Lots of homeowners possess basic painting preparation. They understand that it is very important to use drop cloths, painters tape and stir paint thoroughly. But did you understand that a golf ball can assist preserve paint quality, or that microwaving paint tape can make it more manageable?
With the majority of DIY painting tasks, understanding a couple of extra painting methods can lead to the most rewarding results. Storing paint appropriately and utilizing the right tools can make sure that you avoid imperfections and cover surfaces evenly.
These nine DIY painting suggestions can assist you improve the quality of your work and conserve time and money in the process, whether you're preparing to offer, changing your decor or doing some routine home upkeep.
1. Don't let your paint dry
A half-empty can of paint will dry out. Drop golf balls into the paint can to fill the air space, or location plastic wrap under the lid, seal it securely and store the paint upside down.
2. Use the best guide
If you're painting new drywall, use a water-based guide to conceal imperfections and offer an even base prior to applying color. If you're painting paneling, water-damaged or smoke-saturated walls, select an oil-based guide.
3. Avoid lap marks
To prevent stripes triggered by rolling over paint that's already beginning to dry, keep a wet edge by painting the full height of the wall and then moving over slightly so you can overlap the last stroke with the next.
4. Stir paint with a customized stirrer
Before you stir paint, drill holes in the stirrer to help blend the paint more thoroughly. The holes help the paint flow through the Montclair painting stirrer, aerating it like a whisk and mixing the paint evenly.
5. Include texture, if you want
If you desire more texture on your wall, pick a roller with a longer, 3/4" nap, which holds more paint. The nap is the fabric product covering the roller, and longer naps develop more stippling on your wall since of the method their fibers distribute the paint. Utilize a shorter-nap roller-- in between 1/4" and 1/2" nap-- for the best surface.
6. Don't wash your brushes or rollers
If you're using latex paint, there's no factor to clean your brushes or rollers if you do not complete your job in one day. Since cold temperature levels keep latex paint from drying rapidly, you can merely wrap your rollers or brushes in plastic bags or tin foil and put them in the fridge. (Be sure to let them totally warm back up prior to utilizing them.).
7. Deal with problem tape.
If you're using 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 entire roll for 10 seconds.
8. Determine the type of paint on existing walls.
Unsure if a wall's existing paint is oil or latex? Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it in a little location across 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 utilize an oil-based primer before painting.
9. Purchase a paint pen.
Buy a paint pen that lets you load it with a smidgen of your brand-new paint color for small touchups later on. These pens keep the paint inside fresh for about a year when filled; just keep in mind to shake them well before use to guarantee the paint comes out efficiently and uniformly.