Delicious Spicy Grill Recipes For The Chili Lover
By Adrian T. Cheng

Did you know that eating spicy food provides you with plenty of health benefits? Not only does it improve your appetite but eating dishes that use chilli peppers is beneficial to relieving pain, to weight loss and even to heart health! So the next time you add a little excitement to your outdoor barbecue, serve any of these spicy grill recipes!

Grilled Sweet and Spicy Sticky Chicken Breasts

What you need:

• 3 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, each sliced into large bite-size pieces
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons chilli sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, chilli sauce, garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Heat in the microwave for 3-4 minutes. Place chicken in a re-sealable plastic bag and pour half of the sauce over the meat. Marinate for 4 hours. Meanwhile, take 2 tablespoons of the remaining sauce and mix with cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Whisk back to remaining sauce then microwave for 2-3 minutes. When chicken is ready, cook in a pre-heated grill over medium high heat until cooked to desired doneness, brushing with prepared sauce while cooking.

Firecracker Salmon

What you need:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Mix together onion, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, maple syrup, olive oil, red pepper flakes, ginger, sesame oil and salt in a large bowl. Stir until ingredients are well-combined. Place salmon fillets in a large re-sealable plastic bag. Pour about 1/4 of the marinade in the bag, seal and turn to coat fish with marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, also refrigerating the remaining marinade. When fish is ready, remove from bag and discard excess marinade. Cook on a pre-heated grill over high heat, covered, until cooked through, occasionally brushing with marinade.

Boost your appetite, impress all of your guests and add even more excitement to your future backyard barbecues by serving easy to make dishes with a kick - try any of these two delicious spicy grill recipes!

Adrian T. Cheng is a food blogger and a BBQ expert. Through years of grill experience, reviewing various grilling accessories and trying delicious and unique recipes, he is sharing his knowledge with everyone through his blog. For more grilling secrets, tips, recipes and more, head over to Adrian's website where he has other interesting grill-related products and posts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Adrian_T._Cheng/2109020
http://EzineArticles.com/?Delicious-Spicy-Grill-Recipes-For-The-Chili-Lover&id=10042970

Type 2 Diabetes - Simple Tips to Help You Control Your Blood Sugar
By Beverleigh H Piepers

Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes can lead to anxiety, fear, and a lot of confusion about what types of foods you should be eating. It also usually comes with the harsh reality you may be faced with taking medication for the rest of your life. However, the good news is there are steps you can implement in your diet and lifestyle that can help improve your overall health, and potentially even reverse you Type 2 diabetes.

Let us look at the top four tips on living healthy with diabetes...

1. Eliminate Processed Sugar. A huge part of controlling your blood sugar is watching your diet. A big way to improve your health is to swap out processed sugar for natural sweeteners such as stevia, or high-fiber fruits like raspberries. The less sugar you eat, the better you will be able to balance your blood sugar levels.

2. Combat Stress. During times of difficulty, your blood sugar levels increase, so here is one more reason to make sure you are managing your overall stress levels. Knowing how to handle stress best is essential when you are feeling completely overwhelmed, as this type of pressure can interfere with your overall health. Try to implement a handful of stress-management techniques into your day whether this is...

• a yoga class,
• deep breathing, or just
• taking a few minutes to meditate before you start your day.

Making time for just a small about of stress reduction can make a huge difference in how you feel, and how well you balance your blood sugar levels.

3. Check in with Your Doctor. After you are diagnosed with high and unstable blood sugar, it can be easy to become overwhelmed, and you may forget to follow-up with your routine doctor's appointment. Following up with your doctor can help with your diabetes management plan. Your doctor can run blood tests to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to monitor your blood sugar.

4. Exercise. Exercise is vital for overall health and can help you better manage your Type 2 diabetes. Being physically active can help lower your blood sugar and also help you maintain a healthy weight. Do whatever form of exercise you love, so you know you will stick with it!

While being diagnosed with diabetes of any form can come with a lot of confusion, it does not mean you cannot live a healthy lifestyle. Making healthy changes can help you better control your diabetes by getting your blood sugar levels in check, and may even help you reverse your Type 2 diabetes over time.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---Simple-Tips-to-Help-You-Control-Your-Blood-Sugar&id=10099053

Common Types of Drywall Screws
By Sarahbeth Kluzinski

When it comes to hanging drywall, there are certain tools you must use to get the job done right. The same rule applies for even the tiniest detail, like drywall screws. There are several options for drywall fasteners, but not all of them are good choices. The most effective nails and screws are the ones that provide a sturdy, long-lasting hold, while at the same time allowing for the proper amount of countersinking. Continue reading to learn about a few of the most common and effective drywall screws, and how they are applied in drywall installation.

