the painted surface

Collection of Painting Tips

These painting tips can help with every painting project. Whether you are working with oil or water-based paint, patching a hole or need some tips about ladder safety, you might find a tip to make your work easier. Read through them and take what you need, and don't forget to send us your painting tips to share with our readers.

Tip !!! Before beginning a project you may need to know what type of paint you will be painting over because water based paints will not adhere well to oil based paints, but you can paint with an oil paint over a water based paint.To determine if the old paint is water based (latex or acrylic), wet a rag with denatured alcohol and rub an inconspicuous spot. If the paint dissolves onto the rag, it is latex and can be painted with water- or oil-based paint. If the paint does not disolve it is oil based and should be painted over with oil paint. Should it be required that an acrylic paint be used over an oil paint then sand and prime the surfaces before using the acrylic paint.

Tip !!! Holes left after removing nails or screws can have a rough edge that does not sand smooth. Before patching them, press the rounded handle end of the putty knife onto the wall with enough pressure to indent the hole slightly, making a dimple to skim over with Spackle.

Tip !!! A downside of using oil based paints is the need for solvents to clean your brush. Not to mention it can be a little messy. At the end of the day or if your work is interrupted for an extended length of time and you know you will be using the brush soon or even the next day, you do not have to clean the brush. Using aluminum foil, wrap the brush tightly and place it in the freezer. When you need it again, it will be ready to use and you have avoided cleaning it at least once. The brush can be left in the freezer for a couple of days and if you are using it everyday, maybe even 3 or 4 days. Spraying the inside of the foil with WD-40 will extend the time the brush can be stored and prevent it from sticking to the brush. There should not be an odor problem if the brush is wrapped tightly with the foil.

Tip !!! Stand your brush! Whenever you pause from using the brush, stand the brush up in the paint pail instead of laying it across the top. This will help keep the paint from drying in the bristles and making it more difficult to use and clean. A separate paint pail will make the work somewhat easier than painting from the original container of paint. Pour over into the pail just a portion of the paint at a time.

TIP !!! It is good idea to use the buddy system when climbing an extension ladder. One person goes up the ladder while the buddy stays on the ground standing at the base of the ladder holding it in place preventing it from sliding back. If working on a slippery surface such as hardwood floors a non skid pad placed under the ladder can help prevent slippage, but the buddy should stay behind the ladder for greater safety.

Tip !!! If there is going to be much sanding in a room the dust can easily travel throughout the house. To contain the dust to the work area do the following. 1. Temporarily turn off the central air system. 2. Close doors or hang plastic sheeting to enclose the room. 3. Exhaust the dust from the room using a window fan. This will create a vacum, keeping the dust to a minimum.

Tip !!! The images below illustrate how the same color can appear different when seen on various backgrounds:


Keep this in mind when choosing a color. Look at your color swatches on a variety of backgrounds to help visualize what your prospective color may look like in different surroundings. When the colors have been narrowed down to a couple of choices it is a good idea to purchase sample quarts of those colors and paint large pieces of poster board to see how the actual paint will look. These samples can be moved around the room to view the color in various degrees of light at different times of day and night.

Tip !!! Exterior surfaces such as siding, decks, fascia boards and trim are often covered with mildew that needs cleaning before being painted. You do not need a special cleanser to wash these surfaces. A simple solution is found in the laundry room. Chlorine bleach and laundry detergent will do the job! A 3 to 1 ratio of water to cholrine bleach and a small amount of detergent will make a good cleanser for exterior surfaces. Apply with a long handle scrub brush, allow to soak for about a minute and thoroughly rinse. Always rinse before any of the soap and bleach dries on the surface. This is important if you are washing the wood trim around windows because you do not want the cleanser drying on the glass. Take the usual precautions when using chlorine bleach and be sure to wear eye protection.

Tip !!! If two colors are chosen for the same room make sure they have enough contrast between them, but are of the same color family. For example, in the family of beige colors there might be undertones of green, pink or golden hues. If the goal is a light and dark shade of color in the same room or area, be careful to pick colors with the same hue even though they will be of different shades. Take a look at this color chart from Benjamin Moore Paints and you will see the different hues within the same color families. Beige colors take on anything from gray to yellow hues, as blue takes on green to purple hues. Avoid the conflict by staying in the same family of colors when you need a light and dark shade of color!

Tip !!! When cleaning water-based paint from brushes, it might be difficult to get them as clean as you would like using soap and water. There are certain paints or colors that do not wash very easily. To get the brush clean try soaking it in alcohol (the drug store type will work) for a few minutes. This dissolves what paint is left that could not be rinsed out with soap and water.

Tip !!! When more light is needed in a room for painting try these plug-in light sockets. They are cheap and handy for many uses. They will accept a standard size bulb. You can found them in the electrical aisle in the home improvement store. They do get quite hot so be careful, handle them at the base and allow to cool before storing. Prevent children from touching them! A couple using 100 watt bulbs will light up the average size room. They are compact, easy to move and are out of the way of working.

Tip !!! If a room will be painted in a mural fashion, first determine the placement of furnishings, and then plan the scenes. The characters' poses can be incorporated into the layout of the furniture and objects of the room. Plan ahead to take full advantage of open floor and wall space to fully enjoy the mural.

TIP !!! Avoid using a pure white primer or paint as it will not cover as well as an off-white shade. If a very white look is desired, try using a paint with a touch of umber (brown) colorant added. This will still look white but will result in more consistent and opaque appearance.

More details about specific painting subjects are covered in the additional articles. In those will be found details, tips and techniques gathered from over 20 years of painting experience. Here is a list of links to the articles: