Painting is a project that most any homeowner will take on. It's not that hard, but it can take up a lot of time -- and a bad job will be really obvious. The pros make it look so easy, so today we have tips of the trade from decorative painter Gary Lord.
- Don't skip the tape -- but before you put it on the baseboards, brush away all the dirt with an old paintbrush.
- Consider getting a tape dispenser that dispenses tape and paper at the same time.
- Use 1" painter's tape and 6" to 12" kraft paper over the baseboards to protect the baseboards and floor from splatters. Drop cloths tend to pull away from the wall and expose the floor.
- Tape off the ceiling and trim; I like to use 2" to 3" tape. That way you can use a 4" roller to cut in instead of a brush. This is a real time saver -- it's much faster to roll on cut-in lines. And it also gives a smoother finish because you won't notice the difference between the brushstrokes and the roller lines.
- Remember to press all the tape down firmly so no paint seeps underneath.
- After you've removed the outlet covers, run a strip of tape over the outlets to protect them from paint splatters.
- Get good-quality brushes in a variety of sizes and use the correct size brush for the area you're working in. Even high-quality brushes tend to shed hairs; I like to break in all my new brushes by flicking the bristles back and forth to remove any loose hairs before painting.
- There are dozens of types of roller covers available. I like to use lambskin sleeves. They're more expensive than a traditional roller, but they're easier to clean. They also hold more paint and cause less spatter.
- It's best to clean your tools before the paint dries. When using water-based paints, rinse the brushes and rollers under running water and dishwashing soap. Keep rinsing until all the paint is gone. For oil-based paints, wear gloves and wash the brushes and rollers in paint thinner, or just throw them away. Let the brushes and rollers dry before storing them. I like to put the brushes back into the brush covers to help them keep their natural shape.
- A couple more tips: Repair any damage to your surface before painting: cracks and nail pops will become more obvious when paint is applied. Also, have your primer tinted to the color of your base coat: it may save you from adding extra coats of paint later on.
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