Choose the Right Screw for the Right Job

Drywall screws are a little more expensive, but they do provide a stronger hold. There are many drywall fasteners that come in the form of a Philips head, but they are not all the same in terms of performance and value. The screw you choose will largely depend in the drywall application you have in store, but also on the quality of screw you are looking for. Here are four of the most common drywall screws used to hang gypsum:

1. Self-Drilling - Also used as pan head screws, these are effective for metal stud framing.
2. Course - These have course threads that securely fasten drywall to its studs.
3. Fine - These screws have smaller heads and finer threads that work well to secure gypsum board.
4. Trim-Head - Use these screws to attach wood trim over drywall.

You May Also Need Drywall Nails

There are also several types of drywall nails that are effective for fastening smaller parts to a larger base. In fact, there are 3 specific type of drywall nails that are commonly used in drywall installation. These common gypsum board nails include:

1. Drywall Nails - These are standard nails used to attach drywall to wood frames. They are designed with a large head and a barbed shank, giving them a stronger holding capacity. Some are even sterilized to protect against oil and dirt.
2. Cupped-Head Nails - These have rounded heads that allow for easier countersinking and a smooth, flat finish. They are commonly used to secure drywall to wood framing. They require to use of joint compound to cover the exposed head.
3. Cement-Coated Nails - These nails have a resin-coated shank that is smooth. This allows for stronger holding power. Their common application is to secure drywall to wooden framing.

Professional Drywall Installation

It is highly recommended to hire a licensed contractor for drywall installation and repair. They have the proper training, experience, and resources to provide professional drywall service in a convenient time frame. You don't want to make the mistake of injuring yourself or damaging your property if you have never hung drywall before!

Call Bittner Drywall at 317-292-7408 for professional drywall installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. They offer a wide range of commercial and residential drywall services, including metal stud framing, new construction, space conversions, and much more. Call 317-292-7408 to request an estimate for Indianapolis drywall installation, today.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarahbeth_Kluzinski/1326228
http://EzineArticles.com/?Common-Types-of-Drywall-Screws&id=9649197

An Overview Of Bone Cancer In Dogs
By M Shoaib Aslam

Bone cancer in dogs is recognized as "Osteosarcoma". Any dog can become the victim of this deadly disease. Although many theories have been presented in order to explain the cause of cancer, yet the real cause has not been determined so far. This type of cancer usually occurs in a dog's ankle, hip, shoulder bones, skull, ribs or spine.

The tumor weakens the bone to the point that it can break easily while jumping or even running. It goes without saying that this type of cancer is very aggressive in nature. The best strategy against this vicious disease is awareness amongst the dog owners about it. Secondly, early diagnosis is very crucial. Only timely treatment can save the poor dog.

Causes

The original cause of Osteosarcoma is still unknown yet there are a few factors which may contribute to trigger this disease. Diet always plays a crucial role in determining the health of any animal. Exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, past bone injuries and sex hormones are thought to contribute in triggering the disease.

Symptoms

The most important and common sign of osteosarcoma is frailty and weakness. The weakness spells will continue to occur despite rest and good care. You might spot swelling in the affected leg too. If the cancer has affected the lower jaw, then your dog will show signs of uneasiness in swallowing. These symptoms shouldn't be considered cancer signs, but one can get clue form these and get an appointment from the veterinarian to ensure the health of the dog.

Diagnosis

The basic and most important tests are histopathology and radiography to diagnose osteosarcoma. Bone biopsy poses risks as it can cause damage to the already fragile cancerous bone. It is a painful process as dogs show signs of increased weakness and exhaustion after the procedure.

The diagnosis process also involves blood tests in order to determine the scale and intensity of the disease.

Treatment

Osteosarcoma is being treated with an aggressive treatment because the cancer itself is very aggressive in nature.

The purpose of radiation therapy is to provide relief to pain rather than curing the cancer. It helps in minimizing the symptoms when used in conjunction with pain medications. The procedure involves anesthesia, which may pose some risks to the dog.

Radiation may also cause hair loss, skin redness and dryness, where the radiation has been applied. The veterinarian may suggest to apply a tube to the affected area, and symptoms will vanish.

