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3. If you are painting a
large room, don't try and same money by purchasing the
cheap rollers and brushes. The money you save will be
minimal and won't make up for sore hands. Plus, better
rollers and brushes will help you work quicker.
4. Have your primer
tinted the same color as you intend to paint. This will
ensure that the paint covers well and could cut down on
the need for an additional coat.
5. Use a nail to tap
about five or six holes in the retaining grove of the
paint can. This will allow the paint to run back into
the can. If you need to reseal the can, you can put the
nails into the can or put a little play dough or clay
over the holes.
6. Glue a large paper
plate to the bottom of any open paint can you are using
to catch any splatters or drips.
7. Flattened out
corrugated boxes are perfect to cover the floors with
when painting.
8. Have a wet rag and
paper towels handy to wipe up any drips or mistakes.
Most of them—including accidental dabs on the
ceiling—can be removed this way.
9. Keep some patching
compound and a spackle handy. You'll be surprised at all
the little holes and marks you can find on your wall.
They might not have been visible with the old color, but
they can stand out with the new.
10. When stopping for
short periods, seal your paintbrushes inside a Ziploc or
plastic bag. This will keep them "fresh" without having
to spend the time cleaning them. Plastic wrap and
aluminum foil work almost as well.
11. Line the inside of
your paint tray with aluminum foil or plastic. It will
make the clean up easier.
12. To make cleaning your
brushes easier, use an old baby-wipe container. Poor
paint thinner into the container and push the handle of
the brush through the hole in the lid. This will allow
the brush to soak without bending the bristles. If you
don't have any baby-wipe containers, try cutting a slot
into the lid of a coffee can or similar container.
13. Wipe paint rollers on
old newspapers before cleaning. Getting rid of any
excess paint will make them easier to clean.
14. Rub hand lotion on
your hands and arms before you begin. It will make the
paint easier to wash off your hands when you're
finished. Also, baby oil is sometime better at removing
paint from your skin that soap.
15. If you have a steady
hand, you might not need masking tape to cover the
edges.
16. Wet newspaper can
work great at protecting windows. You can use one-inch
long strips of newspaper to protect the windowpanes
around a window. Dip each strip into water. Pull the
strip between your thumb and index finger to remove the
excess water. Press the strips onto the glass close to
the wood. Do only two at a time and remove them as soon
as you're through.
17. If you're painting a
bathroom, use wet newspaper to cover the bottom and
sides of the tub. The newspaper will click and keep your
tub paint-free.
18. Wrap hardware
(doorknobs, hinges, pulls, etc.) in foil before
painting.
19. Use old milk jugs to
store paint. It will keep just as long and the paint is
easier to access if you need to do some touch-ups.
20. Write the date, brand
and color of paint used under the light switch for a
handy reference.
Copyright ?2006 Ian
White
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