PREPARATION
Alexander Graham Bell said " Before anything else, preparation is the key to success" so take the necessary pre-steps if you want to make your painting a success.
Prep beyond tape and drop cloths
A drop cloth will protect your floors, but a thick and durable drop cloth is also a little clumsy to maneuver. For smaller, awkward items that are in danger of paint splatter, use plastic wrap. It’ll make it much less frustrating to protect a toilet or bathroom sink.
Be ready for spills and splatters
At the very least, a few drops of paint are going to end up where you don’t want them. Have a rag and some Q-Tips ready for the inevitable paint splatter, so that you can quickly wipe them off before they dry and set on your frames, countertops, or hardwood floor.
Use heat to remove the tape
Painter’s tape should not be left on the surface for more than 10 days but sometimes you get distracted and can’t get back to your project. When that happens, patience is the key when removing painter’s tape. Hold a heat gun or hair dryer a few inches away from the tape as you remove it little by little. The heat will break down the adhesive and make removing the tape a much less frustrating task. Be prepared though, it can still tear and leave splotchy edges no matter how careful you are.
Stopping and Starting
When you are painting you may find you have to stop before the job is completed. Try wrapping your paintbrush in plastic wrap. It will keep the brush from drying out for a day or so until you can pick up where you left off. Putting a plastic bag over the paint can and tape around it will keep your paint fresh until you can come back to finish.
High Gloss
High gloss paint has the most sheen, and will be the most durable. That durability is best suited for the kitchen, on surfaces like cabinets, door frames, and window trim. It’s best to avoid using high gloss on walls, because it will be too reflective.
Semi-Gloss
It’s not as shiny as high gloss, but it’s still great for kitchens and bathrooms, because the sheen protects from drips, splatters, and other moisture.
Satin
Satin has a velvet-like look, but is still a durable finish, and works best in high-traffic areas. Be careful when applying, because satin paint will reveal sloppy brush strokes.
Eggshell and flat
These finishes have the least amount of sheen, and are the least durable. They’re great for hiding imperfections in your walls, but the low durability means they should be avoided if the room is subject to wear and tear from kids or pets. Use these paints in dining rooms, bedrooms, and other low-traffic rooms.
Finally, the best thing about paint is if you don't like it you can paint over it. So relax and have some fun with it!
Be ready for spills and splatters
At the very least, a few drops of paint are going to end up where you don’t want them. Have a rag and some Q-Tips ready for the inevitable paint splatter, so that you can quickly wipe them off before they dry and set on your frames, countertops, or hardwood floor.
Use heat to remove the tape
Painter’s tape should not be left on the surface for more than 10 days but sometimes you get distracted and can’t get back to your project. When that happens, patience is the key when removing painter’s tape. Hold a heat gun or hair dryer a few inches away from the tape as you remove it little by little. The heat will break down the adhesive and make removing the tape a much less frustrating task. Be prepared though, it can still tear and leave splotchy edges no matter how careful you are.
Stopping and Starting
When you are painting you may find you have to stop before the job is completed. Try wrapping your paintbrush in plastic wrap. It will keep the brush from drying out for a day or so until you can pick up where you left off. Putting a plastic bag over the paint can and tape around it will keep your paint fresh until you can come back to finish.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAINT FINISH
It can be intimidating to stand in front of the paint swatches at the paint or hardware store and try to make a decision. Picking a color can be difficult enough—and then you have to choose the finish. Choosing the color is up to you, but here’s a simple guide to choosing the correct finish for your project.High Gloss
High gloss paint has the most sheen, and will be the most durable. That durability is best suited for the kitchen, on surfaces like cabinets, door frames, and window trim. It’s best to avoid using high gloss on walls, because it will be too reflective.
Semi-Gloss
It’s not as shiny as high gloss, but it’s still great for kitchens and bathrooms, because the sheen protects from drips, splatters, and other moisture.
Satin
Satin has a velvet-like look, but is still a durable finish, and works best in high-traffic areas. Be careful when applying, because satin paint will reveal sloppy brush strokes.
Eggshell and flat
These finishes have the least amount of sheen, and are the least durable. They’re great for hiding imperfections in your walls, but the low durability means they should be avoided if the room is subject to wear and tear from kids or pets. Use these paints in dining rooms, bedrooms, and other low-traffic rooms.
Finally, the best thing about paint is if you don't like it you can paint over it. So relax and have some fun with it!
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