Showing posts with label Painting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Painting. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Bedroom Painting Ideas - Making Your Bedroom Look More Inviting

Before you start painting your bedroom with your favorite color, you first need to know that there rules in painting your bedroom. Since this is your private retreat and is a part of the house that is least visited by other people, you can experiment and be creative about the decoration as well as the wall color. However, you should also follow the three basic rules in choosing the color for your room.

1. The first rule is the color family rule. For example, if you want to paint your room with the color blue, you should consider having a decoration inside your bedroom that will also have the shade of blue. This is called monochromatic schemes that is simple to do and very popular for most people. So, if you like a particular color for your bedroom wall, you should also get a shade of that color in as your lampshade color, your bed sheet color and also your picture frame color.

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2. The second rule is the next door neighbor color rule. If you are familiar with the color wheel, you will have an idea on what kinds of color you should put in your bedroom. For example, if you like red, then the colors next to it in the color wheel will prove to be great combinations. If you choose red then you should also use the colors orange and violet. If you choose blue, then the colors green and violet can prove to be a great combination and so on. This color scheme is called the analogous color scheme.

3. The third rule is the Ying and Yang rule. Chinese beliefs suggest that you should have adequate Yin and Yang in your house. This means that there should be opposites of everything and this will include the colors. And, this proves to be true. It can create a harmonious environment that you will truly love. Most people love the basic black and white combination. You can experiment with different dark and light shades of colors and determine which can provide you with a great looking bedroom.

These are the three basic rules in providing a comfortable and relaxing environment in your bedroom. Be creative and you will definitely have different ideas on what colors you should paint your bedroom with.

Bedroom Painting Ideas - Making Your Bedroom Look More Inviting

To learn more interior painting ideas, visit my house painting tips site.

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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Residential Painting - Painting Solutions For Common Interior Painting Problems

There are a myriad of problems that can occur with interior painted surfaces. Some happen to a newly painted surface and others happen over time. The best way to handle these unfortunate painting problems is to be aware of how to take preventative measures before you begin applying new paint. The following are a couple of the more common problems and how to correct or prevent their return.

6 panel interior doors

There is something that commonly occurs called 'blocking' when two surfaces that have been painted end up being stuck together like the door jamb sticking to the door. This can happen because there has not been enough time for the paint to dry completely before the door or windows were closed. It can also be the result of using an inferior grade of gloss or semi-gloss paint. Using a better grade of gloss or semi-gloss acrylic latex paint is an easy solution. The lower grade latex paint, especially in humid conditions, does not have enough block resistance to prevent blocking from happening.

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Burnishing is something that happens when there is a lot of brushing or rubbing against the painted surface. It causes a glossy or high sheen to appear. Flat paint in areas that have high traffic can get rubbed so much that the once dull painted surface gets glossy spots. If there is a lot of spot cleaning in this high-traffic area then this can cause burnishing. When a piece of furniture is rubbing against the flat paint surface, shiny areas will appear. If the paint that was used does not have scrub or stain resistance then this is the forerunner of the burnishing effect.

Painted areas such as window sills, trim and doors, need a higher grade of latex paint to endure the excessive use and cleaning. Also, areas that have high use or traffic and need to be spot cleaned often should not be painted with a flat paint but rather a gloss or semi-gloss. These paints are easily cleaned by using a sponge or soft cloth and a cleanser that is not abrasive. If the washed area is rinsed with clean water it will not end up have the burnishing problem.

A problem that happens as soon as the paint has been applied is called sagging. It is where the paint looks like it is drooping and the coat of paint then looks very uneven. There are several reasons this can happen. It can be the result of paint that has been thinned out too much or it can be from using too much paint or too thick of a coat of paint. Using a spray gun to apply your paint and holding it too close to the surface can also cause sagging. Weather conditions like humidity or really cold conditions will also make the paint droop.

