Monday, January 7, 2013

Tips on Painting

Hello and welcome.  This blog is intended to help homeowners learn how to achieve professional painting results in an easy to scan format.  As a professional Naperville painting contractor I would love to have everyone hire us to do all household painting, but I realize that's unlikely.  In the meantime, I can be a handy guide for do-it-yourself painters.  If you ever have questions about something you're doing feel free to contract me at info@yourpainters.com and I'll be happy to give you free advice.  You'll also find more useful information on our main site - http://www.yourpainters.com

Let's start with some basic Q & A on interior painting.

Seriously, is it ever the husband's idea to paint?

No, never.

Should I first use a primer?

As is so often the answer - it depends.  A primer should always be used over new drywall, on any area that has been patched, over a stain (water or ink), when you can't remember the last time a room was painted, or over any walls where you are drastically changing the color. 

Just like paint, primer can be tinted.  As an example - if you are painting over a red wall with tan paint then you should first apply a coat of primer tinted to a gray color with the same depth of color as the tan you have chosen.  This eliminates the need for endless coats of the finishing color.

If you're priming over a small patched area it will be much more cost effective to buy a spray can of primer available at any paint store or home improvement store for about $5.

If you're priming due to a stain (a water mark is a fairly common ceiling stain) then be sure to use an oil-based primer which will do a better job of preventing the stain from reappearing.  Again you'll likely find that a spray can of primer is most cost effective.

Will applying one coat be enough?

Not unless you are matching the existing color.  For that reason one coat is usually ok on a ceiling, but not on the walls.
 
How long will my leftover paint last?

Wait for it........wait for it.........it depends.  If properly sealed you should be ok for 2 to 3 years.  Proper sealing includes using clear plastic wrap that is allowed to completely cover the surface of the remaining paint.  Allow the the plastic to extend around the outer edge of the can and then carefully hammer the lid back on.  Another trick prior to sealing excess latex paint is to add a small amount of water - just enough to float on top of the paint and provide an extra layer of protection.  If your stored paint has a cottage cheese-like consistency or has a rotten smell you should not use it.

Can I wash all types of paint?

No.  Flat paint is not washable (not even with the Mr. Clean eraser).  Moving up in sheen (shininess) will increase the washability of your paint while moving up in quality of the paint will increase the durability.  The shinier it is the more easily washed it is.  If you buy inexpensive paint it will show signs of wear much more quickly after being washed than a higher grade of paint.

Why am I seeing roller marks even after the paint dries?

The most common reason is that there was not enough paint on your roller.  Never try to stretch the paint by pressing harder.  You want to apply paint smoothly, liberally, and consistently.  If you get tired of putting more paint on your roller it will definitely show on your walls.