Three different types of treatments are also applied to eradicate bone cancer in dogs from its roots. It includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Although the tumor may be removed completely yet the affected leg remains vulnerable and can break while doing normal activities. So, amputation is also considered a better option as it is less painful procedure where recovery is quite quick.

Amputation saves the dog from a lot of pain and increases the chances of survival manifold. Most dog owners consider it brutal. They forget that it is in the best interest of their dog who will not only recover faster, but also will be able to play around without any difficulty. Amputations in humans hold different meanings than dogs. The dog won't feel the same way as humans feel after losing a limb.

Aftercare

· Dogs should be helped to walk in order to improve recovery.

· Wounds should be checked regularly in order to see any signs of infection.

· In case of swelling or redness, immediately report to the vet.

· Follow the diet plan which has been prescribed by the vet.

Read more about pets @ [http://www.evirall.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/M_Shoaib_Aslam/1483177
http://EzineArticles.com/?An-Overview-Of-Bone-Cancer-In-Dogs&id=9802407

MLM Training: Let Prospects Close Themselves

Network Marketers lose many prospects because they try too hard to close the deal. It is a natural reaction for people to shun being sold, but they love to buy. By letting prospects close themselves, you will end up putting more people in your downline.

Most MLM Trainers tell networkers to sell features and benefits. When promoting a network marketing opportunity, features and benefits selling is hard work. The prospect is always suspicious, and moving away from you.

The way we eliminate this fear and suspicion is to use what we call a Crossover Move.

Let's demonstrate what happens when a Crossover Move is used:

The Prospect says, "I really like your opportunity."
The Networker says, "Interesting. Based upon our discussion to this point, I would not have guessed you had any interest in my opportunity. What did I miss?"

Did you see the Crossover? Instead of moving in for the close, we gently moved away, and let the prospect close himself. Let's continue and see what happens next.

The Prospect says, "Maybe you missed how your marketing system will solve my problem with duplication."
The Networker says, "Really. I'm still a little confused. Could you be a little more specific?"
The Prospect says, "Sure. By doing... "

Did you see what just happened? The prospect is doing all the work to close himself. The prospect is buying, not being sold. Isn't that easy? Just one last move, and then we're done.

The Networker says, "John, what would you like to do next?"
The Prospect says, "I'm ready to sign-up."

No surprise stalls or last minute objections. The prospect feels in control, and is moving the process forward. And because of this, he is much more likely to sign-up for autoship and start signing up other distributors right away. Because he bought, he is self- motivated.

The Crossover Move consists of two parts: the build-up and the take-away. Here's an example:

"Conversational Recruiting^TM has been called the most powerful recruiting process in Network Marketing, but it's not for everyone."

The build-up is: "Conversational Recruiting^TM has been called the most powerful recruiting process in Network Marketing."

The take-away is: "but it's not for everyone."

The build-up captures the imagination of the prospect, while the take-away entices the prospect to want to know more. The prospect then begins selling you on why they would be interested.

Once you've mastered the fine art of the Crossover Move, you can sit back and watch your prospects sell you on wanting to get involved with your network marketing opportunity. You build up, then take away; build up, then take away... and if you do that long enough, prospects sell themselves.

Why is this called the Crossover Move? Because it is the opposite of what MLM Trainers tell networkers to do when recruiting someone new into network marketing. It crosses over from the expected, to the unexpected. Most of all, like all Conversational Recruiting^TM methods, it just flat-out works.

Achieving MLM Success requires that you step away from the norm. Crossover Moves allow you to do just that, and step into the ranks of the Super Recruiters.

Author Bio
Ed Forteau & Kevin Paschke help you Attract, Sponsor, Retain, and Develop all the distributors you will ever need. Sign up for their 15 Day Conversational Recruiting^TM Advanced Mini-Course at www.ConversationalRecruiting.net and put more distributors in your downline now!

Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com - Free Website Content

by

Joseph

I was unable to make it to the gym last week, but I did not let that deter me from getting in a cardio workout. I made time for stair climbing exercises; even though I would rather be weight lifting, aerobic exercises do prevent me from becoming sedentary. 

The way my schedule is now, it is becoming a challenge to meet the weight lifting goals that I have set for myself. When I do return to the gym, I'll be doing 180-pound t-bar rows and 140-pound overhead presses. All of the lifts will be heavy.

I'll keep you posted.