To correct this problem while the paint is still wet, quickly reroll it or brush it to spread the excess of paint out evenly before it dries. If it is too late and the paint has dried you can sand the area lightly and then put on a new coat with high grade paint after the residue of the sanding is removed. To avoid this type of problem you need to use the paint as intended and not heap the paint onto the surface.

Residential Painting - Painting Solutions For Common Interior Painting Problems

This article was written by Rick Hayden who works for two great Durham Region companies whose goal is to make Durham Region Ontario a Better place to live:

An Ajax based renovation company: Lakeside Trim & Renovations - http://www.lakesiderenovations.com/ servicing Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Durham Region in Ontario Canada.

An Ajax based painting company: Sterling Professional Painters & Decorators - http://www.sterlingpainters.com/ servicing Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and Durham Region in Ontario Canada.

Check out our websites for other great tips on DIY or for professional Renovation & Painting

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Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Painting Business - 13 Point Checklist of Essential Tools Most Needed to Start a Painting Business

If you are considering starting a commercial or residential painting business you will only need some basic low-cost tools to start with. You can buy other tools as more jobs come along and with your down payments. Here is a list of the most essential painting business tools needed to get you started.

lowes interior doors

1.) Quality Cage Frame - Also known as a paint roller. Wooster and Purdy both have strong, commercial-use cage frames sold at most professional paint stores.

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2.) Extension Pole - Get yourself a good medium-size fiberglass extension pole for rolling out walls and ceilings.

3.) Wall-Sander - I always sand walls and ceilings before I roll them out. It cleans up cobwebs and anything else that needs to be knocked down to make the walls and ceilings smooth.

4.) Roller Bucket - I use Wooster's roller bucket. It is tall, square and has a lid. It is made out of durable plastic and balances a lot better than a paint tray and washes out easy. It's a must have.

5.) Cut-in Bucket - I like to put some paint in a small plastic bucket for cutting in. There are small 1-gallon buckets of drywall compound that when empty make a great cut-bucket plus they have a lid. They will last for years.

6.) Step Ladder - A regular wooden 5-foot step ladder works perfect for most homes. If I need a 6-foot ladder I have an aluminum one for that. Most of the time all I need is my 5-footer and I am only 5'6" so there you go.

7.) 16' Extension Ladder - Great for stairwells or ranch-style exterior jobs. I use my 16-foot extension ladder more than any other size. I also have 20' and a 24' extension ladders, but i couldn't get by without my little 16-footer.8.) Drop Cloths - I like using the runner type the most. They are inexpensive, light to carry and can be moved around the room easily. I also have 9 x 12's on hand.

9.) Fluorescent Light - Interior painting without a fluorescent light is nearly impossible, especially on a cloudy day. Fluorescent light is a nice white light that is great for painting and shows up the colors in their true form.

10.) Tool Bucket - An empty 5-gallon bucket makes a great tool bucket. I keep my pliers, a hammer, razor-blade knives, a caulk gun, etc., in my tool bucket.

11.) Small Fan - I bought a blower type fan made by Stanley Tools from Walmart. It dries out walls and ceilings quickly so you can get back to work cutting in and moving around the room without it being wet.

12.) Drywall compound - I hate Spackle. It flashes under paint jobs. I use the Sheetrock brand of 90-minute quick-dry drywall compound found at Lowes or other hardware stores for around a bag. It will last me all year long. It is the powder formula and is easy to mix up right on the job with water and a small cut bucket. This way you don't have to carry a heavy 5-gallon pale around with you that can also freeze during the wintertime and can get lots of chunks in it over time.

13.) Caulk Gun - I use painters caulk all the time to fill small gaps between woodwork, trim and walls. Most paint stores have it on hand. I use the 35-year interior/exterior type.

So there you have it. If you are considering starting your own painting business and want to know how much it will cost to get started this list will help you. I would guess off hand that everything on the list totals around 0. If you already have a step ladder and even a small extension ladder, this will cut the start up cost down considerably.

