Painting Like a Pro
Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-418 -- More Projects » Designer Donna Babylon gives helpful tips on how to paint like a professional without the expense. Her ideas are designed to save money by updating a room with one coat of paint.
- Remove any paintings, wall treatments or movable furniture before painting. Any furniture too large to remove should be moved to the center of the room. Instead of purchasing drop cloths to cover the furniture, just use sheets.
- The surface area to be painted should be as smooth as possible, so be sure to spackle any nail holes. When the spackle is dry, smooth the surface with sandpaper (and smooth out any other imperfections in the wall along the way). Don't forget to wear protective eyewear.
- The step everyone wants to avoid is washing the walls. Not only does this remove dirt and grime, but it also saves an extra coat of paint.
- Floor coverings are a must. Overlap the sheets or drop cloths at least a foot to reduce the chances of paint slipping through. By taping the edges to the floor molding, the chances of paint seeping onto the floor are further reduced.
- Remove all jewelry before painting. Rub a drop of baby oil on the hands. This keeps paint from sticking and allows for easy cleanup.
- Punch some holes around the rim of the paint can. This allows the paint to return to the can instead of filling the rim.
- Wrapping a plastic grocery bag around the paint tray (before pouring the paint) saves on paint cost and makes cleanup a snap.
- Painting used to be a paintbrush and bucket, but a roller and edging brush save an enormous amount of time. An edging tool has rollers that make "cutting in," or applying paint along an edge, a breeze. Corners can be cut in using a corner tool. Start from the top and just pull the corner tool down.
- When painting with a roller brush, start with a large "M" pattern on the wall, then fill in with horizontal strokes.
- Latex paint is wonderful for walls. It's easier to clean than an oil-based paint and doesn't have any toxic fumes, so ventilation isn't a problem.
- If the project takes longer than a day to complete, save the brush by wrapping it in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and place in the freezer. Just remove and thaw the next day and continue painting.
- When painting is completed, set aside a small amount of paint in a glass jar for easy touchups.
- A light-switch cover is a great place to record your work. Take the paint chip of the paint used, clip it off, record the manufacturer and date of purchase, and tape to the inside of the cover. It will always be there for easy reference.
Resources More Splash Than Cash Decorating Ideas
by Donna Babylon
This book is an easy-to-read guide for tasteful decorating on a budget--perfect for anyone wanting to spruce up their home without breaking their wallet.
Windsor Oak Publishing, March 1999
Order this title from Amazon.com.
Guests Donna Babylon
Author / Designer / Owner, Windsor Oak Publishing
Toll-free: 888-919-8227
Fax: 410-848-3293
E-mail:
Donna@WindsorOak.com
Website:
www.moresplashthancash.com
Also in this Episode
