Tomorrow will be a
painting adventure! I am starting to build my repertoire of painting experiences (so far I have painted a small bedroom and 2 decks!) and so in honor of taking on another challenge, I am going to do my research and post the
Top 10 Painting Tips everyone should know!
TOP 10
#1 - You'll enjoy the job more if you get everything together at the start.
Organize a tool station in the middle of the area you'll be working in. Gather together your paint, brushes, rollers, hammers, screwdrivers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, rags, paint can opener, and drop cloths (about.com:Interior decorating)
#2 - Don't try to get everything done in one day. Use the day before painting day to gather furniture in the center of the room, patch cracks and holes, put blue painter's tape around doors and windows, and cover wall and ceiling light fixtures (light bulbs removed, of course!) with large plastic bags.(about.com:Interior Decorating)
#3 - Strip the room, and cover any remaining furniture and the floor with dropcloths. For the best paint adhesion, wash walls, doors and trim with a light detergent solution, rinse well with a damp cloth and let dry thoroughly. Sand any glossy finishes, such as doors, window sashes and trim, and remove dust with a tack cloth. "Sixty per cent of the work is proper preparation," says Jerry. "Sanding and plastering are just as important as painting." (http://www.styleathome.com/how-to/painting/painting-tips-paint-with-ease/a/563)
#4 - Hold your paintbrush correctly. I've seen so many people hold their paintbrushes like a tennis racket. Some people get it basically right and hold it by the thin part of the handle like a pencil. But that will tire your hand out fast. A paintbrush should be held like a pencil, but down near the metal part by the bristles. The part of the brush that gets suddenly narrower should fit in around where the meaty part of your forefinger and thumb come together. (
http://blogs.msdn.com/b/johnmont/archive/2004/11/29/272007.aspx)
#5 - To neatly paint up to a line where two edges or colors meet, called "cutting in," use a trim brush with beveled bristles (the end of the brush resembles a chisel). Paint five or six strokes perpendicular to the edge of the ceiling or the wall. Next, smooth over these strokes with a single, long stroke, painting out from the corner first, then vertically. Where the wall and ceiling come together, use downward strokes on the wall first followed by smooth horizontal strokes.(
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-paint-room.htm)
#6 - Professional painters also suggest starting with a roller stroke that moves away from you. On walls, that means the first stroke should be up. If you roll down on the first stroke, the paint may puddle under the roller and run down the wall. In addition, be careful not to run the roller so rapidly across the wall that centrifugal force causes it to spray.(
http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-paint-room.htm)
#7 - If your room has a large surface area, any color that you paint will appear darker, so when choosing the paint’s color, get a color that is lighter than what you intend to paint with in the first place. Bright and clean colors will appear darker or lighter depending on your room’s light and other surrounding color.(
http://www.painterclick.com/tips_on_painting_a_room.htm)
#8 - For the best finish, it’s preferable to keep a wet edge between sections – paint one section of wall with the roller, then use the paintbrush for areas the roller can’t reach before moving on to the next section. This will also help prevent “missed spots” if painting with a similar color. (
http://www.essortment.com/all/roompainting_rcai.htm)
#9 - When removing the outlet and switch covers, put the screws back into the holes so they don’t get lost. You can also put the covers and screws in a zip top sandwich bag(
http://www.livingonadime.com/articles/10-tips-painting-a-room.html)
