As Albus Dumbledore says, "...the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy".
This choice is especially apparent when planning a paint job at home. We've done painting both quickly (not recommended) and thoughtfully (much, much better).
From all around the web, here are some tips that bear repeating:
1.Take a day for prep. Set aside time the day before painting to move furniture, patch walls and tape. Line the inside of your paint tray with a plastic kitchen trash bag, taped in place for easy clean up later.
2. Remove hardware. Put all the bits of the door knobs or switchplates into separate zip top bags and write where they came from right on the bag. It ends up being easier and faster to remove and reinstall rather than trying to work around them.
3. Move stuff. Take everything off the walls and move what you can to another room. If you can't move it out, put it all toward the center of the room and cover with dropcloths.
4. Use Primer. The paint will perform much better and tinted primers save money and time by reducing the number of coats you'll need to do.
5. Clean as you go. Have paper towels and rags handy. Scrape excess paint or drips from windows, tile, or glass with straight razor blades.
6. Keep the paint flowing smoothly. Only transfer about an inch into your tray or painting container. Cover your paint can in between these refills to keep the air out.
7. Store your brush. Instead of washing it out each time you take a break just use plastic wrap around it. For overnight, wrap in plastic, put it in a bag and store it in the freezer.
8.Save your leftover paint, not the giant cans. Use small glass jars or food storage containers to store just the bit of paint you'll need for touching up scratches or dents. Labeling really helps - make it easy on yourself do you don't have to remember exactly what you used where.
We're always looking for more good tips, info and advice. Comment away!
Originally posted 2006-10-17 at this link.
Great advice! I am planning on painting this weekend and these tips are just in time! More tips please!
view IdRatherBeDesigning's profile
And don't cheap-out on the paint. Pricier usually means better. An extra $20 or $30 per gallon is nothing when you amertize the cost differencial over the life of the paint job. Farrow & Ball forever!
view ChrisToronto's profile
Devine is great paint too!
view Sleek's profile
I tend to leave painting jobs unfinished for long periods of time--doubtless due to a lack of organized purposefulness. But hey! I actually managed to paint and glaze my whole living room by adapting to my scattered ways and just painting bits of it at night while watching TV--it's amazing how much can be done during those commercial megabreaks! Whatever gets the job done, say I.
view Aulaire's profile
I get completely nuts when I am painting, especially a dark color, and the edge isn't straight. I always mask/tape the area but even then the edges can be off. I found using a small makeup brush, such as an angled eyeshadow brush is great for cleaning up lines and filling in small corners. Of course, using a small paint brush would work but I always forget to grab them when buying my paint supplies.
I also agree with not skimping on quality paint.
view designerny's profile
Don't put everything away until you've had a good look at your paint job in daylight, particularly if you're using a strong color or covering a drastically different color. This will help you spot any trouble areas that might need more paint, and allow you to more accurately decide whether you can touch up those areas or if you really need another coat.
Always always always have the most particular person do the taping. That way, if there's a wavy line at the ceiling, they have only themselves to blame! Never never never let someone who has never really painted before do the taping. They have no idea how important proper coverage is and will get frustrated if you try to just explain it to them. *sigh*
view parhelia's profile
PS, the rubbermaid paint buddies are great for storing extra paint in small apartments where you may not have the space to keep the entire can (which is probably only partially full anyway).
http://www.paintbuddy.com/shurline/consumer/paintbuddy/index.jhtml?_requestid=8051
I found that the roller top is good only for very small areas. If you need to cover a larger scratch or nick, its best to take the top off and dip a small brush in it.
view designerny's profile
I think edges are the most crucial and my eye immediately sees those when not done well. Best tip EVER for edges: let's say you're painting the wall. Tape along the ceiling as you normally would, then come along with a very small amount of paint and paint the edge of the tape with the color of the ceiling. The reason is that paint always wicks up through tiny channels between the tape and the wall and gives an uneven edge. This will seal the little channels. Let paint dry, and proceed. This takes maybe an extra 15 min of painting for an entire room and has been a great success.
view tarah's profile
If you're going to store your leftover paint in a new, smaller container as has been suggested, it would probably be a good idea to label it! Include the brand, the type of paint, the gloss, and the color. Then you'll have the information if you need it later.
view parhelia's profile
I can not say enough about using a tinted primer.
Now, as for that painter boy, is he the best tip, or the best trick?
view patrick (the other one)'s profile
Re: storing leftover paint in smaller containers. I tape my paint chip sample card to the top of the container. The color formula is there, even if the paint name changes.
view Dusa's profile