Month: February 2016

How to Spruce Up Any Old Coffee Table

coffee-table-do-it-yourselfA coffee table is a must for most living rooms and family rooms, but do you really need to break the bank when choosing one? Not with Janssen Glass’ tips for sprucing up your old coffee table! Below are the must-haves that we would add to your standard wood coffee table.

Paint Your Table

First things first, you will want to paint your coffee table. Follow these simple steps:

 

  • Remove Old Paint: If you’re using an old coffee table with existing paint, you should first remove the old paint so that the wood is exposed. We recommend using paint stripper with a putty knife.
  • Remove Stain/Finish: If your coffee table was originally stained then you will need to use a different method to expose the wood. We recommend sanding by hand with an 80 – 100 grit paper. The higher the grit of the paper, the smoother the wood will be.
  • Prime: If you’re using a table that isn’t wood, you will want to first prime it. We recommend using the same method to apply primer that you are using to paint the table.
  • Paint: Now it’s time to apply the paint! Some paints require multiple coats, so testing on a scrap piece of wood beforehand will give you a good indication of what to expect. Trending today: chalk paint, grays, and whites.

Add a Glass Top

Being a glass company, we believe that glass makes anything more elegant. To really spruce up your coffee table, have a custom glass top made for it. Not sure how to do that? Use this step-by-step guide from the Janssen Glass team.

Style Your Table

Lastly, you will want to style your table. Using magazines and candles or drink trays and plants, there are numerous ways to style your table. Try these tips from Good Housekeeping.

Voila! Your coffee table has now gone from drab to fab. Looking for more helpful tips? Stay up to date with Janssen Glass’ Tips & Tricks for Homeowners.

Moving with Mirrors: Getting Your Mirror Moving Day Ready

glass-moving-tipsWhen relocating to a new home, there are a number of different items and personal belongings to pack during the process of loading up your old home. One of the main challenges that comes with moving is transporting a mirror or glass without breaking it. To ensure that the product is protected and stays intact, the Janssen Glass team wanted to share a few important tips to follow to prevent it from shattering.

Step 1: Masking Tape & Wrapping

One of the most important steps of properly wrapping a mirror is to cut masking tape and place it in an X shape over the glass to protect it from breaking. You can also fit cardboard over the corners for added protection and to prevent scratches from developing. Then, use more cardboard to cover half an inch on the back and front of the mirror. Use thick towels or sheets on top of the cardboard and wrap it with packaging tape to secure the linens. You can also use bubble wrap after you’ve wrapped the mirror with the packing tape, which will offer extra padding on the mirror and prevent damage.

Related read: How to Turn any Frame into a Bathroom Mirror

Step 2: Styrofoam & Boxes

Styrofoam is one of the best materials to use when wrapping a mirror before moving it to protect it from shattering. This can be added on top of any towels, tape, or cardboard that is used. Additionally, you can place the mirror in a fitted box for added protection that will allow it to remain secure as it’s transported to a new location.

Tip: Label the box “fragile” to ensure that professional movers or other people in your family are aware that the item needs to be handled with care!

Step 3: The Handling

If the mirror is awkward in its shape or size, ask a friend or family member to help you move the product when lifting it into the moving truck for proper support. Use gloves to ensure that you have a good grip and that your mirror won’t slip out of your hands.

Related read: So You Broke a Mirror; How to Repurpose the Glass

When packing the mirror into a moving truck or vehicle, it’s important to avoid laying it down flat for transporting. This can cause extra pressure to be applied to the glass, from other boxes and items that are packed, possibly resulting in a shattered mirror.. Instead, place the mirror on its side and avoid packing too many items close to the product to avoid excess pressure on the item. The mirror should be easy to slide in and out, not jammed into place.

If you do happen to break a mirror or glass, no worries! Janssen Glass provides custom glass cutting services. Just give us a call, at (913) 677-5727.