Painting Business - 13 Point Checklist of Essential Tools Most Needed to Start a Painting Business

Lee Cusano has owned and ran his own successful painting business since 1991. He has also helped others to start their own painting business with his Paint Like a Pro Estimating and Advertising CD-ROM. Lee also offers a free report titled "How To Gain a High Success Rate For Getting Painting Jobs". To get it go to http://www.painting-business.com

LOWES INTERIOR DOORS

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Interior Wall Painting Techniques - Project Prep to How to and Do it Yourself

PROFESSIONAL NOTE: To achieve the best results from your interior paint project, apply the primer and base coat with good quality paint, brushes, rollers and application tools. You will be surprised how your interior paint project will be effortless in helping you to apply a thicker, more uniform coat of paint for a better-looking, longer-lasting paint job.

interior doors lowes

Gather Materials and Supplies:

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Ladder

Plastic water bucket

Gloves

Rags

TSP (optional for cleaning oil and Grime)

liquid soap

Screwdriver

Drop cloths (plastic and cloth) or sheets

Blue painter's tape (with and without paper attached)

Old paintbrushes or china bristle brushes for dusting

Spackling compound

5-in-1 tool or wide blade

Latex caulk

220-grit sandpaper

Latex primer

Latex paint, eggshell or satin sheen

Plastic 2 gallon Paint Bucket

Paint tray, paint roller and 3/8" roller cover

2" - 3" Quality nylon/polyester brush

Paint Basics

Acrylic Paint?

Latex paints are not all the same. Now the term "latex" includes all water-based paints. High-performance interior paints are 100% acrylic; they have better color retention, better adhesion and, in the case of faux finishing the better choice for an undercoat than vinyl-acrylics.

Not to mention, manufacturers consider 100% acrylics to be their best products.

Which Paint for this room? How will the room be used?

In functional, high traffic rooms such as kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms, you want durability and easy maintenance first. In more decorative and romantic rooms, such as living rooms, master bedrooms and dining rooms, appearance is often the key factor. In a child's room, safety is critical."

Here is Final advice on paint quality.

When you buy paint, go for the reputable brands. Suit your choices to the project, but at the same time, "don't waste your time" or your money on low-quality paint. There are significant differences between cheap and quality paints, particularly in characteristics such as hiding and wash ability. Obviously, one-coat hiding is a major labor saver and well worth paying a premium to get the results.

Be sure not to forget to check the warrantee on the label--this gives you a fair measure of the differences between quality levels of various paints. Last but not least, you are also likely to find a wider variety in color choices with your quality paint lines.

Estimating PAINT COVERAGE

How do you determine the amount of paint you will need for a particular room?
The first step is to add the width of all walls in the room together. Multiply this sum by the height of one wall from floor to ceiling (or, the circumference of the room times the ceiling height). If you have a number of windows and doors, subtract the square footage of those openings. This final number will give you the exact area of wall space you will paint.

A flat surface usually requires one gallon for every 400 square feet (the product label will show the coverage). Take into account the number of coats you will need to do the job right and this depends on the color and the quality of the paint. Remember, it's always a good idea to have a little leftover paint for future touch-ups.
Once you've properly prepped your walls, the actual painting is easy.

Follow these steps in order, and don't skip any of them. Wait until the first coat dries before deciding
whether you need a second one.

Steps To professionally Painted Walls:

CLEAR THE ROOM

STEP ONE: When transforming the walls in your home, start by removing any furniture or obstructions from the room. Cover the floors and any remaining furnishings in the middle of the room, cover with drop cloths or plastic sheets. Next remove outlet covers, nails, and screws. Tape the screws to the outlet cover and store in separately marked plastic bags, for easy re-installation. Then tape over the outlets and light switches to prevent paint from getting on electric outlets and switches.

