We've been talking about color a great deal over recent weeks and we all know it's one of the most inexpensive ways to make a big impact in a space. That said, it's not always the easiest. Have you ever tried painting behind a toilet?
We recently picked up this handy tip from Family Handyman that suggests using plastic wrap against tricky items in a room that can't be moved. It would work great when painting small spaces in bathrooms, or the wall behind a radiator.
It seems like one of those silly things that people come up with that make a situation more difficult — like an avocado knife, seriously, what's wrong with a pairing knife? Or a spoon! But having recently spent several hours with a razor blade in multiple uncomfortable positions in attempts to scrape the paint back off my toilet after I painted our bathroom yellow, I'm going to say that this is actually time-saving advice.
Do you have a painting trick that helps you along? Sometimes the small things can make all the difference in the world!
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Patience was the biggest lesson I learned...along with using dense foam rollers that make it a lot easier to get even coverage.
We slipped a kitchen garbage bag over our toilet and radiators when we painted. Same idea, but was super easy.
I'd at least take the tank off.
Genius!
Oh wow, I can't believe I never thought of doing this. We have radiators and they are so hard to paint behind (fortunately, the paint wipes off easily), but plastic wrap would have made it so easy.
I also found these flat pieces that are supposed to be used to paint along edges, and used those behind things where even a small roller wouldn't fit. They worked really well, but still, plastic wrap would have made it even easier!
Never thought of this... great idea! Also, I LOVE my avocado knife. It really is better than a regular knife or spoon :)
I can't believe I never thought of this for painting behind my radiators - great tip. Does anyone have any suggestions for painting the radiators themselves??
I've used tin foil to mask awkward things, as well. It works like a charm to cover the heating elements of baseboard heaters or radiators while painting.
Ditto in the "great idea, can't believe I never thought of it" camp!
As for radiators -- I've painted them (in the non-usage season) with high-heat resistant paint (found at a normal paint store) and a brush.
Garbage bags are brilliant.
That's "paring knife" to you.
Also I am painting my bathroom this holiday weekend, so thank you for this!
@cbreynolds, garbage bag over the radiator is the best tip I've heard in a long, long time.
*slapping forehead* Duh! the press-to-seal plastic wrap would be perfect for this.
Brilliant. Post of the week!
I uninstalled the water tank in two bathrooms before painting. It is not that difficult.
I was JUST wondering this!
I feel so stupid for not thinking of this myself! Sigh!
Thank you!!!