Deciding to paint the interior of a house is a very basic home improvement, yet it can be a
perilous pit of tough choices, expensive mistakes, and strained necks. However with these few
simple tips painting your home can be a breeze.
1) Remove Faceplates & Fixtures
Take off outlet face plates, unscrew light fixtures, etc. Tape over the outlets and switches. Bag
the light fixtures.
2) PPPPP (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Painting)
The key to getting a good finish is good preparation.
Make sure that the area you are painting is clean and dry, without any loose flakes of old paint.
Be sure to fill any cracks with proper filler and prime before painting. Sand and wash the surface
and the finally brush.
3) Protect Brushes
Don't wash brushes in between painting and never leave them sitting in filler. Wrap them in a
plastic ziploc bag. If the fit in the bag completely, thats great but If not just bunch the bag
around the handle and put a cable tie around it.
4) Keep a Rag
Keep a damp rag in your pocket for odd drips of paint. Ensure you make it damp with the right
solvent for the type of paint you are using.
5) Keep Corners Wet
Whenever possible, try to work into a wet edge. Don't cut in edges too far ahead before rolling.
Painting over a dried area produces overlap stripes!
6) Use/Learn The Right Stuff
Ensure you use quality materials for the job, and also it is best to use professional grade brushes
and roller cover for the job and type of paint you are using. Add in a knowledge of proper
techniques, and you will get a good paint job.
7) Get a Sash Brush
Full size
Get a good sash brush (brush with bristles cut at an angle) and practice edging without tape. (For
me) it's faster and there's no chance of it bleeding past the tape edge.
8) Base Coat After Taping
For crisp lines when taping, paint one base coat when you have laid your tape. Then tape the top
coat.
9) Power Roll
Use a power roller. Rolling paint unpowered is tedious compared to using a power roller.Power
rollers are not as expensive as you might think they are, and buying a roller will save you lots of
time and strain on your back.
10) Find a Friend
Enlist the help of a friend. Pay him or her in beer.
perilous pit of tough choices, expensive mistakes, and strained necks. However with these few
simple tips painting your home can be a breeze.
1) Remove Faceplates & Fixtures
Take off outlet face plates, unscrew light fixtures, etc. Tape over the outlets and switches. Bag
the light fixtures.
2) PPPPP (Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Painting)
The key to getting a good finish is good preparation.
Make sure that the area you are painting is clean and dry, without any loose flakes of old paint.
Be sure to fill any cracks with proper filler and prime before painting. Sand and wash the surface
and the finally brush.
3) Protect Brushes
Don't wash brushes in between painting and never leave them sitting in filler. Wrap them in a
plastic ziploc bag. If the fit in the bag completely, thats great but If not just bunch the bag
around the handle and put a cable tie around it.
4) Keep a Rag
Keep a damp rag in your pocket for odd drips of paint. Ensure you make it damp with the right
solvent for the type of paint you are using.
5) Keep Corners Wet
Whenever possible, try to work into a wet edge. Don't cut in edges too far ahead before rolling.
Painting over a dried area produces overlap stripes!
6) Use/Learn The Right Stuff
Ensure you use quality materials for the job, and also it is best to use professional grade brushes
and roller cover for the job and type of paint you are using. Add in a knowledge of proper
techniques, and you will get a good paint job.
7) Get a Sash Brush
Full size
Get a good sash brush (brush with bristles cut at an angle) and practice edging without tape. (For
me) it's faster and there's no chance of it bleeding past the tape edge.
8) Base Coat After Taping
For crisp lines when taping, paint one base coat when you have laid your tape. Then tape the top
coat.
9) Power Roll
Use a power roller. Rolling paint unpowered is tedious compared to using a power roller.Power
rollers are not as expensive as you might think they are, and buying a roller will save you lots of
time and strain on your back.
10) Find a Friend
Enlist the help of a friend. Pay him or her in beer.