But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear ; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:14

"Barbell Floor Press Challenge Cardio Exercise Workout" copyright © 2019 Living Fit, Healthy and Happy_(SM). All Rights Reserved. 

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A Cyclist's Guide to Losing Weight
By Joan Bishop Denizot

Taking up cycling for fitness and losing weight is a great decision but there are a few other elements that you might not have considered. Here are a few tips that will speed up your weight loss project through cycling.

Dressing Properly: You see other cyclists all bundled up in layers of clothing. Some have this idea that getting under the layers will keep them warm, make them sweat more and lose more pounds but losing weight through dehydration is both unappealing and unsafe, especially for bikers. Lose all the unnecessary layers and load up on water properly. This will help you ride farther, which, in turn, will help you burn more calories.

Pacing: A lot of studies have proven the effectiveness of oxygen consumption towards the end of the work-out in the burning of body fat. Push your fat burning factory into overdrive by putting in a lot of effort when you are about to finish. With this, your body will continue to consume a lot of oxygen even after you've finished biking which will lead to continuous burning of fat. In addition to this, doing intervals is also helpful. These are bursts of more effort that will improve your fitness and speed. You may cycle at a normal pace for 5 minutes and then put in all of your effort for another minute. After a few days of this, you'll notice progress in your performance.

Adjust your bike: You may already have the right bike but an incorrect set up will be inefficient, or worse, lead to injury. If you're not sure about how to check yours, you can head to a bike shop for a set-up check. If you want to check it on your own, watch out for the saddle height. While sitting on your bike with your heel on the pedal which should be at 6 o'clock, your leg must be straight. Remember to check for both legs. Adjust the saddle until they're both straight. As for the handlebar height, it depends on your preference. The general rule is to make your handlebars level or higher than your saddle. They should also be the same with as your shoulders. Biking comfortably is important, this means that you can bike longer and farther.

Flexibility: Stretching helps loosening up your muscles which come with regular cycling. It helps you ride in a better position. Do not forget to stretch your hips, buttocks, legs, knees, ankles and feet.

Your eating habits: You cannot take up cycling and expect the best results without taking up healthy eating as well. Vegetables and lean protein are a must in a good cyclist's diet. Instead of loading up on dietary supplements, it is better to source out your vitamins and proteins from food, which will be absorbed by your body better. Providing what your body needs will help make you feel and bike better. This will also help curb cravings for sweets and junk food. A lot of cyclists also recommend limiting the gluten intake which will keep the bloated feeling away for when on you're on the saddle.

Don't Skip Breakfast. It has always been a debate - whether it is better to eat breakfast before or after working out. A European study on fourteen cyclists has shown that those who trained without eating burned more fat than those who munched on their first meal. However, it has shown that they performed worse. At the end of the day, it all boils down to whether you have enough fuel to bike better and longer - so you can make the most out of your work out. It doesn't have to be something heavy. Yogurt, fruit or a smoothie will be great. After getting off your bike, you can then chow down on something heartier like eggs and vegetables or cereal with fruit.

Also, if you've made a habit of skipping out on food when riding, then this should be corrected. Eating while on the bike has been proven to help improve performance. You're refuelling and you're keeping the hunger in check and ultimately minimizing the urge to overeat after the ride.

Whether you are an average sized rider or a heavier one who wanted to try biking for recreational purposes, commuting, or losing weight, check out Zize Bikes for a line-up of custom made, extra sturdy bicycles for everybody that can support ALL riders of ALL sizes (up to 550 pounds).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Joan_Bishop_Denizot/2223664
http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Cyclists-Guide-to-Losing-Weight&id=9515695

Barbecue Recipes For Kids That Even Adults Will Love
By Adrian T. Cheng

Serving food to a group of children is a bit trickier compared to cooking for adults. This is because they tend to only eat what they find attractive or what's familiar to their taste buds. So if you're planning a children's party, why not take it out in the yard? Your guests will have plenty of room for games and you can serve them these delicious barbecue recipes for kids!

Grilled Baby Ranch Burgers

What you need:

• 8 small soft dinner rolls, split
• 3/4 kilogram ground beef
• 4 leaves lettuce, halved
• 8 slices plum tomatoes
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper
• Sliced carrots and celery for serving

Using clean hands, form the ground beef into 3-inch patties. Season each with kosher salt and black pepper. Oil the grates and cook patties over medium high heat for about 4 to 6 minutes per side or until good grill marks appear and meat is cooked through. Place grilled patties on dinner rolls, spread with ranch dressing then top with lettuce and tomato. Serve with sliced carrots and celery.

