to cover your glass shower doors so that only the brass hardware is visible.

  • From there, start sanding all of the surfaces that you want to paint. The smoother it’s sanded down, the better the paint will turn out, and the longer it will last.

  • Next, paint one to two coats of primer depending on how well the first coat spreads.

  • Now it’s time to apply the spray paint. Carefully spray paint the brass hardware. It should take two to three coats.

  • Now, let the newly painted shower hardware dry completely before you remove the painters tape or use the shower.

You can also use these same steps to update other brass hardware throughout the rest of your bathroom and home. If it is possible, remove those items from their place, and follow these steps outside or in a well-ventilated place. If you are updating a light fixture or something else that has screws in it, make sure not to miss the screws that hold it in place. You’ll want to sand, prime, and paint those too.

Call Janssen Glass & Door at (913) 677-5727 to update your bathroom further with brand new heavy glass shower doors, or custom mirrors. We’re always on the cutting edge of glass and mirror design.

Aging-In-Place Bathrooms: Tips for Converting

Age-In-Place BathroomsRemodeling bathrooms in your home isn’t always just about getting rid of that dreaded bathroom tile from the 60’s. Sometimes bathroom remodels are all about functionality. Homeowners that are looking to stay in their home for the long haul, or are expecting to have a parent move in with them as they age, often look for ways to make at least one bathroom in their home more accessible. But just because you might want a more functional bathroom, doesn’t mean it has to look and feel like a hospital bathroom. Here are a few things to add to aging-in-place bathrooms that won’t make you sacrifice anything.

Zero Entry Showers

These showers are basically standing showers that are curbless. They allow you to simply walk, or roll into it. These are becoming more popular, as traditional bathtubs and standing showers pose a higher safety risk when getting in or out. Zero entry showers usually have a slight and hardly noticeable slope towards the drain that contains the water and keeps it from flowing all over the bathroom floor.

While zero entry shower doors are the safest and easiest bathing options, they can also be quite beautiful. You can still install a heavy glass shower door to complete the look, or if you’re worried about having to open a door, install a stationary heavy glass slab, that still gives the illusion of some closure, but leaves open space for a wheelchair to roll right on in.

Shower Stool

When installing a zero entry shower, it’s also a safe bet to install a shower stool or bench. These can be very helpful, and ensure more safety while bathing. If you don’t want to install a built-in bench, you can usually buy wood benches at home improvement stores that will serve the same purpose.

Related Read: Types of Glass for Your Shower Doors

Removable Showerhead

Instead of a traditional shower head, install a removable one. Many removable options are just as good, or better than their stationary counterparts these days. Removable shower heads give you more freedom in the shower, which is very important for those in need of more accessibility.

Handrails

Another option to consider installing in your aging-in-place bathrooms is handrails. These can come in handy both inside of your zero entry shower, as well as near the toilet. Hand rails  allow those with less mobility to do more for themselves without the fear of injury.

For help making your aging-in-place bathroom a reality, call the shower door experts in Kansas City at Janssen Glass & Door. You can reach us at (913) 677-5727.