Professional Painting Tool Tips For the Homeowner

I have a question for you, just how much time have you spent at the home store trying to figure out which, (if any) of the "handy dandy" paint accessories actually will save you time and money? I'll bet you've even tried a couple of them and been discouraged.

You are not alone......

In the next 3 articles, I'll explain honestly what has worked for me over the years and why it well worth the small amount of extra time and money in order to have the finished product you truly want and deserve.

Painting is a lot like cooking....really! When you follow a recipe; you gather all the ingredients first, before you begin. A painting project is no different. Gather all your tools, drops, tape, ladders and paint before you start. This way you won't have to stop in the middle of the project to go to the store or hunt for something you forgot.

And probably more importantly, buy the highest quality tools and paint you can afford. You will be rewarded in the long run, by durability of the paint and lasting quality of the tools.

Let's Talk About Tools: Brushes

Generally speaking there are three categories of brushes;

Natural Bristle, Synthetic, and Craft. While I'm sure you know the difference, I can't tell you how many times I've seen folks go cheap, and reach for the craft brush and wonder why they can't get good coverage, let alone a great finish. Don't DO that!!!

Natural brushes (animal hair) are primarily for oil based paints, varnishes and stains. They hold more paint for a smooth finish. Must be cleaned with solvents, mineral spirits etc.

Synthetic (nylon, polyester) brushes work well with oil and water based paints. High quality synthetic brushes hold their shape and last quite some time if well cared for. These brushes are cleanable with warm water and mild soap.

Craft brushes are for crafts. This is important to remember, I must say it again, Do Not use a cheap craft brush and think you will get a professional result on your walls, it simply will not happen. Craft brushes are wonderful for CRAFTS.

Now let's talk about size and shape.

There are square and angled, and sizes from 1" up to 5". The one I use almost 100% of the time is a 4" angled brush.

(Yes, it's synthetic as I use almost exclusively water based paints) I like the 4" because it holds a lot of paint and will go almost anywhere. I do use the smaller 2" angled one for trim work. The only time I use a square brush is on paneled doors.

Here's a Trick: When you are "cutting in" load the brush and paint a few strokes perpendicular to the edge and then smooth out in a single long stroke.

Here's a Real Tip: Hold the brush in a fixed position and move the brush along the edge area by moving at the elbow, not the wrist.

Care and cleaning of your brushes.

Ok, you've spent good money on good brushes, now take the time to clean them properly and they'll last you years. Here's how; Always wash the bristles as soon as possible after use in warm soapy water. I sometimes use a tool that has widely spaced metal teeth to comb through the bristles to remove paint all the way to the place where the bristles join the handle.

Once the brush is clean, gently shape the bristles to the original form and let dry. If you are unable to wash as soon as you finish painting, tightly wrap the brush in a plastic bag, and then wash as soon as you can.

Debbie writes a monthly newsletter, Brushstrokes, that includes color and decorating trends, color of the month, tips, hints, and even a bit of astrology, gemology, and feng shui. Painted Walls truly believes in Paint Magic For Your World Visit us at http://paintedwallsnm.com for more information.

Secret Painting Tool Tips For the Homeowner - Article 3

I have a question for you, just how much time have you spent at the home store trying to figure out which, (if any) of the "handy dandy" paint accessories actually will save you time and money? I'll bet you've even tried a couple of them and been discouraged.

You are not alone......

This is number 3 in a series of 3 articles that I'll explain honestly what has worked for me over the years and why it is well worth the small amount of extra time and money in order to have the finished product you truly want and deserve.

How Much Paint to Buy?

That's a nagging question....A typical gallon of paint will cover 350 square feet on the average. Always make sure you look at the paint can label, some paint coverage will vary.

Another important factor is what is currently on the wall? How old is that paint, what sheen is (or was) that paint? Here in the dry southwest, paint won't last as long. Meaning, the paint seems to "suck" into the surface making the new paint project require more coats. More on that in a minute.

So measure the room, length, width, and height. Now measure the doors and windows and subtract from the walls...not a math major? Fortunately you have a good option, search "wall paint calculator" and input the room measurements, doors windows etc. and the calculator will give you the number of gallons of paint you need for ONE coat.

Now let's talk about the existing surface, primer and number of coats.

If your room hasn't been painted in quite sometime or if you are painting over a strong color, (think red or dark blue etc) you will need to prime the walls before painting. This step is necessary because if you skip this step, the walls will look streaky, and you possibly will need more than two coats.

Priming the walls first is also required if you are painting a deep color, ie: red or dark blue. If you don't prime first the selected color will be lighter, think pink......

Here's a Trick: Have the paint store tint the primer to the color you will be painting the walls.

Here's a Tip: If your chosen color starts with a "deep tint base" you will need to tint the primer and paint 2 coats.

Most painting projects require 2 coats, so if the wall paint calculator says you need 2 and ½ gallons, add one gallon for the second coat. You'll be glad you took the time and spent a bit more money, because the finished project will not only look better but will last a lot longer even here in the southwest.

Prepping Made Simple:

Ok you've chosen the color, bought the primer and paint, have your tools ready; prepping the room is the 1st step.

If possible, empty the room. If not pull furniture 3 to 4 feet from the walls. If you are painting the ceiling, don't pile everything in the center of the room till after the ceiling is painted. Cover all furnishings and flooring with drops.

Remove all switch plates and outlet covers. Dust the corners; (vacuum is better than rags) wash the walls with water and a detergent to remove any grease and or dirt. Fix any cracks, patch holes, sand and match texture.

Now a word about tape........

Ask 10 people whether to tape or not and you get a 50 / 50 divide.

As a general rule, I don't tape. I will in selected circumstances, but generally speaking it wastes more time than is helps. When I started painting, an older gentleman I was working with encouraged me to learn how to paint cleanly without tape. So, over the years I've found it more beneficial to learn how to be very precise and wipe any "wiggles" as I go.

That said, taping is not a bad thing. If you don't paint everyday, do take the time to tape. Use blue or green painters tape, and tape off baseboards, windows, door frames, any area where you need to cut in before you roll.

After you paint, remove the tape as soon as possible while the paint it still wet or you'll be taking some of that new paint with the tape!

Here's a Trick: Here in the southwest many walls have "bullnose" (rounded) edges instead of sharp corners, and often there is an orange peel texture. If you try to paint a straight line on this, you'll make yourself crazy, with or without tape! A handy trick: tape the edge where you want the straight line. Now caulk the edge of the tape with a tiny bead and with a damp cloth wipe the caulk towards the tape. Paint, then remove the tape. Voila! A straight line on texture!

Left Over Paint Disposal:

Your painting project is finished, your room is beautiful, and you've saved enough for touch up but have more paint left over. What do you do? If you have used latex paint, the answer is simple. Take off the can lid,and let the paint dry in the can, Once the paint is dry it can be disposed of with household trash. If oil based, the cans must be disposed of as hazardous waste, another reason to use water based paint!

There you have it, some tricks and tips to help with your painting project.

Go ahead and tackle the paint...you can do it!!! Painting is the most effective way to change a room.

Debbie writes a monthly newsletter, Brushstrokes, that includes color and decorating trends, color of the month, tips, hints, and even a bit of astrology, gemology, and feng shui. Painted Walls truly believes in Paint Magic For Your World Visit us at http://paintedwallsnm.com for more information.