Ep 17. Fireplace Painting; Bathtub Tray

Ask This Old House is a popular television show that has been running for over two decades. It features a cast of experts who provide advice and guidance on home improvement, repair, and renovation projects.

In season 21 episode 17, titled "Fireplace Painting; Bathtub Tray," the experts tackle two different projects that homeowners are commonly interested in. The first is painting a brick fireplace, and the second is building a wooden tray to use in a bathtub.

The episode opens with host Kevin O'Connor introducing the two projects and introducing the experts who will be working on them. Then, we jump to the first project – painting a brick fireplace.

The expert on this project is Richard Trethewey, who is known for his expertise in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning. He begins by explaining why someone might want to paint their fireplace – perhaps it's an outdated color, or the bricks have become stained or damaged over time.

Richard then walks viewers through the process of preparing the fireplace for painting. This involves cleaning the bricks thoroughly and applying a coat of primer to ensure the paint will adhere properly. He explains the importance of using a high-quality, heat-resistant paint, and demonstrates how to apply it evenly using a paint sprayer.

Throughout the project, Richard provides tips and tricks for achieving a professional-looking finish, such as using a small brush to get into the crevices between the bricks. He also discusses some common mistakes homeowners make when painting a fireplace, such as using the wrong type of paint or failing to properly prep the surface.

Once the painting is complete, Richard shows viewers how to seal the fireplace to protect the paint and ensure it is safe to use around heat and flames. Overall, this segment is a valuable resource for anyone who is considering painting their brick fireplace.

Next, we move on to the bathtub tray project. The expert on this segment is carpenter Nathan Gilbert, who has appeared on Ask This Old House several times before. He begins by explaining the benefits of a bathtub tray – it provides a place to put books, drinks, or other items while relaxing in the tub.

Nathan then walks viewers through the process of building a simple wooden tray that can be customized to fit any bathtub. He starts by selecting a piece of lumber and cutting it to size, then using a router to create a groove for the tray to sit on the bathtub's rim.

Throughout the project, Nathan provides helpful tips for working with wood, such as using a hand saw to make precise cuts and using a sanding block to smooth rough edges. He also demonstrates how to apply a finish to the tray, using a stain and sealant to protect the wood from moisture.

Overall, this segment is a great resource for anyone who wants to build a simple, functional bathtub tray. Nathan's expertise and easy-to-follow instructions make it easy for viewers to replicate this project at home.

As with all episodes of Ask This Old House, this one provides valuable insight and guidance for homeowners looking to tackle home improvement projects. Whether you're painting a fireplace or building a bathtub tray, the experts on this show have the knowledge and expertise to help you get the job done right.