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Paint Tips
1. Extend the life of
your paint job.
Never start a painting project without proper preparation,
such as thorough cleaning of the surface, removal of old
peeling paint and use of a primer if required. Time spent
on preparation will improve the look and life of your
paint job.
2. Get rid of surface mildew.
Mold and mildew usually appear as a brown or black
staining on the surface and will continue reappearing
after each paint job unless eliminated. Wash the affected
areas with a mixture of one part household bleach and
three parts warm soapy water, then rinse.
3. Store brushes in the freezer overnight.
Brushes and roller sleeves used with oil-based paint can
be temporarily kept soft by being wrapped in aluminum
foil, placed in a plastic bag and stored in the freezer.
This saves clean-up time and trouble when you plan to
resume painting in the next day or two.
4. Take good care of your painting tools.
Wash brushes used with latex paint in warm (dish) soapy
water. Leave a little soap in the brush and wrap in wax
paper to preserve the softness and shape.
Comb brushes and rollers after cleaning to eliminate
excess fuzz and remove loose bristles.
5. Don't let shrubbery eat your fresh paint job.
Before painting exterior siding, tie back any shrubs or
branches that may scratch the fresh paint. Leave tied back
for a week to allow complete drying.
6. Keep records.
Always keep a record of the paint used as well as the
color code. You'll be glad you did when down the road you
discover you need more paint for a touch up or another
coat.
7. Avoid painting in direct sunlight.
Heat blistering may result if a hot sun causes too rapid
drying of the paint film, trapping solvents which later
vaporize and put pressure against the topcoat. This is
most common with dark color coatings which are naturally
heat absorbent.
8. Check the compatibility of the products you use.
For example, when filling seams on new plywood sheeted
sundecks, be sure the filler you use is compatible with
the deck coating you intend to use.
9. Take advantage of specialty brushes.
Use an angled brush for sash areas and corners.
10. Line your paint tray.
Use foil as this makes changing the color or type of paint
fast and easy.
11. Tip the paint can.
Keep paint in prime condition by storing the container
upside down. Make sure the lip of the can is cleaned
before sealing.
12. Keep the bugs away.
Put a few drops of wintergreen in exterior oil to reduce
the attraction of bugs and flies around the freshly
painted surface.
13. Use an extension handle.
An extension handle can eliminate use of ladder in many
cases and thus increase safety, speed and mobility. Most
people are aware that extension handles can be used with
rollers, but not many know that a brush attachment is
available for extension painting of edges and corners.
14. Protect your windows.
When painting exterior windows, leave approximately 1/8"
of paint extending onto the windowpane. This will provide
a waterproof seal that will extend the life of the paint
film and also protect the window putty.
15. Read the fine print.
Almost everything you need to know about your paint job is
written on the back of the paint can. |
