Episodes

  • My Husband Picked a Paint Color I Detest . . . Now What?

    My Husband Picked a Paint Color I Detest . . . Now What?
    Sep 28 2024
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, we cover everything from masking tape to design questions to MERV ratings.WHICH MASKING TAPE IS RIGHT?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. FESTOOL PRODUCTS and DEMO DAYIn 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.ANDY YATES DESIGN Q&AIn 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.

    FURNACE FILTERS and MERV RATINGSOn 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. CHAPTERS00:00 Welcome and Weekend Plans01:15 Upcoming Show Highlights03:00 Windshield Wiper Woes07:18 The Great Tape Debate13:45 Festool Sanders and Dust Extraction18:40 Quick Break and Upcoming Segment Teaser19:01 Design Q&A with Andy Yates19:21 Dark Colors in Small Rooms: A Design Dilemma23:21 Resolving Color Disputes in Home Design29:57 Fall Home Maintenance Tips32:50 Understanding MERV Ratings for Furnace Filters38:01 Show Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts
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    39 mins
  • Triumphs, Paint Spills, and Countertop Insights

    Triumphs, Paint Spills, and Countertop Insights
    Sep 21 2024
    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 Rundown00:00 Introduction and Weekly Recap00:30 Shopping Adventure with Daughter03:48 Upcoming Show Topics04:11 Paint Spill Prevention Tips12:04 Dealing with Paint Spills19:01 Countertop Questions with Village Custom Interiors21:20 Answering Home Improvement Questions21:44 Formica to Quartz Countertop Transition23:38 Exploring Countertop Material Options26:14 Pros and Cons of Countertop Materials31:19 Trending Backsplashes for Kitchens32:47 Choosing the Right Nailer for Your Project38:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    39 mins
  • Making Home Beautiful: Tackling Floors and Fall Painting

    Making Home Beautiful: Tackling Floors and Fall Painting
    Sep 14 2024
    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 Update02:00 Upcoming Show Topics02:37 The Paint Point: Finding Beauty09:05 Ali Bryde's Wood Floor Refinishing Project19:58 Choosing the Perfect Walnut Stain20:29 Sampling and Testing the Stain21:43 The Staining Process23:05 Dealing with Setbacks24:17 Applying the Finish28:31 Living Through the Renovation30:10 Final Thoughts and Recommendations31:56 Upcoming Projects and Conclusion32:59 Fall Painting Tips
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    39 mins
  • Preserving Charm in Home Design & Innovations in Paint Technology

    Preserving Charm in Home Design & Innovations in Paint Technology
    Sep 7 2024
    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 Story01:35 The Renovation Disappointment04:38 The Charm of Old Homes06:51 Tips for Renovating Older Homes12:25 Interview with Ken Cisadlo20:03 Industry Evolution and Challenges20:19 Repcolite's Product Development21:37 Exciting Product Launches23:08 Scuff X: A Game Changer24:45 Advancements in Paint Technology28:46 The Importance of Independent Retailers30:17 Future Innovations at Benjamin Moore35:58 Choosing the Right Air Nailers40:30 Electric and Battery-Powered Nailers41:00 Conclusion and Sign-Off
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    41 mins
  • These Are My People; Remembering What You First Loved; Must-Have Home Improvement Tools

    These Are My People; Remembering What You First Loved; Must-Have Home Improvement Tools
    Aug 31 2024
    In this special Labor Day episode of the Repcolite Home Improvement Show, host Dan Hansen talks about family life from 2010 compared to today. He emphasizes the value of appreciating what you love about your home and suggests creating a list of these aspects to counter home renovation fatigue. The episode concludes with practical advice on essential home improvement tools, such as air compressors, nail guns, and tire inflators, highlighting their importance and utility for various projects.00:00 Labor Day Weekend Reflections02:05 Memories from Spring Break 201004:05 The Chaos of Raising Kids12:09 A Family Vacation 14 Years Later14:24 Cherishing the Moments18:46 The Toughest George Job of the Summer19:45 Refusing to Sugarcoat: Transparency in Entertainment20:13 The Final George Job of the Summer21:43 Overwhelmed by Post-Vacation Home Realities25:47 Rediscovering the Love for Your Home33:02 Essential Tools for Every Homeowner38:44 Wrapping Up: Labor Day Weekend Sale
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    39 mins
  • Tackling Home Blind Spots: From Crawl Spaces to Front Entrances

