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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.
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