Interior Painting Ideas

You know it when you see it, uneven layers of paint buildup. The layers occur when you roll over paint that is already partly dry.

The key to avoiding lap marks is to maintain a "wet edge" on your roller.

Here is how to maintain a wet edge on your roller and avoid lap marks:

1) Start near a corner and run the roller up and down the full height of the
wall, moving over slightly with each stroke.

2) Reload your roller with paint often to make certain it doesn't become
nearly dry.

3) Roll the paint with the open side of the roller facing the area that is
already painted.

Paint color can vary from can to can. By combining several cans of paint using a 5 gallon bucket you can eliminate the possibility of noticeably different applications using several cans of paint.



Follow these steps to combine paint, known as "boxing":

1) Estimate the amount of needed paint.
2) Mix it in a 5-gallon bucket
3) When coverage is difficult to estimate, add more rather than less. Any leftovers, can be poured back into cans.

Painters Tape is a wonderul tool. It protects moulding giving us the freedom to paint close to moulding, yet keep two colors separate.

When tape is used and the paint is drying it forms a film between the wall and the tape.

This paint tape removal technique will save your dried paint from tearing off walls.

After the paint is dry, use a utility knife to slice through the dried film. Starting in an area that is not easily noticeable, cut the paint film where the tape and the wall meet, pulling up on the tape and a 45-degree angle.

To make life easier and your painting job more enjoyable, follow the paint order the pro's use:

Paint trim first, then the ceiling, and lastly the walls.

When painting the trim, you do not need to worry about being neat. Your goal here is getting a smooth finish on the wood. Don't worry about getting paint on the walls, you will be covering them later when you paint the walls.

After the trim paint dries (at least 24 hours) tape it off using a painter's tape. Look for and use the "easy release" painter's tape for a clean removal.

Next, paint the ceiling, then the walls.

See Tip #3 above for an easy Painter's Tape Removal method.

The word "Blotches" here refers to uniform color, but not uniform sheen.

Blotches usually occur as a result of filling holes or cracks with filler. The porous filler absorbs the paint, and dulls the surface.

To avoid blotches and their dull surfaces, apply a quick coat of primer keeping the following two items in mind:

1) Match the painting texture by priming with a roller, feathering out the edges.

2 ) Choose a roller nap thickness to match the surrounding wall texture: 3/8-in. nap roller for smooth walls; 1/2-in for textured

Improving the success of your paint jobs means cleaning surface areas with paint deglosser. Creating a strong adhesion will eliminate the possibility of the new paint chipping or peeling.

These cleaners are available at paint stores and home centers. Be sure to read all container labels and wear protective hand and eye wear.

Areas that are prone to grease or oil are: kitchen or bathroom walls, and areas around light switches and doorknobs.

Powerful steam cleaners are another option to clean areas of grime and secure a clean adhesion of paint to the wall.

Wagner 905 1,500-Watt On-Demand Power Steamer and Cleaner

To ensure consistency with the rest of the room's paint, use a 3-in roller to paint corners and areas next to trim. Using this 3-in tool with a nap of the same thickness as the roller used for the rest of the wall will give you enviable results.

Remember to: Roll as close as possible to the tape-covered trim as possible, Using a same size nap as the roller used to paint the rest of the room will provide a consistent texture for your entire project.

Prepare for your paint spills and spatters with Cotton Drop Cloths. These cloths stay in place over carpeting, and can be used to cover any surface.

Cotton drop cloths are slippery on hard floors, so use rosin paper to provide a non-skid surface before placing the cotton drop in place. Place the rosin paper on the floor and secure in place with tape. Place the cotton drop cloth over the now non-squid surface.

Plastic drop cloths can be slippery and tend to shift. Also, paint spills stay wet longer on plastic drop cloths increasing chances of carrying paint on your shoes to othe areas of the house.

As wih plastic drop cloths, paint spills require cleaning up from cotton drop cloths too. Clean spills with paper towels or cloth rags.

The best way to minimize lap marks in hard to reach places like ceilings, stairwells, or extra-tall walls, is to feather out the paint along the edges that you can't keep wet.



The thinner, feathered coat of paint will avoid the buildup that causes lap marks.

Keep the following two tips in mind:

1) Roll the nearly dry roller in different directions along the dry edge, feathering out the paint as you go. After completing the entire length of the wall or ceiling, move to the next section and paint over the feathered edges.

2) Apply the second coat in the opposite direction . This Criss-Crossing application will drastically decrease lap marks.

Sand away grainy textures with the use of a fine-grit sanding sponge.

Sand before and in between coats of paint.

Let paint dry a minimum of 24 hours between sanding.

Vacuum trim after sading to remove the dust.