FIX THE WALL IMPERFECTIONS

STEP TWO: Scrape off flaking paint, repair holes and cracks with spackle with a wide blade or five-in-one tool. Feather back rough paint edges by sanding. Always fill the imperfection flush with the surface even if it means having to refill 2-3 times due to shrinkage. It is much easier to refill than to sand back too much spackling. After the spackle dries, finish by lightly sanding with a medium (220 grit sandpaper), dust off surface and then prime each repaired area with small roller. Re-caulk any spaces you find where countertops, baseboards and moldings meet the wall.

NOTE: Use protective face mask while sanding.

NOTE: If you are repainting a glossy surface, be sure to sand it so that the new paint will adhere better.

CLEAN THE ROOM

STEP THREE: Use an old paintbrush or china bristle brush to dust baseboards, trim and crown molding before taping them off (use painter's tape to protect the baseboards and moldings). Remove all dust from surfaces using a soft cloth or use a soft bristle broom to brush down new plasterboard. Paint doesn't stick to dirty walls so clean them with soap and water (or TSP and water), then rinse with clean water, changing water regularly.

NOTE: Wear rubber gloves, protective clothing and protective eye-wear.

TAPING

STEP FOUR: Use low adhesive blue painters to tape trim around ceiling, baseboards, windows and door frames. (If you do not have ceiling trim or crown molding, you must use safe release tape on bare ceiling). Tape over phone jacks, thermostats, and moldings. Remove tape immediately after painting, before the wall dries, so you don't peel off any paint with it.

PRIMING THE WALLS

STEP FIVE: If your walls are bare sheetrock or previously wallpapered surface, then you should use the recommended primer for that type of surface. Existing semi-gloss or gloss paints should be lightly sanded to a duller finish, and then proper primer for that surface. If the walls have not been painted in five years or longer a primer sealer should also be applied.

NOTE: Always work in areas from the top to bottom. Paint Ceiling first, then walls, then the trim or moldings. Always brush the edges (cutting in) first prior to rolling. When cutting in make sure you feather out the edges.

NOTE: When you begin start from a corner left to right, or right to left, according to the most comfortable starting point for you. With a pole attached to the end of the Roller, start from the center of the surface and roll the paint from the center towards the top and bottom of the wall. Roll the wall much like you would vacuum carpet, this will give you the smoothest wall. To avoid a patchy wall finish, make sure you finish the complete coat before walking away to avoid a patchy finish.

BASE COAT THE WALLS

CUTTING IN TECHNIQUE

STEP SIX: Thoroughly stir your paint with a stir stick. Then, pour the paint into a larger 2-gallon bucket for easier handling. Make sure you pour no higher than 1/3 full in your new paint container. With a 2" wide (or angle) brush, load by dipping 1/3 of the bristle length into the paint. You can remove excess paint from the brush by tapping the bristles against the inside of the bucket. Starting from the top corner of the wall, cut in approximately 3 inches around the top of the wall where the wall meets the ceiling and cut in the bottom of the wall where the wall meets the baseboard. Cut in the corners of the wall and around all window and door trim while always working from the non- paint area to the previously painted areas, smooth out the cut in by lightly brushing the tip of the bristles (tipping off) over the newly painted area, creating a feathered edge. Repeat steps until the perimeter of the walls are complete.

ROLLING THE WALL:

STEP SEVEN: You have the choice of pouring the paint into a paint tray or a 5-gallon bucket. Place an appropriate nap roller onto a roller frame. Attach an extension pole onto the roller frame. Dip roller cover completely into paint covering the entire nap area. When using a 5-gallon bucket, pour no higher than 1/3 full and use a bucket grid to offload the excess paint and to evenly distribute the paint onto the roller. When using a paint tray, offload the excess paint by rolling onto the ribbed section of the paint tray Starting at the top corner of the wall, place the evenly loaded roller approximately 3-4" away from the cut in area. Working in a 3' x 3' area, roll a "W" onto the wall.

Continue rolling from the top edge of the wall to the bottom cut in area. Back roll through the completed area prior to reloading the roller, creating a smooth uniform finish. Reload the roller as necessary. Continue applying the paint, each time starting with the "W" technique 3-4" away from the last section completed. Working from the top section of the wall and working down the wall. Always, back roll the width of the roller being used into the last section completed. Continue until your wall is completely covered.