Watermelon Wedges With Minty Lime Sugar

What you need:

• 1 kilogram fresh watermelon wedges
• 1 lime, zested (zest finely grated)
• 4 fresh mint leaves, finely shredded
• 3 1/2 tablespoons golden caster sugar
• Lime wedges for serving

To prepare the minty lime sugar, mix together lime zest, shredded mint leaves and 2 1/2 tablespoons golden caster sugar. Set aside. Toss the watermelon wedges in the remaining sugar. Heat watermelon on a grill over medium high heat for just a few seconds per side until grill marks appear, using tongs to flip. Place on a serving platter, sprinkle with minty lime sugar and serve with lime wedges.

Mini Campfire Smores

What you need:

• 8 Rich Tea Biscuits
• 8 chunks chocolate of your choice
• 4 large marshmallows

To make 1 smore, sandwich 2 chunks of chocolate and 1 marshmallow between 2 biscuits. Wrap each smore with heavy duty aluminium foil and cook on a pre-heated grill over medium high heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Allow to cool for a few minutes before unwrapping the foils. It's important to make sure they're cool enough for kids to eat. Drizzle with melted chocolate before serving if desired.

Planning a backyard barbecue for children will be no problem if you serve them these oh-so-yummy barbecue recipes for kids!

Adrian T. Cheng is a food blogger and a BBQ expert. Through years of grill experience, reviewing various grilling accessories and trying delicious and unique recipes, he is sharing his knowledge with everyone through his blog. For more grilling secrets, tips, recipes and more, head over to Adrian's website where he has other interesting grill-related products and posts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Adrian_T._Cheng/2109020
http://EzineArticles.com/?Barbecue-Recipes-For-Kids-That-Even-Adults-Will-Love&id=9882124

Type 2 Diabetes - The Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Spice to Help Manage Diabetes
By Beverleigh H Piepers

Turmeric may be one of the most effective anti-inflammatory spices in existence. It has long been known as being a powerful spice that has been used in India for thousands of years: used as a spice and a medicinal herb. Believe it or not, it may help you better control your Type 2 diabetes. A study published in The International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism looked at turmeric and its active compound curcumin and its ability to help manage Type 2 diabetes.

Here is what the research says about turmeric and Type 2 diabetes...

• increased glucose uptake,
• reduced hyperglycemia,
• improved pancreatic cell function, and
• diminished liver glucose production.

Overall studies on turmeric in regards to managing Type 2 diabetes found beneficial effects when it came to lowering blood sugar levels.

In addition to diabetes support, turmeric holds powerful anti-inflammatory health benefits, and the better you manage your inflammation, the better your health will be in general as the majority of disease seen today is linked to some form of inflammation. Tumeric helps your body to fight any foreign invaders. It also helps in repairing damage to your body.

Turmeric in addition to...

• removing processed sugars,
• processed foods, and
• additives from your diet,

can significantly help reduce the overall inflammatory load on your body.

How to Add Turmeric to Your Diet. So, how do you go about adding turmeric to your diet plan? One of the best ways is to make a turmeric milk latte using...

• ground turmeric,
• full-fat unsweetened coconut milk,
• a pinch of cracked black pepper, and
• a teaspoon of raw honey.

Enjoy this milk latte as an evening treat to help wind down your day, reduce inflammation, and support blood sugar balance. You can even add a pinch of ground cinnamon for added blood sugar support.

Here are some other ways you can add turmeric to your diet...

• blended into a smoothie,
• added to stir fries,
• enjoy a turmeric tea,
• sprinkle it over dark leafy green vegetables,
• use it in soup, or
• add a pinch to frittatas or omelets.

Turmeric is one of those spices proven to have more health benefits than one can count, and blood sugar management happens to be one of them. To help support overall health, and to help boost your diabetes management plan, try making turmeric a regular part of your diet plan. A little goes a long way, so you don't have to add a ton, just a sprinkle here and there, or a mug of turmeric milk will do your body good!

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

For nearly 25 years Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.

