Welcome, Summer I've also read that you can clean it with vinegar. You could use a regular (house) paint brush if it is a big can and you want it to go fast. Sometimes I pour the paint directly on the item and use the brush to smooth it out. The sponge brushes tend to cause streaks. One stroke certainly is faster than tole. I love the results of tole painting, but it is hard to find the time these days. If you did tole painting for ten years, you will have a lot of practice and good techniques. Would love to see your finished watering can. Don't forget to post a pix on the gallery page for us when you are done! CC

I was gonna say: I left my doors on! Didn't take them off. Just left them open until they and the frames were very dry. Doesn't take long with latex. Small foam roller and small brush. Very good results, lasted for over 4 years without scratches or problems until I demo-ed that kitchen. Cleaning a sprayer is filthy work, not to mention lugging it around. (For all the lurkers still considering it.) Painting cabinets -- you CAN do it!

Thank you Bev for giving me the visualization I've been lacking! It really helps! I agree that the colors In the painting have been giving me difficulty. I may try to move it into the DR or another room, but it is quite large, so I'm not sure. In any case, you have helped me feel bolder about getting started on this project. Thank you!! Chucksmom: I I00% agree that if you love something, it doesn't matter if it's "out". In my case, I do think I'm tired of the colors and need a change. Since the whole house needs painting, it seems like a good time to implement these changes. The chandelier was something I really loved for a long time, but I need a aimpler look. I have a friend who wants it and it will be perfect in her DR. Kippy: I've always thought it was strange that the furniture faces the stairs. Maybe it's partly why the room feels weird to me. That and the high ceilings make it feel cold. We actually never use that room other than when there are large gatherings that spill into that part of the house. We all congregate in the FR. Kitchen and backyard, though the cats like to curl up on the sofa!

That is great news. I am happy because I had read that an agave dies after it blooms and that makes me sad. But I can rest easy now. The stalk took about three weeks to grow to 18ft and the flowers seem to be taking a long time to do much. So you have helped me immensely. Yes, I hope we get some more comments and learn more about these beauties. It is really amazing to watch it. Even our neighbors are interested in it. You know what is a bit intriguing, the stalk would point in different directions during the day and it seemed to track the moon. . Thanks so much again!!!!