    Tackling Home Blind Spots: From Crawl Spaces to Front Entrances
    Aug 24 2024
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show sponsored by Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen talks about discovering and addressing blind spots in and around the home. From a personal adventure in a crawl space filled with spider webs to the stark realization of an unfinished bathroom, Dan highlights common areas we often overlook. The episode dives into maintaining home air quality, organizing cluttered garages, and sprucing up front entrances. Tune in to learn how to identify and fix those pesky home blind spots and make your living space more pleasant and functional.00:00 The Crawl Space Adventure04:28 Embarrassing Blind Spots10:56 Dealing with House Smells18:54 Tackling Garage Blind Spots19:15 The Importance of a Tidy Garage20:49 Assessing and Identifying Problem Areas23:11 Finding Storage Solutions24:24 Implementing Effective Organizational Systems27:17 Dealing with Large Items and Hazardous Materials30:36 Cleaning and Maintaining Garage Walls34:50 Enhancing Your Front Entrance38:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    39 mins
  • Childproof Locks and Paint Colors; Organizing Your Silverware Drawer; Peeling Paint; and Avoiding Bed Bugs

    Childproof Locks and Paint Colors; Organizing Your Silverware Drawer; Peeling Paint; and Avoiding Bed Bugs
    Aug 17 2024
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show sponsored by Benjamin Moore, host Dan Hansen shares a humorous yet insightful story about the challenges of navigating road construction and turns it into a valuable lesson on selecting paint colors. Listeners are advised to take their time and use color samples to avoid disappointing color choices at home. Dan also introduces this week's 'George Job': organizing the silverware drawer. Later, Kevin Hermann from Benjamin Moore joins Dan to answer listeners' painting questions on issues like color rub-off and peeling trim. Finally, the episode wraps up with tips on identifying and avoiding bed bugs--especially relevant during peak travel season.00:00 Introduction and Show Overview00:20 Traffic and Patience05:08 The Paint Point: Choosing the Right Color07:37 Introducing the George Job: Organizing Your Silverware Drawer09:45 Step-by-Step Guide to Organizing Your Silverware Drawer19:01 Answering Listener Questions with Kevin Herman22:31 Understanding Paint Color Encapsulation23:27 Dealing with Dark Color Surfactant Burnishing24:32 Addressing Peeling Paint on Trim26:23 Proper Preparation for Painting Trim29:02 Choosing the Right Paint for Trim30:36 Fixing Peeling Paint: Step-by-Step33:38 Preventing and Dealing with Bedbugs39:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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    39 mins
  • Don't Poison the Waterhole!; From Inspiration to Reality; Easy Siding Cleaning; PowRyte Power Washer Review

    Don't Poison the Waterhole!; From Inspiration to Reality; Easy Siding Cleaning; PowRyte Power Washer Review
    Aug 10 2024
    In this episode of the RepcoLite Home Improvement Show, host Dan Hansen shares his near-mistake during a family trip, talks about an electric power washer he recently purchased, and gives helpful tips on cleaning siding and translating online inspiration into home projects. RESOURCES:
    • PowRyte Pressure Washer

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote00:34 The Nearly Dumb Decision03:20 Show Overview and Electric Power Washer Review03:57 The Paint Point: Avoiding Contamination11:40 Turning Inspiration into Reality19:00 George Jobs: Small Projects with Big Payoffs19:31 Finding Value in Small Projects19:40 The George Washington Approach20:52 This Week's Project: Cleaning Your Siding22:18 A Surprising Transformation22:56 The Folding Chair and Coffee Project25:32 Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Siding28:26 Reviewing the Power Washer35:51 Pros and Cons of the Electric Power Washer36:48 Final Thoughts and Recommendations39:14 Wrapping Up
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    39 mins