Interior Painting

Spring is around the corner and it’s time to spruce up the interior of your home. If you like fast, noticeable results, with little investment, then paint is your solution. Here are some insights to get you rolling.

When selecting your tools for this job remember that a good paint job lies mainly in the paintbrush and/or roller you select.

Your local hardware store can guide you in your selection since it will depend on the application and type of paint you are using. Keep in mind a good quality brush will provide faster painting with less effort and wont shed or leave streaks.

A good quality roller shouldn’t leave lint on your hands once you’ve rubbed your hand over the roller. If it does, chances are it will end up on your wall! In addition, your roller shouldn’t have a seam in it or have fabric hanging over the edges. Finally you will likely need drop cloths, scraper, crack filler, extra paint bucket masking tape and a roller tray. Consult with your hardware store rep to be sure you have all the right tools.

The type of paint you choose will depend on the functionality of your room. If your room takes a lot of abuse you may want to consider oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is a bit more durable than latex however latex is more common in every day use. Oil-based can be used on doors and trim since these surfaces usually take more abuse than walls do. Most people find, though, that water-based latex does the job they are looking for in most applications.

Water based latex paint is most common and easiest to use. These paints come in a variety of colors and can be specially mixed for the perfect color match. These paints also come in three finishes; flat, semi-gloss or high gloss. Most people use a flat latex paint on walls and ceilings and use semi gloss latex for areas that have high moisture content such as kitchens and baths. The semi-gloss finish allows you to clean the walls without distorting the painted finish. (Now that’s a time saver).

Speaking of saving time; premium paint goes on easier and faster, covers better and lasts longer. Higher prices usually mean better quality that will increase durability and extends its life. Less expensive paints use fillers that result in poor coverage and less durability. One way to test the paint for quality is to rub a small amount between your fingertips. If it feels gritty to the touch then chances are it is of low quality. If it is smooth and silky then it is of higher quality.

A good quality roller shouldn’t leave lint on your hands once you’ve rubbed your hand over the roller. If it does, chances are it will end up on your wall! In addition, your roller shouldn’t have a seam in it or have fabric hanging over the edges. Finally you will likely need drop cloths, scraper, crack filler, extra paint bucket masking tape and a roller tray. Consult with your hardware store rep to be sure you have all the right tools.

The type of paint you choose will depend on the functionality of your room. If your room takes a lot of abuse you may want to consider oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is a bit more durable than latex however latex is more common in every day use. Oil-based can be used on doors and trim since these surfaces usually take more abuse than walls do. Most people find, though, that water-based latex does the job they are looking for in most applications.

Water based latex paint is most common and easiest to use. These paints come in a variety of colors and can be specially mixed for the perfect color match. These paints also come in three finishes; flat, semi-gloss or high gloss. Most people use a flat latex paint on walls and ceilings and use semi gloss latex for areas that have high moisture content such as kitchens and baths. The semi-gloss finish allows you to clean the walls without distorting the painted finish. (Now that’s a time saver).

Speaking of saving time; premium paint goes on easier and faster, covers better and lasts longer. Higher prices usually mean better quality that will increase durability and extends its life. Less expensive paints use fillers that result in poor coverage and less durability. One way to test the paint for quality is to rub a small amount between your fingertips. If it feels gritty to the touch then chances are it is of low quality. If it is smooth and silky then it is of higher quality.

A good quality roller shouldn’t leave lint on your hands once you’ve rubbed your hand over the roller. If it does, chances are it will end up on your wall! In addition, your roller shouldn’t have a seam in it or have fabric hanging over the edges. Finally you will likely need drop cloths, scraper, crack filler, extra paint bucket masking tape and a roller tray. Consult with your hardware store rep to be sure you have all the right tools.

The type of paint you choose will depend on the functionality of your room. If your room takes a lot of abuse you may want to consider oil-based paint. Oil-based paint is a bit more durable than latex however latex is more common in every day use. Oil-based can be used on doors and trim since these surfaces usually take more abuse than walls do. Most people find, though, that water-based latex does the job they are looking for in most applications.

Water based latex paint is most common and easiest to use. These paints come in a variety of colors and can be specially mixed for the perfect color match. These paints also come in three finishes; flat, semi-gloss or high gloss. Most people use a flat latex paint on walls and ceilings and use semi gloss latex for areas that have high moisture content such as kitchens and baths. The semi-gloss finish allows you to clean the walls without distorting the painted finish. (Now that’s a time saver).

Speaking of saving time; premium paint goes on easier and faster, covers better and lasts longer. Higher prices usually mean better quality that will increase durability and extends its life. Less expensive paints use fillers that result in poor coverage and less durability. One way to test the paint for quality is to rub a small amount between your fingertips. If it feels gritty to the touch then chances are it is of low quality. If it is smooth and silky then it is of higher quality.

Now that you have your paint and tools, let’s get started! Excellent results in painting are at least 50% in the preparation.

You may grumble about this task however it is an essential part of the whole process that will yield a quality finish, lasting a long time. Begin by removing everything that you can from the room, patch holes with putty and make sure the walls are clean. If there are any peeling flakes of paint they must be removed. Remove them with a paint scraper. (Don’t forget to put down drop clothes, old sheets or blankets to cover your floor or any other item still in the room. This will help in the cleanup). Place masking tape over the edges of woodwork or where trim meets the wall or ceiling. Masking tape can also be used where two paint colors come together.

Last but not least, it is time to paint! Application of paint is simple but patience must be exercised. (By the way, did you know that for every hour you paint, you burn about 360 calories.)? Begin by dipping your brush in the paint being careful not to overload it. Paint with the brush at a 45° angle since this maximizes the bristles surface area. Remember to paint from the area just painted (wet) to an unpainted area (dry).

When painting with a roller, be sure to load it with paint only on the slanted surface of the tray. (This prevents you from accumulating too much paint on the roller.) Begin the application by making the letter “M” on your wall. Move the roller away from you and without lifting; fill in the unpainted areas. You will then need to use a smaller brush and trim brush (cut at an angle) to get in the corners and finish the trim work.

Clean spills and drips as you go with a soft cloth. This will shorten clean-up time!

Now for the best part; clean up! It isn’t as difficult as you may think. Keep these tips in mind to make the process go smoothly. Clean your brushes immediately with cold soap and water. Be sure to do this in your sink since rinsing them in your grass means it could end up in a nearby creek where it could harm fish and wildlife.

Don’t soak brushes for too long or they will lose their shape. Hanging your brushes for storage maintains their shape so they can be used again. (Putting them on their tips causes them to curl,

making the brush useless.) Proper disposal of left over paint is also important. Check your local ordinances for regulations surrounding this. Leftover paint can be easily stored for later use, however mark the date on the can and where it was used for easy future reference.

Painting is a fast way to spruce up your home for Spring, with immediate results. Spending some time on preparation, using the right tools and a little patience will help you get the job done efficiently. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what a difference such little effort and cost can yield. Have fun painting!