Interior Painting Tips

Here are a few interior painting tips to make that dreaded painting project a little easier. Painting your homes interior or exterior is probably the least expensive way to update and freshen your home.

Even though painting is the least expensive alternative, it's still pricey when you include all the products that have to be purchased in order to get the job done. On the bright side, paint rollers, paint pans, brushes, putty knives and other equipment associated with painting can be used over and over again.

To ensure longevity of your painting materials clean properly with soap and water before storing. Choose your cleaning area wisely. Painting materials can have cheimicals that may have a negative effect on surfaces such as porcelain, stainless, or fiberglass sinks.

Paint brushes can be expensive. I usually go with middle pricing, not the lowest or highest. The cheaper brushes do not hold up to a painting job. You'll save time and money buy purchasing a better paint brush.

I like paint brushes with an angel and a thin brush tip, sturdy yet flexible with a wood handle. I don't need several paint brushes to get the job done. A nice angled brush about 2-2 1/2 inches wide will paint flat surfaces as well as trim.

You will be painting using the tip of the brush only, therefore, dip the tip of the bristles in the paint only. Clean up will be easier too. Take care and clean the paint brush with soap and water to ensure longevity. Shake excess water out of the brush and use the hole at the top of the handle to hang and dry. Store the paint brush in the cardboard container it came in to protect the bristles and shape.

If I didn't complete the job, I tightly wrap rollers and paint brushes in plastic grocery bags. I don't store them in the freezer, they will stay moist for a few days while working until the job is done.

Prepping before painting is painful to me. It's time consuming and I don't like it any more than I do the clean up. Prepping the area will make painting go a lot easier and you're paint job will look more professional. Of all the interior painting tips listed here, the prep is probably the most important.

I rarely mask an area before painting. I don't like doing it, masking is very time consuming. However, it can safe time when painting and protect certain areas. I recently read a tip, use a flexible plastic cutting board along baseboards and ceilings.

Patch any holes or imperfections to ensure a professional looking paint job. My love for old houses has taught me not to strive for perfection. Sand areas after patching if needed.

Useing a primer before painting will make the job easier and the paint will adhere to certain surfaces better. Prime over patched areas, dry wall, shiny surfaces, new wood, or if you are going from a dark color to a lighter color. There are also special stain blocking primers that keep permanent stains and dark colors from bleeding through.

Skip priming if you are applying the same type of paint. If you are painting latex over oil base pain, prime first. If your not sure what type of paint was used before, dampen a rag with alcohol and rub on the painted surface. If the paint comes off onto the rag it's latex.

Paint choices can be very confusing. Matte or flat paints will hide imperfections and glossier paints will reflect more light. Glossier surfaces are also easier to clean.

Think in terms of warm and cool when choosing a color for a room or the outside of your house. Warmer colors are orange, red and pink, and cooler colors are blue, green and violet.

Use color matching that is available at hardware and paint stores. The store will match with just about anything, paint chips, fabrics or create your own color.

Purchase test size paint so you can sample the color you choose. Keep in mind the surroundings in a room such as floors, furniture, and drapes has an effect on the paint color. Paint also changes color after it dries.

There are no wrongs or rights, it's personal preference when choosing paint colors for walls, trim and ceilings.

Here are a couple of really cool tools you can use to test paint colors in different rooms. Check out virtual room decorating with ivillage, or color-a-room at Better Homes and Gardens.

Wondering what to do with left over paint? I keep it around for touch up jobs. You can also donate it to a community group in your area. I have bought used paint from Habitat for Humanity Restores. Water base paint can be placed in your trash it isn't hazardous. Oil base paint is hazardous and should be taken to a collection center.

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