9 Steps to Painting Like a Pro
By Darcy Logan
If you have managed to decide on a color, the
hardest part of your painting job is done. It may seem scary, but follow these
guidelines and you will produce a painting job that would make any professional
take notice. Follow these steps and you will produce an expert job without
having to pay the cost of hiring an expert.
 1.
Choose the right type of paint
Latex, or water-based, paints are the
most popular choice because they emit fewer fumes, dry quicker, and have an
easier clean up process. Latex paint is also less prone to fading or yellowing
and provides a breathable surface that allows moisture to escape.
However, alkyd, or oil-based paints have the advantage of being more durable.
Alkyd paints can also be applied in lower temperatures than latex fifty degree
cut off point. You should always choose alkyd paints when repainting exterior
surfaces with heavy chalking (that powdery substance that comes off on your hand
when you brush against it) or when repainting interior or exterior surfaces that
have more than three layers of paint. Alkyd paints can be trickier to apply than
latex paints because they are go on thicker and will require the use turpentine,
paint thinner, or some other solvent during clean up.
On interior surfaces, it is okay to apply latex over alkyd or vice-versa
providing that the previous finish is flat or has been sanded. If you are
unsure, it is better to cover the old paint with a primer of the same
composition (alkyd or latex) as the paint as you are planning on using. On
exterior surface, oil should not be painted over latex. However, many experts
suggest that the best exterior starts with an alkyd primer followed by latex
paint.
South Shore Painting
strongly recommends use of an oil primer when there is a latex over oil
condition.
If painting a kitchen or bathroom, choose
paint specially designed for these areas. These paints are more mold-, mildew-,
and humidity-resistant. Although it may seem like an added expense, the cost is
worth it. At the very least, add a mildewcide to the paint before using.
 2.
Choose the right finish
Flat, eggshell, semi gloss, high glossdoes
it matter what type of finish? Yes, the right finish is important, especially
since most paints come in all three varieties. For one, flat paints will attract
mildew quicker than semi gloss or high gloss paint. This is because glossier
paints have no pores for the mold to grab onto to grow. Semi gloss and high
gloss paint is also more durable and wipe clean easily. They will stand up to
stains and scuffings, which makes them perfect for high traffic areas.
However, flat paints are better at concealing imperfections in the surface. They
will make surfaces appear smoother and more uniform. Paints with an eggshell, or
satin, finish have a finish that falls in between the flat and semi gloss. They
are ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. They will give a room more depth and
warmth and are slightly more durable than flat paints.
3. Choose the right tools
While power rollers and paint sprayers can
be time-savers, they are not practical for smaller or complicated rooms.
Painting these rooms is better done in the traditional manner. For most jobs,
all you will need is a roller, a tray and a few brushes that vary between
one-inch to four-inches wide for the trim and detail work. Make sure you also
have the equipment needed to prepare and protect surfaces around the area you
plan to paint.
4. Prepare the surface
Failing to prepare your surface before painting will only diminish the
durability of your paint. Even worse, all the blemishes, marks, and
imperfections that you were trying to cover will remain visible.
The first thing you need to is remove everything from the walls. Take down the
curtains and remove the switch plates and any pictures or other objects hanging
on the walls. Then, cover all surrounding floors, cabinets, and fixtures with
drop cloths or flattened out corrugated boxes.
Next, you want to clean the walls and trim thoroughly. Use hot water and a
little bit of detergent soap, then rinse thoroughly. Once the walls have dried,
patch any holes, cracks, or joints with spackling compound. Let it dry and the
sand with fine grade sandpaper until smooth. Also, sand down any glossy
surfaces. Wipe all sanded surfaces with a damp cloth to remove all residues.
5. Protect the surface
If you have a steady hand, you might not need masking tape to cover the
edges. If you don't, invest in the special blue painters tape rather than using
regular masking tapeespecially on painted surfaces. Regular masking tape might
damage the very surface you are trying to protect.
Wrap hardware such as doorknobs, hinges, pulls in foil to protect them before
painting. You can also use wet newspaper to protect glass. Simply cut the
newspaper into one-inch long strips, dip it into water, and pull it through your
thumb and index finger to remove the excess water. Press the strips onto the
glass, close to the wood, and remove them as soon as you are through. Finally,
keep around a damp cloth and paper towels handy when painting. Most paint
spilled can be removed with these if they are caught soon enough.
 6.
Preparation will make clean up easier
Rub hand lotion on your hands and arms
before you begin painting. It will make the paint easier to wash off your hands
when you're finished. Also, baby oil is sometimes better at removing paint from
your skin. You can also safe time if you line your paint tray with plastic wrap
or aluminum foil and glue a large paper plate to the bottom of any open paint
can you plan to use. After opening the paint can, use a nail to tap about five
or six holes into the retaining grove. This allows the paint to run back into
the can.
Make sure you have paint thinner or turpentine handy if you are painting with
any oil based paints. Latex paints will clean up with soap and water. If you
need to stop for a short period instead of cleaning your brushes, seal them into
a plastic bag or wrap them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
7. Always prime before painting
Even if you do not need it, primer will provide a better quality to your
paint job. Some primers are designed for new walls while others will help cover
up stains. Use the right type of primer and have it tinted the same color as
your paint. It might seem like an additional step, but primers will help reduce
the number of coats you will have to do.
8. Purchase all the paint you will need and prepare it before beginning
One gallon of paint will cover about four hundred square feet of surface. If
the area you are planning on painting requires more than one gallon, you will
need to mix all the paints together before you begin. Different cans can have
subtle color variations that might not be evident in the can. Unfortunately,
they will be extremely obvious on your walls. If you plan to do two coats, you
can decide mix only half the paints at first. Then, mix any remaining paint
together before starting your second coat.
 9.
Painting
Using a brush to cover any area that is too
tight to accommodate a roller as well as to apply a one-inch border of paint
around any windows and doors, where the wall meets the ceiling and floor, and in
corners. Work in small sections so that the paint will still be wet when you go
to use the roller. When using a brush, dip the bristles of the paint about
halfway into the paint and then tap the brush against the edge to remove any
excess. Hold the handle at the base and press gently so that the bristles flex
slightly. Brush in both directions to avoid any streaking.
Rollers provide even coverage with little color variation and are much quicker
than painting with a brush. Make sure your roller has the right knap for the
surface you are painting. Dip the roller into the paint so that it is well
covered, but not saturated. Roll the roller over the ridges of the pan to ensure
that it will spread the paint smoothly. Prepare to cover about four feet of
surface for each "dip" you do with your roller. For best results, paint a large
M onto the wall, and then roll from side to side to spread the paint. Finish up
with light up and down strokes for an even finish.
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