NOTE: Paint the trim last. When the walls are completely dry, paint or touch up the moldings, the door and window frames with a two-inch angled brush.

FINISHED DEAR? CLEAN UP AFTER PAINTING

1. Carefully remove all tape from hinges, doorknobs, light switches, and trim.

2. Remove drop cloth coverings from floors, furniture and light fixtures.

NOTE: It is best to score taped areas where the tape meets the painted surface with a utility knife, to help prevent peeling when the tape is removed.

NOTE: Cloth Drop cloths should be taken outside to remove dust and debris, then folded and stored for future use. Place all disposable coverings and loose debris into the appropriate trash can.

3. Re-attach all switch plates, and outlet covers.

4. Vacuum, mop or clean the floor where coverings were removed.

5. Re-hang items to the wall such as pictures and mirrors.

6. Move furniture and rug back to its original position.

7. Replace all valuables that were removed from tabletops and cabinets.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PAINT SHEEN

The difference between paint sheens. What's in a name?

Once you choose color for your paint project, you have one more decision to make: the paint sheen! The names are: flat, eggshell, pearl, satin, semi-gloss and gloss. What does this all mean? The paint sheen refers to the gloss level or the degree of light reflected from the surface once the paint has dried. Each company has slight variations.

It is obvious to tell the difference between a flat and a high-gloss, but it's the levels in between, when and how we use each sheen that can get confusing to all of us. So, here we have listed the key factors in choosing a paint finish.

The glossier a finish, the more durable and washable it tends to be. Flat paint is great at hiding irregularities and surface imperfections. Pearl and eggshell paints are a compromise; they partially hide imperfections and are more washable than flat paints.

For painting interiors, the best choices are often flat paint for ceilings, eggshell and satin for walls and semi-gloss or gloss on doors and trim. The most popular paint sheen is satin, a good choice because it's not too shiny but cleans easier than flat and a perfect base for popular faux finishing techniques.

FLAT

Durability of Flat Paint: If you have children or pets, this paint sheen isn't the best choice for walls as it tends to show dirt and scuff marks easily. This sheen is not an easy paint to keep clean.

Where to Use Flat Paint: are great choice for areas with dents, dings and rough surface texture. This sheen is perfect for surfaces that do not have a lot of contact with human hands, such as ceilings.

Comments on Flat Paint: Although this sheen hides surface imperfections, stain removal is difficult. Use this sheen for a uniform, non-reflecting appearance.

EGGSHELL

Durability of Eggshell Paint: More durable and washable than most flat paints, but not as durable as Satin or Semi-gloss.
Where to Use Eggshell Paint: are great choice for wall surfaces in foyers, hallways, and Dining rooms. You can clean this paint sheen. Eggshell paints reflect more light than flat, but only slightly. The best way to describe paint is the reflective qualities of this sheen are similar to that of a real eggshell.

Comments on Eggshell Paint: This sheen resists stains better than flat paint and gives a more lustrous appearance offering a soft glow that warms up any room

SATIN

Durability of Satin Paint: are durable enough to stand up to most dirt, cleaning and are great for high traffic or food preparation areas.

Where to Use Satin Paint: are typically used for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways, kids' rooms and even some woodwork and trim.

Comments on Satin Paint: are not truly "shiny," but more like actual satin, in having subtle reflective qualities. This sheen adds just enough light to the walls to be called a slight "glow". Satin or semi-gloss finishes are easy to clean and are good for highlighting architectural details.

SEMI - GLOSS

Durability Of Semi-Gloss Paint: tend to be much more durable as they can be easily cleaned with most cleaning products and resist dirt and stains.

Where to Use Semi-Gloss Paint: are typically used for doors, cabinets, woodwork and trim. Many people find Semi-Gloss to be too shiny for walls though it works quite well on surfaces that are prone to get a lot of handprints

Comments on Semi-Gloss Paint: A semi-gloss reflects between 35 to 50 percent of the light that hits it. Which means it will have a much shinier appearance.

