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Homeowner Guide
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 The right tool can help complete your project quicker and easier. And, renting is great for that tool you need for a one-time project, seasonally or only occasionally.
We can help you select the right tool, as well as suggest newer, better and easier ways to get the job done quickly. We make it our business to be sure you fully understand how to operate the equipment, whether you’ve used a similar product in the past, or have never operated the equipment you’re renting. We can also suggest accessories to finish the project on time and within budget.
Here are a few examples of homeowner projects that can be easily accomplished with the proper rental tools:
 FLOOR SANDING
There are three phases of sanding: rough sanding, preparatory sanding and finish sanding. Rough sanding requires course grit sandpaper. Securely attach the dust bag to the dust pipe on the sander. Lower the sander drum gently at the beginning of each path, and then raise it smoothly at the end, overlapping a few inches per pass. Sand parallel to the boards to prevent cross-grain marks and scratches. For best results, empty the dust bag frequently. Use an edger to remove finish from the borders, closets and stairs. Start against the baseboard near the corner and work outward to blend, keeping the edger parallel to the wall. Use medium grit sandpaper for preparatory sanding. Work away from, not toward, electrical outlets. Carry the electrical cord over your shoulder to keep your path clear. Bleach discolorations and fill nail holes with plastic wood the color of the finish to be applied before sanding. Sand with fine grit sandpaper, smoothing out any residual marks. Vacuum to remove all sand dust, then use a tack cloth to remove minute dust particles. Apply finish according to manufacturer’s directions.
 CARPET CLEANING
The hot water extraction method of carpet cleaning machine is a thorough method to restore your carpet’s original lustre and beauty. Under pressure, the equipment injects the cleaning solution deep into the carpet to break up and emulsify embedded soil. The suspended dirt is extracted by a power vacuum, along with 90% of the injected water. Complete drying takes only a short time. To prepare the room, remove as much furniture as possible. Cover the legs of remaining furniture with aluminum foil or waxed paper to prevent rusting of damage to finish. Pin drapes and curtains up off the floor. Dry vacuum all carpet thoroughly, and pre-treat excessively soiled areas. To the hottest tap water available, add the proper amount of cleaning solution and a defoamer adequate to prevent over-sudsing. Use overlapping strokes to remove the maximum amount of water. Repeat the cleaning methods in excessively soiled areas in opposite directions, to avoid streaking. Be sure to drain waste tank before filling solution tank.
 WALLPAPER STEAMING
Wallpaper steamers, with a perforated steam plate connected to a boiler, permit steam to escape, and when held against your wall, loosen the existing paper. Spread a drop cloth to protect the floor before you begin. If the wallpaper has been painted, score the painted surface with rough sandpaper to enable the steam to penetrate and loosen the paste. Keep windows open for proper ventilation, and use caution to prevent steam burns. Begin by removing paper at the bottom of the right-hand corner of the wall (or, if left-handed, the left-hand corner). Slide the pan upward, peeling the loosened paper with a wide scraper in your opposite hand. When you reach the ceiling, begin at the bottom again. Let the steam do the work! If the ceiling is papered, let the steam rise while you do the walls; the ceiling paper may become loosened in the process. (NOTE: The steam level in the room may loosen all paper; it is difficult to do one wall or area only.) When the wallpaper has been removed, clean the walls, holding the steam pan a short distance from the wall to allow steam to condense. Wipe the surface with a large cellulose sponge to remove paste and/or paper crumbs.
 PRESSURE WASHING
Clean home siding surfaces annually to remove dirt, smoke and dust from wind and rain, and help your paint job last longer. Before you begin, close all windows tightly, cover any outside light fixtures and electrical outlets and masking tape all flush receptacles. While operating keep fingers away from the spray tip, and keep children and animals clear. To avoid streaking, wash from the bottom up, then rinse from the top down. Do not spray into vent openings. Soft water produces best results. In hard water areas, wipe windows with a soft cloth to prevent spotting. You can also use a pressure washer to prepare the surface before painting/repainting. A pressure washer can remove loose, cracked and blistered paint. You can also use a pressure washer to clean the driveway, trash cans or garden tools.
 SPRAY PAINTING
The spray tip you use will determine the spray pattern and width of coverage per stroke: the larger the tip, the thicker the coverage; the wider the tip angle, the wider the spray pattern. Slower gun speed produces thicker coverage; faster speed provides thinner coverage. The farther the gun is from the surface, the wider the pattern and thinner the coverage. Check proper pressure before beginning by experimenting on old newspaper on a firm surface. Keep the gun perpendicular to the surface at all times. Angling or fanning will yield uneven coverage. Hold the gun about a foot from the work area, and stroke parallel to the surface at uniform speed to avoid excessive build-up at either end. Start the gun stroke before triggering, and release before completing the stroke. It is advisable to lap the spray pattern about 50%.
The above project descriptions have been supplied by the American Rental Accossiation. You can find more great rental tools and project details on their website: |
A.R.A. – RentalHQ.com
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