Ten Lesser-Known Tips to Aid in Interior Painting

One: Watch the weather. If the weather is damp or rainy outside, there will be more humidity in the air and it can keep your paint from drying as quickly as it would on a dry day.

Two: Use a primer that is tinted the same color as your top coat of paint is going to be. This saves you time and money as you are required to use a lesser amount of paint to get the job done.

Three: Keep baby wipes, wet wipes or a damp cloth and a small disposable bag handy. The dampness on the cloth or material will aid you in wiping up misplaced paint immediately while it is still wet. If you wait for the paint to dry, getting it off can prove next to impossible, or can damage the final look you are hoping to achieve. This is true for paint that ends up on the ceiling if you are painting the walls, on the window sills, or even on the floor. Just make sure you wipe up immediately after a mishap and keeping a clean and precise look should be a breeze.

Four: If you are going to reuse your paint trays for future painting, line them with an easily disposable material that will not rip when covered with paint, such as foil or plastic wrap. This will keep your trays looking new and aid you tremendously in saving clean-up time.

Five: Choose the right type of paint brush or roller for the job. Paint brushes with natural bristles work best for paint that is oil-based and synthetic bristles work best for paint that is based in water or latex. Foam rollers work well at holding paint but should only be used if you are not texturing a wall, as they have a tendency to crumble and fall apart if not handled delicately. For textured walls use a thick napped roller to achieve the best results.

Six: Know which type of paint you want to use for the job you are doing. Enamel paints work well on spots that are going to need cleaned regularly later, such as kitchen walls. Latex paint will dry quickly but may not hold up as well as an oil-based one will tend to do. You also want to choose a paint that is specifically designed for the purpose you will be using it. For example, using paint specifically for the ceiling will allow you to have paint that will avoid a glare from lighting. This may seem nominal at the start of a job but will prove very convenient with every day use. Paints are designated for specific use for a reason, adhere to the instructions and all should be well. Trying to save money by using the same paint for all types of applications can cause you grief in the long run.

Seven: If you are painting around items, such as curtain rods or mounts, door knobs, hinges, etc., take a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around these items. Aluminum foil is very easy to shape and form and it covers completely. If necessary, put a little piece of painting tape on the edges of it to keep it in place (this is a great tip for door knobs). It only takes a few seconds to wrap foil around something and the little bit of extra preparation work can save you a ton of time later on, as it prevents the need for scraping dry paint off of areas where drips have inevitably occurred.

Eight: Let that first coat of paint dry before proceeding. You may understandably be in a hurry to get a paint job done, but if you do not let the first coat dry completely, you are setting yourself up for conditions that will leave your finished paint job in disarray. Wrinkling is the most common condition that occurs from being too hasty in applying that second coat.

Nine: Save the little bits of paint that may be left over in bulky cans or containers in smaller containers such as baby food jars or quart-sized plastic milk jugs. These are great for future touch-ups, and they make it easier to access the paint inside, and less likely for the paint to dry up and become unusable. Make sure you label the container with the date and color and/or type of paint that is being stored.

Ten: Purchase a brush comb to aid you in cleaning your paint brush bristles. This not only saves you cleaning time, but it ensures that your bristles dry straight and come out looking and performing as good as new for subsequent paint jobs.

These ten painting tips will help you end up with professional looking results sure to please the eye and gain you well-deserved compliments. Happy painting!