Many homeowners have basic painting preparation. They understand that it's important to utilize drop cloths, painters tape and stir paint thoroughly. But did you know that a golf ball can assist maintain paint quality, or that microwaving paint tape can make it more workable?
With many DIY painting jobs, understanding a couple of extra painting strategies can lead to the most rewarding outcomes. Keeping paint correctly and using the right tools can ensure that you avoid imperfections and cover surfaces equally.
These nine DIY painting ideas can help you improve the quality of your work and conserve money and time at the same time, whether you're preparing to offer, changing your decor or doing some routine house maintenance.
1. Do not let your paint dry out
A half-empty can of paint will dry out. Drop golf balls into the paint can to fill the air space, or place cling wrap under the lid, seal it firmly and save the paint upside down.
2. Use the ideal primer
If you're painting new drywall, utilize a water-based primer to hide imperfections and provide an even base before using color. If you're painting paneling, water-damaged or smoke-saturated walls, opt for an oil-based guide.
3. Prevent lap marks
To avoid stripes caused by rolling over paint that's currently starting to dry, keep a damp edge by painting the complete height of the wall and then moving over slightly so you can overlap the last stroke with the next.
4. Stir paint with a modified stirrer
Before you stir paint, drill holes in the stirrer to help blend the paint more thoroughly. The holes assist the paint circulation through the stirrer, aerating it like a whisk and mixing the paint evenly.
5. Add texture, if you want
If you want more texture on your wall, select a roller with a longer, 3/4" nap, which holds more paint. The nap is the fabric material covering the roller, and longer naps create more stippling on your wall due to the fact that of the method their fibers distribute the paint. Utilize a shorter-nap roller-- between http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/?action=click&contentCollection®ion=TopBar&WT.nav=searchWidget&module=SearchSubmit&pgtype=Homepage#/Bloomfield painting 1/4" and 1/2" nap-- for the best finish.
6. Don't wash your brushes or rollers
If you're using latex paint, there's no reason to clean your brushes or rollers if you do not complete your task in one day. Since cold temperatures keep latex paint from drying rapidly, you can just cover your rollers or brushes in plastic bags or tin foil and put them in the fridge. (Make certain to let them totally warm back up before using them.).
7. Deal with problem tape.
If you're utilizing older tape, often it can be difficult to peel off its roll without tearing or sticking. If your painter's tape continues to peel, microwave the whole roll for 10 seconds.
8. Determine the kind of paint on existing walls.
Not sure if a wall's existing paint is oil or latex? Bloomfield interior painting Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it in a little area throughout the wall. If the cotton ball has paint residue, the paint is latex. No paint on the cotton ball? You'll be painting over an oil-based paint and will want to use an oil-based primer prior to painting.
9. Invest in a paint pen.
Buy a paint pen that lets you pack it with a smidgen of your new paint color for little touchups later on. These pens keep the paint inside fresh for about a year as soon as filled; just remember to shake them well prior to use to guarantee the paint comes out smoothly and evenly.