"Boredom does strange things to a man"

Not sure why I keep trying this, but here goes my third attempt. I have tried to blog before.. Did it consistently for a while... Always ended up quitting for one reason or another.. But here I sit, going again.. My wife and kids have been out of town for the past four days, which is probably why I am blogging at midnight even though I have to get up in five hours to get to work, but boredom does strange things to a man...
For example, a few days ago, I decided to surprise my wife by refinishing the bath tub in the master bathroom. Our house is over a hundred years old. Sometimes I wonder if the bathtub is too... It was the strangest tint of 1970's sea foam green when I started. Really should have taken some before/after pictures, but my wife seems to have taken the digital camera with her to Dallas.
So, I bought this kit from Lowe's hardware. Looks simple enough. Should make an old tub look like brand new for only $29.99.. People locally charge over $1000 to refinish a tub. Installing a new one is not an option, as I can't afford to tear out a wall to get a new tub in there. I figure for $29.99, its worth a shot. I read the instructions as well as any man would, and embarked on this exciting adventure. I had already cleaned the tub in anticipation of this glorious event. Next, I used the included trisodium phosphate to further clean the tub, wearing the also included rubber gloves to keep my hands from getting blistered beyond belief. Next, I used the supplied 100-grit fine steel wool to help remove any nicks or burrs from the surface of the tub. After rinsing and drying, it was time to apply the tub paint. The instructions say to wear gloves, but at this point, I am not comfortable using the gloves with the TSP on them. besides, who wears gloves while painting? Typically, you just wash your hands when your done, or, worst case scenario, use some paint thinner to clean them. I painted on the first coast with the precision of a surgeon, but the speed of a jack rabbit. This paint has some sort of self-leveling, non-streaking formula. Even though I was using the recommend old-fashioned paint brush (not sponge), the finish of the first coat was nice and even, and, as advertised, streak free. I could not see a single brush stroke. Now, while painting the outside of the tub, I used a drop cloth to protect the floor. I spilled a little on the cloth, which eventually migrated to my left hand. "No problem, I'll just wash it off, take a break while the first coat dries, and go get some dinner." Boy, was I in for a surprise! I go to the sink of the bathroom to clean the brush first.. the paint wasn't coming off, so I figured I'd just use some thinner in a bucket outside, but for now, I was ready to get those hands clean.. I put my hands into the scalding hot running water with a good portion of soap, and, much to my chagrin, the water was beading up on my hands! About this time, my mother who was at my house helping me with some cleaning advises that the paint is not paint at all.. According to the instructions and the cannister of "paint" it self, it is actually TINTED EPOXY, which is quickly beginning to harden all over my left hand, leaving me looking like a younger, darker, gloved Michael Jackson...
Fortunately, two hours, a trip to Lowe's, and several chemicals later, my hand is pretty close to normal... Moral of this story? When something says to wear protective equipment, those directions are most likely there for a reason. I guess its not really renouncing your manhood to wear gloves.... Sure hope the misses likes it when she gets home. The newly finished tub still has one more day to dry, but it is beautiful! Well worth the effort, and I highly recommend this kit to anyone with a similar situation regarding and old bathtub.. Just be sure to read the directions thoroughly before proceeding.

Later and God bless,
-myk