2019 Fall Home & Garden
Video Magazine

The right tools for painting and finishing
By Lisa Ramlow

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[October 02, 2019]  One of the easiest do-it-yourself projects a homeowner can tackle is painting. Painting is an easy way to change the look of walls, cabinets, or furniture and transform the atmosphere of the room. As a matter of fact, painting is one of the least expensive ways to zhoosh up any room in your home.

Like any DIY project, the key to quality work is having the right tools. With attention to the right tools, painting doesn’t have to be so scary. You will want to choose tools based on the surface you are painting, the type of paint you are using, and the size of the project.

Color wheel:

Before finalizing a paint color, consider the furniture and rugs already in the room, as well as adjacent walls. Pick a color that fits your space. For a large room you can play with colors and combination of colors. In a small room it is better to use light colors.
Tape paint samples to the wall so you can see the colors in the space. It is a good idea to leave them for a couple of days so you can see the color in different lighting.

There are six different finishes for the paint you choose:

1. Flat – While flat paint helps to cover imperfections on the surface, in general, it holds dirt and can be difficult to clean. It is a great choice for ceilings or walls in the bedroom, where there is little traffic. A flat finish creates a cozy mood for the room.
 


2. Matte – Delivers a smooth, no sheen, and durable finish. It, too, is difficult to clean so it is not good for high traffic areas.

3. Satin - Good for all-surfaces, the finish is durable with minimal shine and easy to clean. A satin finish is recommended for kitchen cabinets and the bathroom.

4. Eggshell – A low-luster finish with a very subtle sheen that can be compared to an eggshell. It is a good option for low traffic areas like a dining room, since it doesn’t pick up dirt easily.

5. Semi-gloss – High resistance to moisture and easy to clean makes this finish a plus in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as, doors and trim.

6. Gloss – Reflects the light providing a bright sheen even when dry. Does not cover imperfections on the surface, so gloss requires extra prep work before painting. Touch ups of this finish may stand out because of the difference in the luster. A high gloss paint might be used to bring attention to bold accent walls.

A gallon of paint covers 400 square feet of wall space. If you need more than a gallon to complete the project, it is a good idea to mix the paint in a 5-gallon bucket so there is no discrepancy in the color of the paint once it is on the wall.

How to choose paint colors | Trends & ideas for 2019

Drop cloth:

To ensure the floor is not damaged during painting, every DIY paint project should have a drop cloth. Drop cloths are made of canvas, plastic, paper, or a poly/paper blend.

Professional painters suggest putting a plastic drop cloth down first. Tape the plastic drop cloth around the edges of the room and over furniture or counter tops. This extra layer of protection is the only way to guarantee against accident seepage that may occur during painting.

Cover the plastic drop cloth with a canvas drop cloth. A canvas drop cloth is easier to place in the proper position and move around the room, as needed. It is less slippery for the ladder and the painter. More durable than plastic, a canvas drop cloth will last longer and can even be washed for the next job.



It is easier to clean up the drop cloth than replace what spilled or splattered paint has damaged. Be sure your shoes are clean before stepping off the drop cloth. Pick up all paint supplies and allow the drop cloth to dry before folding it up and put away for the next use. Roll up the plastic drop cloth and throw it away as they are cheap enough to buy new for the next paint project.

How to paint a house : How to lay drop cloth inside


Putty knife/scraper:

The putty knife is a versatile tool that comes in several variations and is handy for prepping a paint job.

A small flexible putty knife is useful when preparing the walls and trim for new paint. A putty knife can be used to fill nail holes with spackling compound or open joints in molding and frames with wood putty.

It is also useful to press tape around the windows and trim to be sure there is no seepage around the edges.

A larger putty knife can be used as a painting shield when painting along molding, ceilings, and around doors and windows.

A putty knife with a rigid blade, sometimes called a scraper, can be used to remove old paint and apply wall compound to large areas. These putty knives usually have an angled edge instead of flat to help get under the paint, dried putty, or other residue the homeowner is trying to remove.

Sand block and sandpaper:

Choosing the right sand block can make any DIY project easier. Sand blocks can be found in different sizes constructed of various materials. It does not have to be an expensive tool but necessary since it does not leave the “waves” created by unsupported sandpaper.