HIGH - GLOSS

Durability of High-Gloss Paint: While the high sheen allows for an easy surface to clean, any dents or dings in the paint will be very visible.

Where to Use High Gloss Paint: take extra precautions in choosing where you use this sheen. High Gloss should be limited to areas such as kitchen cabinets, banisters and railings, trim, furniture, door jambs, window sills and specialty uses. You wouldn't typically paint a wall with high-gloss paint because the reflective qualities create too much glare.

Comments on High Gloss Paint: High-Gloss reflects approximately 75%-80% of the light that hits it.

Interior Wall Painting Techniques - Project Prep to How to and Do it Yourself

Stephanie Tyree
Unique Designs and Decorative Finishes
12034 Madison Drive
Atlanta, GA 30346
http://www.designershistoricalstencils.com

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Monday, September 12, 2011

Interior Painting Basics

Interior Painting

interior doors home depot

When painting a room, it's best to paint the ceiling first, followed by the walls, with the trim, cabinets, and doors painted last. Work from the top down. In order to keep a wet edge, only cut in one wall at a time before you begin painting with rollers.

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Brushes are used to cut in around the ceiling, trim, windows, and doors before using a roller. They are also used to paint the trim, window frames and doors. There are a number of brush sizes available in both straight edge and angled sash. Your choice depends upon the size of the area you are painting and whether you prefer a straight edge or an angled sash. Rollers are a great time saver for painting larger flat surfaces such as ceilings and walls. Roller covers come in various nap lengths. Your choice depends upon whether the surface to be painted is smooth or if it is more textured. The more textured the surface, the longer the nap should be in order to allow the fibers to push the paint into the crevices on the surface.

High quality applicators will provide the best painting results. Cheap or low quality applicators can make the best quality paint look and perform poorly. Cheap roller covers do not spread the paint evenly on the surface, and often leave fuzz from the roller on the wall. Inexpensive brushes are harder to use because they do not spread the paint evenly and leave unsightly brush marks. High quality applicators can be cleaned and used again.

When painting, always work from the dry area into the adjoining wet paint area. Use the "N" technique when using a roller. Load the roller completely. Apply the paint in the form of an "N" in a 2¹ x 2¹ area. Fill in the center of the "N" with horizontal strokes from side to side. Lightly smooth the painted area with vertical strokes from top to bottom. Continue to use the "N" pattern with a freshly loaded roller directly below the first "N", working until you reach the bottom of the wall.

Time saving Tip: If you take a short break from painting, you can wrap your applicators tightly in a plastic bag or aluminum foil instead of washing them!

Always be sure to stir the paint thoroughly before using and do not thin the paint. If you are using more than one gallon of the same color, mix them together in order to insure color consistency. Paint when the room and surface temperature is 50?F or above. Avoid touching, wiping, or wetting a freshly painted surface for 30 days to allow the paint to completely cure. After 30 days, the painted surface can be cleaned with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and water. Do not place or hang objects on the surface until the paint is thoroughly dry.

Remember: It¹s important to follow the directions on the back of the paint label. It contains the most important information you need for your painting project.

Interior Painting Basics

PainterClick.com > DIY Home Improvement Information

How-to information on painting and other aspects of home improvement.. Includes do-it-yourself guide, and links.

Read more painting articles on:

DIY Home Improvement Information

http://www.painterclick.com/Interior_Painting_Basics.htm

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Friday, August 26, 2011

Proper Order For Painting Interiors, Doors, and Windows

Of course, the question is what do you paint first, after all other work is done and everything is cleaned up and dust removed. The obvious answer is that you begin by painting that which is higher and which can drip down, such as the ceiling. The trouble is that obvious answers aren't always right.

