From DIYinfo.org
[edit] Before You Start Painting
Thorough preparation is the key to successful painting. If you neglect or skimp on the ground work, the finished surface will always suffer.Read More
[edit] What Goes On Before Paint
Most interior and exterior surfaces require a preparatory coating before you can apply any paint. A new plaster wall, for example, will simply absorb paint if it has not been coated with primer. Read More
[edit] Painting Tools For The Job
You really do get what you pay for with a brush. Good quality brushes improve with use, as the tips become rounded and any loose bristles come out. Wear in brushes on undercoats and save your best matured brushes for topcoats. Read More
[edit] Paintbrush Techniques
Use a paintbrush (the traditional painting tool) to paint any surface with primers, undercoats and varnishes, as well as decorative top coats. A paintbrush is the best tool for applying gloss to wood and metalwork and for painting where colours or surfaces meet around windows and doors, for instance. Read More
[edit] Painting With Other Tools
Paint rollers cannot effectively apply paint to corners or around skirtings, architraves and picture rails. While brushes can cover where rollers cannot, they are not efficient tools for covering large, flat areas. Read More
[edit] Painting Aids And Hints
Paint should be carefully stirred in order to get the best distribution of the various ingredients. This will ensure an even colour and texture throughout. Flat sticks are much better than round objects for stirring paint, but a special tool called a 'paddle', which has holes to allow thorough mixing, is the ideal instrument. Read More
[edit] Deciding On The Right Paint
Before you buy paint, make sure that it fits into your colour scheme by holding a colour card against curtain or carpet samples. If possible, take home a small tin of paint and try it out on a wall. Paint tends to look darker once it is covering a wall so, if you are doubtful about which shade of a colour to buy, choose the paler one. Read More
[edit] How Much Paint To Buy
Calculate how much paint you need before you buy it. Be generous with your calculations and never underestimate. The porosity, texture and existing colour of a surface affect the amount of paint required to cover it, highly porous surfaces absorb a considerable amount, especially when priming. Read More
[edit] Types Of Rollers And Uses
You can cover an area with paint more quickly with a roller than with a brush, but you may need to apply more coats. Number 1: Thoroughly stir the paint (unless it is non-drip). Emulsion is particularly suited to rollers because it is easy to clean off. Read More
[edit] Looking After Your Tools
Always thoroughly clean paint brushes, rollers and pads after each painting session, otherwise they will soon need replacing. Use cold water to wash off water based paint immediately and never leave any of your painting tools to soak in water. Read More
[edit] Curing And Preventing Paint Problems
If a paint film breaks down the only remedy is usually to strip off the paint and start again. So prevention of paint faults is the best policy. The main causes of paint breaking down are incompatible paints being applied on one another, poor preparation of the surface, damp or trapped moisture, grease, rot or rust. Read More
[edit] See also
- Sanding And Preparation Tips - For more information on preparing your surfaces for painting
- Glues, Adhesives, Sealants And Gap Fillers - For more information on repairing holes, dents and cracks in your walls