Sanding is used to prepare the imperfections of the object being painted. It can also be used to promote adhesion between coats of paint or to get rid of paint imperfections like drips. When sanding with a block use alternating, crisscross, or circular strokes using the broad edge of the sanding block on the surface.

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A rigid sanding block is used with more coarse sandpaper for initial work. A semi-rigid block is perfect for fine shaping, contouring, and crowned surfaces. The final shaping should be done with a flexible sand block. Using a less coarse sandpaper with a less aggressive stroke, the flexible sand block is the perfect way to finish the paint project.

Paint brush:

The right paint brush is crucial to accomplishing a perfect paint job. High quality brushes are going to have bristles that come to a fine point. Cheaper brushes have a blunt cut. Stiff brushes cut at an angle work better than soft nylon brushes. Paint brushes with synthetic bristles made from nylon or polyester are best for water-based latex paints. Natural or blended brushes are better for oil-based paint and finishes. A high-quality paint brush will hold more paint, apply the paint more evenly, leave less bristles stuck in the paint, and are easier to clean. It is worth the extra money to buy a quality paint brush.

Paint brushes come in sizes ranging from one to six inches and have straight or angled edges. For wide, flat surfaces like walls and ceilings choose a four to 6-inch straight edge brush. Use a 3-inch to 4-inch flat brush for doors, cabinets, or shelving.

A hot debate among professionals is whether to tape around trim, windows, and doors. Some argue that a DIY homeowner should tape everything, while others argue that the right paint brush will do the job. A 2-inch angled sash brush is ideal for cutting in around doors and windows. Paint trim with a 1-inch or 2-inch angled brush.

Dip your brush often. Use a lot of paint. Make final brush strokes into the wet paint.

Hold the paint brush before you buy. A brush should feel good in your hand and be easy for you to control. Flex the bristles to ensure they spring back into shape.

How to choose the right paintbrush | This Old House


Paint Roller:

For large areas like a ceiling or wall, a paint roller will cover more space in less time. Like brushes, paint rollers come in different materials, as well as, different naps and sizes. A DIY painter will not regret spending a little more on a quality roller. It will mean the difference between a nice painting job and a perfect painting job.

A mohair or lambs wool roller is best for oil-based paints, while a nylon, polyester, or combination works better for water-based paints.

Choose a roller based on the type and size of paint job:

• 3/8 inch nap for smooth surface
• ½ inch for semi-smooth
• ¾ inch for rough
• 1 ¼ inch for very rough

The roller frame comes in two types: bird cage and metal. The bird cage frame works better for fast-drying paint and cleans up fast and easy. Most roller handles are made to add an extension handle. An extension handle expands the reach of the paint roller making easier to paint ceilings and high walls.

Trim rollers are helpful for painting around moldings and other fine work. A cone-shaped roller works well inside corners.

A roller tray holds the paint for the roller. A sturdy plastic or metal tray with a deep well works best. For easier cleanup use a disposable liner. An alternative to the tray is a paint bucket with a screen, which makes the job go quicker because you don’t have to keep filling the tray.

Saturate the roller with paint before the first roll on the surface. Paint in a small section, about 2-foot by 2-foot. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down. Move over and repeat. Only paint one wall at a time so the paint is wet and seamlessly fits together. Gradient the walls together with wet paint. Don’t use a lot of pressure on your roller or it will leave roller marks on the wall. Reload the paint instead of pressing harder. You want the paint to blend. Look at the wall and back-roll over any blemishes.

Best paint roller for painting walls FAST

There are tools that you need for a paint job and tools that will make it easier to complete the job. Not everyone can afford all the different tools on the market so, before beginning a painting project, do your research and choose what will work best for you. This will save time and effort and reduce defeat. The best way to ensure success on any do-it-yourself project is using the right tools.

 

Read all the articles in our new
2019 Fall Home & Garden
Video Magazine

Title
CLICK ON TITLES TO GO TO PAGES
Page
INTRO - The tools that make the job 4
New technology for cooking 5
Soil - can you did it?
Yes, with the right shovel
11
Handy hand tools to put things together and take them apart 14
The right tools for painting and finishing 19
'Til weeds do we part - using the right cultivating tool for your garden projects 26
A saw for every job 30
A chainsaw primer 35

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