Lots of homeowners have standard painting preparation. They understand that it is very important to utilize ground cloth, painters tape and stir paint completely. However did you know that a golf ball can help maintain paint quality, or that microwaving paint tape can make it more workable?
With most DIY painting projects, understanding a couple of extra painting techniques can result in the most rewarding outcomes. Keeping paint appropriately and utilizing the right tools can make sure that you avoid imperfections and cover surfaces equally.
These nine DIY painting ideas can assist you enhance the quality of your work and save time and money in the process, whether you're preparing to sell, changing your decor or doing some regular home maintenance.
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 cling wrap under the cover, seal it securely and save the paint upside down.
2. Utilize the best guide
If you're painting new drywall, use a water-based primer to conceal flaws and provide an even base prior to applying 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 triggered by rolling over paint that's currently starting 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
Prior to you stir paint, drill holes in the stirrer to help blend the paint better. The holes help the paint circulation through the stirrer, aerating it like a whisk and mixing the paint uniformly.
5. Add 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 material covering the roller, and longer naps create more stippling on your wall since of the way their fibers disperse the paint. Utilize a shorter-nap roller-- between 1/4" and 1/2" nap-- for the smoothest surface.
6. Do not clean your brushes or rollers
If you're using latex paint, there's no reason to clean your brushes or rollers if you don't complete your task in one day. Because cold temperatures 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 fully warm back up before using them.).
7. Deal with problem tape.
If you're using older tape, sometimes it can be hard to peel its roll without tearing or sticking. If your painter's tape continues to peel, microwave the whole roll for 10 seconds.
8. Figure out the sort of paint on existing walls.
Uncertain if a wall's existing paint is oil or latex? Soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it in a small area 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 wish to utilize an oil-based primer prior to painting.
9. Purchase a paint pen.
Buy a paint pen that lets you pack it with a smidgen Cedar Grove exterior painting of your new paint color for small touchups later. These pens keep the paint inside fresh for about a year when filled; just keep in mind to shake them well prior to use to guarantee the paint comes out smoothly and uniformly.