The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Beverleigh_H_Piepers/123142
http://EzineArticles.com/?Type-2-Diabetes---The-Powerful-Anti-Inflammatory-Spice-to-Help-Manage-Diabetes&id=10096899

The Basics of Caulks and Sealants
By Mirna Khoury

Most folks don't shop for caulks and sealants like they do for bathroom fixtures, but considering the job that caulks are expected to do and their high visibility, it might not be a bad idea. The problem is, there are an awful lot of caulks and sealants on the market, so choosing among them is difficult. Caulks basically do two jobs in the bathroom: seal against moisture intrusion and provide a pleasing joint between fixtures and wall finish materials. For the most part, careful detailing will minimize the reliance upon caulk for both functions, but there are still instances when it is necessary.

Types of caulk

While there are about a dozen types of caulks available for residential use, caulks for use in bathrooms fall into three basic categories: latex, acrylic latex (sometimes with silicone), and silicone.

Latex caulks are easy to apply and easy to clean up because they're water based and hold paint well. I like to use them when painting with latex paint because they are cheap and fill cracks and holes easily, and can be painted over almost immediately. However, they aren't very water resistant or flexible, so they're a poor choice for general-purpose applications in the bathroom.

Acrylic latex caulks are more flexible than regular latex and are usually available in a fungicide-treated version for bathroom use. The fungicide gradually leaches out of the caulk over the course of about 5 to 15 years, helping to prevent mildew growth for that period of time. These caulks are a bit more expensive than plain latex caulk, but they are paintable and work well as a general-purpose caulk, which makes them worth the extra money. There are also siliconized versions of acrylic latex caulks, but the percentage of silicone is so low (typically less than 2%) that the caulk's performance is not appreciably altered. Most caulks that are tinted to match stock colors of different manufacturers fall into this category.

Silicone caulks in tub-and-tile versions that contain a fungicide are available, and though they cost considerably more than acrylic latex caulks, their durability and flexibility make them good performers in the bathroom environment. They do have some drawbacks, however, including the fact that they are difficult to work with: They set up fast, need a well-cleaned substrate to stick to, and are hard to form into a smooth bead. Silicone caulks aren't generally paintable either (even the so-called "paintable" ones), though the clear and white formulations cover most situations that you'll encounter in the bathroom. I've also noticed that some silicone caulks tend to get dirty easily, and when they do get dirty they are hard to get clean again.

Working with caulk

An open tube of caulk is a bit like Pandora's box, and it's hard to keep the mischief contained in it from spreading everywhere once it's opened. Part of the problem is that caulking is often approached as almost an afterthought. But a few simple steps will make caulking less of an annoyance and improve its appearance and performance.

1. Prepare the surface. Silicone caulk especially doesn't adhere well to dirty or contaminated surfaces, whether they are new or old. Old caulk should be removed from tubs and sinks, and all surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned of old soap film and dirt before recaulking. In severe cases, this may mean cleaning with a detergent, which should then be cleaned off with a water-soluble solvent, such as isopropanol, and allowed to dry. Rubbing alcohol also works well on soap film.

2. Prepare the caulk. Caulk should be worked at around room temperature, so cold tubes should be warmed up before using them. Different-size joints require different-size tip openings, but in general the smaller the tip opening the better. Many caulking guns have an integral nipper for cutting off the tip, but a sharp utility knife or shears do a better job because they are more accurate and leave a cleaner cut. A 45�angle cut allows the tip to be held against the joint without scraping out caulk, but a straight cut works well too, depending on the type and size of joint being caulked.

3. Tool the joint. I've pushed caulk in front of the tip, and I've pulled caulk; in some cases, you don't have a choice. In either case, the idea is to avoid leaving voids and to inject enough caulk into the joint. Outlining the joint with masking tape makes it easier to clean afterward and guarantees straight joint lines. Immediately after the caulk is applied, it will need to be tooled, which will help improve adhesion, remove air pockets, and smooth the joint surface. Special caulking finishers, plastic spoons, and even tongue depressors work better than fingertips for tooling the caulk and leave a smoother and moreprofessional-looking finish. And having a couple of rags handy to wipe up excess caulk from hands and tools will help to keep it under control.

4. Clean up. If you've used masking tape to outline the joints, be sure to remove it before the caulk begins to skin over. Most caulks indicate on their labels the appropriate solvent for cleanup.

Mirna Khoury is co-owner of Bathroom Wall, an online resource that covers all aspects of bathroom designs and bathroom design ideas and bathroom furniture. Visitors to Bathroom Wall will be met with invaluable do it yourself guides and historic information with tips about the most cost effective ways of decorating a bathroom.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mirna_Khoury_/166993
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Basics-of-Caulks-and-Sealants&id=6610058