Painting Tips

Painting can be such a horrible job but a good paint job – and of course choosing a nice color - is really the easiest way to give your home a makeover. I found some painting tips online that may make the process a little less frustrating.

• Taping off ceilings and trim is so time consuming so you don’t want all that hard work to go to waste. When it comes to latex paint, don’t wait for the paint to dry completely before you peel off the tape. Peel it off as soon as possible. Otherwise say goodbye to the nice clean lines you were aiming for in the first place. Better yet, learn to cut in with just a paint brush alone.
•  If you have holes in the wall to fill before you paint, make sure after you fill them that the finish is smooth. Then put paint primer over the patched holes. If you try to paint over an un-primed area, you are going to end up with an uneven and patchy looking paint job.
• If you need to stop in the middle of painting, no need to wash paint rollers and brushes right away. All you need to do is wrap them tightly in a plastic bag (that has no holes), or plastic wrap and make sure no air can get in. They should be good to go even the next day.
• Don’t dip your brush all the way into the paint. You’ll have paint dripping all over the place. Dip it about one third of the length of the bristles and you’ll have a cleaner stroke.
• It’s worth using a higher quality paint which may cost anywhere from $20-$35. They usually provide better coverage and a nicer finish. If you want your paint job to look its best, expect to put 2 coats on.
• A paint that has at least an “egg-shell” finish is a good choice especially for kitchens, bathrooms, kid’s rooms and hallways. This type of finish is easier to wipe down and more stain resistant.

Since we are stuck inside during this cold winter, we may as well do something to improve our homes. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation so you’ll be around to admire your good work when you’re done.

(Sources:  http://tinyurl.com/qbflqul , http://tinyurl.com/navgvqd)