[edit] Paint Pads

Paint pads have the advantage of being a two in one tool; they cover large areas quickly and, in most cases, reach into corners. They are also useful for painting lightly textured surfaces, timber and metalwork.

Paint pads are available in a range of sizes, from 18mm wide to 150mm. Some are fitted with guide wheels which run along the edges of timber mouldings, making the application of paint easier and cleaner. With proper use, the pads do not spatter or drip paint.

Do not use pads for solvent because this tends to destroy the adhesive which holds the pads to their backing.

1. Stir the paint and pour some into a flat tray or baking dish lined with foil, or into the speed tray supplied with some pads. Make sure the drum on the speed tray is com­pletely covered otherwise the pad will not be evenly coated.

2. Select a pad as wide as you can handle for the surface you are painting. The larger the pad, the faster you can cover the area.

3. Run the pad backwards and forwards on the roller in the speed tray to pick up the paint. Alternatively, hold the pad flat against the paint in the tin. Do not let it sink below the pile level.

4. Start painting near a corner. Move the pad in all directions with a gentle scrubbing action. Work in strips about four times the width of the pad.

[edit] Spray Painting

Spray painting has been, traditionally, an industrial rather than domestic method of decorating.

The industrial equipment is comprised of an air reserve tank, a compressor pump and an electric motor which drives the pump. A tradesman's skill is necessary to operate it.

With the relatively recent introduction of airless spray guns and aerosol cans, spray painting is now well within the scope of the handyman.

However, there is still a certain knack to spray painting. Most importantly, the spray gun or aerosol must be kept moving or you will get a build up of paint.

Spraying is an efficient and speedy means of painting awkward items such as cane furniture, louvre doors, fences and decks. With proper masking, entire rooms and, on still days, even exterior walls can be painted using an airless spray gun.

Unlike compressed air spray guns, the airless varieties have limited spraying pressure, insufficient to clear the jet should it become clogged by the paint thickening in the container. For this reason, as well as to achieve an even coat of paint, it is most important to thin the paint, using the special cup which comes with the spray gun.

[edit] Using a Spray Gun

It is never as easy to paint with a spray gun as it might look, especially if you have not used one before. Follow the instructions given by the manufacturer closely. Dilute the paint if necessary and mask off areas surrounding the surface to be painted. Wear a face mask so you cannot inhale paint. Hold the gun at right angles to the surface, at a distance of around about 300-460mm.

Do not hold the gun at one point for any length of time or the paint will build up and cause drips and runs. Always clean out the spray gun thoroughly after use.

Keep the gun at right angles to the surface, even if it feels heavy on your wrist.

Never swing the gun in an arc; it will create an uneven build up of paint on the surface.

[edit] Aerosol Spraying

An aerosol is ideal for painting an intricate surface which would become clogged with paint if you used a paintbrush. It is only suitable when you need a fairly small amount of paint. For larger jobs, use a spray gun.

The key to success with an aerosol is to apply thin coats of paint ( possibly as many as ten) because if you spray on a lot of paint in one go it may sag and drip. It is not necessary to wait for each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Read the instructions on the can and follow them closely. Shake the can as directed before use and mask off areas you do not want to paint. Hold the aerosol upright and at least 150mm away from the surface that you are painting.

Always keep the aerosol moving, never concentrate in one area and be sure to hold it parallel with the surface.