Paint expert Mauro Henrique takes us on a house call to tackle a somewhat controversial project. The homeowner and her husband want to update their beautifully-kept home, and they plan to paint exposed fireplace bricks—a taboo for brick purists.
After removing the surround, cleaning the bricks, and taping off the surrounding area, the two get to work brushing flat black paint onto the exposed masonry surface. The results are outstanding… and permanent!
Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor back at the shop with landscape contractor Jenn Nawada and her guest, fellow landscaper Lee Gilliam. Lee shows Kevin and Jenn some of the tools landscapers use most often, from pruners to lawnmowers. After that, Lee shows Kevin and Jenn how to maintain those tools so they work well and provide the best results.
Finally, Kevin meets up with general contractor Tom Silva to complete a unique project: a bathtub tray with a built-in wine glass holder. The two work together to build this relaxation maximizer from water-resistant zebra wood before giving it a beeswax finish.
How to Paint a Fireplace and Hearth
Paint expert Mauro Henrique helps a homeowner tackle a controversial project: painting an exposed brick fireplace.
Where to find it?
Mauro upgrades a 1920’s fireplace by painting the fireplace facing with high-heat paint.
To clean out the firebox, Mauro vacuums it out with a HEPA vac. Then, Brenna wipes down the facing with a multi-surface cleaner and clean rag. To paint the fireplace, Mauro uses a 1200-degree high heat paint in flat black. To apply the paint to the fireplace facing and hearth, Mauro uses 4” stiff bristle brushes.
Simple Guide to Outdoor Tool Maintenance
Host Kevin O’Connor and landscape contractor Jenn Nawada discuss outdoor tool maintenance with a landscaping pro.
Where to find it?
Jenn introduces landscape contractor Lee Gilliam, and together they discuss different landscape
tools and how to maintain them for Spring.
Lee explains the main differences between gas-powered and electric-powered tools.
Gas-powered tools: These are usually capable of working at a higher capacity for longer periods of time.
Better for larger properties require more maintenance to ensure the combustion engine performs at a high level, which includes changing the oil, checking spark plugs, changing the filters,..etc.
Electric-powered tools: Usually require little maintenance have less capacity and require frequent battery recharging. Better fit for properties 1 acre or less.
For electric lawnmowers, the biggest maintenance includes sharpening the mower blades. To do this, Lee will:
- Flip the machine on its side.
- Remove the fastener that holds the blades in place using a screwdriver.
- While wearing gloves (to avoid cutting himself), Lee will remove the blades
- Using a file, run the blade in the same direction until the blade is sharp again
- Slide the blades back into position and secure them to the lawnmower using the screwdriver
For string trimmer maintenance (Lee will use a gas-powered string trimmer in this demonstration):
String trimmer tune-up kits can be found in most home centers and they provide all the materials necessary for most basic maintenance on the string trimmer.
The most typical maintenance on a string trimmer includes:
- Changing the gas and air filters
- Restringing the trimmer – remove the head on the trimmer by twisting it counter-clockwise. Pull the wire out until it’s at the right length. If there’s tension or nothing comes out, it will need a new line.
For blower maintenance (Lee will show a gas-powered and electric-powered blower for this
demonstration):
It’s less of a maintenance thing, but Lee recommends checking the decibel rating of your blower. Many towns are starting to ban blowers based on decibel levels, sometimes as low as 65 decibels. If yours is too loud, it may need to be replaced.
Expert assistance is provided by Lee Gilliam and Sons Landscaping.
Build It | Bathtub Tray
General contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor build a bathtub tray complete with a cup holder for maximum relaxation.
Original Air Date: Apr 6 2023, Season 21; Ep. 17 23:42
Products and resources
- Expert assistance: Lee Gilliam and Sons Landscaping