All these great Before & Afters we've been featuring have me itching to tackle some new projects around the house. I've come a long way since I posted about not wanting to paint another inch of my bathroom, in part because of helpful reader comments. That's why I couldn't wait to pass along these fantastic tips for no-mess painting. I had several A-ha moments just reading them!
Click through to the Family Handyman to see photos and get more details — you'll also find tons of other useful info — but here's the quick 'n' dirty rundown:
• Use pimple pads to clean up latex paint dribbles. The alcohol softens the paint right up! Be sure to test first to make sure it won't compromise the finish of your floors.
• Painting spindles can be a drag, since you can only get to three sides at a time. Not anymore! Drive long drywall screws into each end, then rest the spindles between a pair of sawhorses. Now you can turn as you go!
• The drywall screw tip works for chairs and stools too! Drive screws about a half an inch into the bottom of the legs for an instant lift (and no more sticking to the newspaper or drop cloth).
• To get into tight spots like behind the back of a toilet, glue a paint-edging pad to a stir stick. Instant skinny paint tool!
• Need to cover an awkward object, like, say, a toilet tank? Wrap Glad Press'n Seal plastic wrap over it — it's quick and stays put.
• Ever tried to remove stubborn painter's masking tape only to have it tear or pull off flakes of your new finish? Use a hairdryer to soften it up first.
• Speaking of painter's tape, if you have a roll that's been sitting around for a while and the tape won't pull off without tearing, pop it in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften up the adhesive.
• For crisp tape application, use a putty knife to press the edge flat over trim or along wall seams.
• Cut the bottom section from a coat wire hanger and bend and position so it straddles the rim of the paint can. Tape it in place, and you've got a nifty way to rub off excess paint from your brushes.
• This last tip is for all you DIY-ers who've been stuck inside all winter. Create a "spray booth" from a cardboard box and you'll never accidentally paint your garage floor again! For small objects like hardware, use coat hanger wire to hang the items from the top of the spray booth, then rotate as you go.
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These tips are awesome! I especially love the one about painting behind the toilet because I was just about to fully remove the darned thing to get back there. Any tips for painting spindles that are still attached to the staircase? They're proving to be the worst things to paint EVER.
I use cotton pads, the ones you use to remove make up, instead of plain cotton to clean paint drops. They are lint free and when you want to clean a small drop very close to the painted surface they are ideal. The lints in plain cotton always stick to the painted surface, creating a mess. Cotton pads are great for this very delicate sort of things
I like to use press and seal to line my paint trays, it makes clean up sooo much easier! Also, between coats I wrap my brushes and rollers in plastic wrap so I don't have to wash them until I'm done.
Plus, the best masking tape ever is froggy tape...I will never use anything else!
I don't know how much "pimple pads" are where you're from, but for me, this would be an astronomical expense (and/or waste) just to clean up a paint drip. If you can't catch those while they're wet (where just a wet cloth will clean it up easily -- latex cleans with water), let them dry and you can scrape them off cleanly with a putty knife, fingernail, or razor blade. And if you really have to, just buy some alcohol at the drug store. It's probably much cheaper than Clean and Clear.
These tips are super helpful for a spray paint junkie like myself but what I'd love to know is if anyone has and ideas for getting it out of the bath. I might have gone a little crazy and now my white tub is white, silver, and a little (okay a lot) hot pink! I love it but I'm not so sure my landlord will feel the same way. Suggestions?
great tips! now i can fix that eyesore in my bathroom w/ saran wrap and edging pad asap! =)
I've always covered toilet tanks with garbage bags: they tie nicely around the base so they don't move.
I also do what AlphaBear does and wrap brushes and rollers in plastic wrap so they don't dry out. If I'm stepping away from the project for more than one night, I put them in the fridge too.
Large rubber bands work really well around a paint can for removing excess paint too.
For cleaning, I've found the best way is to use shampoo: put some shampoo in your hand, and before getting the brush wet, swirl it in the shampoo. Then rinse it thoroughly and use a fine-tooth comb to help remove paint. I normally have to repeat this process for optimum results. With a LOT of patience, this can also save a dried out brush.
I also put my brushes in ziplock bags when I am in the middle of a project, and I have been known to use garbage bags as tray liners, covers, drop cloths etc. Simply cut open the sides and you have quite a piece of plastic to work with :)
Baby wipes are great for wiping up (wet) paint messes. If you get a generic brand it won't cost you much.
I love Family Handyman!
I tap a nail hole down through the lip of the paint can - just 3 or 4 around the entire edge so when paint builds up in that groove (and it will), it will drip right back into the can. Plus, the lid seals it up once it's closed. No drying out. I've done this for years.
Rachel Marie have you tried acetone to remove the spray paint from your tub?
Thanks @HORKER1! I hadn't thought of that, I'll give it a shot today. Have a great weekend!
Is your tub plastic, Rachel Marie? I'd be worried acetone might cause some damage. Test first in an inconspicuous area...
Speaking of press and seal, I use cling film when I move. Do you ever want to tape down drawers and parts on furniture that want to move and fall out? But you don't want to ruin the finish on your furniture. First wrap it in cling film, then use tape. Tada!
I wrap rollers that I'm not through with in the plastic shopping bags everyone has way too many of, they fit perfect in length and use the bag handles to tie it together. I use the same bags to cover the paint tray if I have to leave without finishing. Press the plastic down onto the paint surface so it doesn't dry up.
I'm horrible about not putting down drop cloths and have found 409 spray cleaner will keep a spill from drying out in time to wipe/blot it up out of many carpet types. If a drop falls on a hard surface, I'll let it dry and pop it off with a razor.
Good idea @SUNSPOT42, it's not plastic but the top layer is pretty cracked and there is a lot of rough surface, wonder if this would be a problem too.
I guess this is what I get for my go on! have fun with paint now and worry about the cleaning later line of thought! Damn you hot pink spray paint for being so irresistible :)
Try some nail polish remover Rachel Marie -- or maybe turpentine? Or paint the tub hot pink...
@Yellow Coffee Cup, if only I could! My last apartment had a paint what you want policy and my kitchen cabinets got to be the hottest pink I could find! One day I'll have a pink bathtub but for now I'm giving the polish remover/acetone a shot.
Very good tips here! I especially love the press and seal for paint trays. I hate cleaning those... Thanks!