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It all depends on your plans for the trim. If you're going to be painting your trim (with latex or oil-base paint), then the proper order is as follows:

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When Painting Trim

1. Paint ceiling
2. Paint walls
3. Paint doors and windows
4. Paint trims around doors, windows, and baseboards.

If, however, you're going to be staining your trim, then a different plan of action is in order. It looks like this:

When Staining Trim

1. Stain all trim, preferably before installing it. Use sanding sealer to raise the grain; then sand and varnish the trim.
2. If trim is already in place, stain as above, allow the stain to dry, and mask the trim.
3. Paint ceiling
4. Paint walls
5. Paint doors and windows
6. When all the paint is dry, either put in trim or remove masking from existing trim and touch up as necessary.
Remember that, if you get paint on the trim, you will have to sand it carefully-a tedious job-before you can restain it. Therefore, you want to do the painting and the staining separately.

What's the Proper Procedure for Painting Doors and Windows?

For doors, start at a top corner and work your way across and down. Use a brush and be sure that you work quickly to avoid having the paint dry. It's much harder to paint a glossy acrylic latex on a door than a glossy oil paint.

Beware of backpainting a door with acrylic latex. This common practice involves painting the entire door with a roller, then using a brush to smooth out the paint and give it "brush marks." The problem is that acrylic latex dries quickly and unless you work fast, the bottom of the door (the last place you'll be working) will be dry before you get to it, leaving brush or roller marks.

For windows, particularly French windows (with lots of small panes of glass), painting can be a real hassle. You'll need to use a small (1-inch) trim brush for the dividers. You can try masking the glass, but that will take longer than the actual painting. Instead, use a plastic putty knife, found in paint stores, as a shield. Hold it against the surface you are painting to keep the paint away from the glass.

If you use a shield, you'll have to clean it off with a rag after each use, else some paint will get behind it and onto subsequent panes. Usually a little paint won't hurt. You can clean it off quickly with a rag, or come back later on and remove it with a razor blade. Beware of window glass that has a rough surface. It will be almost impossible to remove any dried paint from the glass.

Wear eye protection when painting. Getting a drop of paint in the eye, particularly oil-base paint, can be very painful and could damage the eye.

Proper Order For Painting Interiors, Doors, and Windows

Paint rollers play an important role while painting. If you chose a wrong paint roller, you might end up with a mess. You should really learn how to choose a good paint roller and also how to paint windows and pipes which is not an easy job but doable.

INTERIOR DOORS

Friday, August 19, 2011

Painting Ideas - 5 Low Cost Ways to Enhance Your Home With Paint

Need Painting Ideas? Below are 5 great ideas for doing it yourself and saving a lot of money when it comes to improving your new home and for adding resale value.

lowes interior shutters

1. Faux Painting -- good wallpaper can be expensive. And so is the cost of someone doing it for you. On the other hand faux painting if you are doing it yourself can save you a lot of money. So this can be a great low cost way to decorate.

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The secret is to find good faux designs and colors. Then after choosing a specific design, practice it on something before doing any walls. If you get yourself some faux brochures there are some basic finishes that look really nice and are easy to master.

2. Painting Stripes -- this is great for bathrooms and even bedrooms. By choosing the right colors and taking your time, your stripes can turn out looking really nice. The secret is to measure out your strips, use a plum level or regular level and painters tape that is bleed-resistant.

I painted a bathroom in stripes for a customer. Because of the colors they chose and us taking our time to do the job right, it turned out very nice. We saw another job done by someone that was so bad they did not pay him but rather told him to leave and not come back!

3. Painting Stars -- have you ever thought about having an accurate copy of the nighttime sky on your bedroom ceiling or in a game room? Most people usually go out and buy those plastic stick-on stars, which are O.K. if you are into plastic stick-on stars.

Another way to go about getting stars on your ceiling is to check out this inexpensive course from AmazingStarMurals.com. By getting this course you can easily add a night sky mural to any ceiling of your choice. Or you can always hire someone who specializes in this type of artwork.

Your ceiling will look like any other ceiling during the daytime. At night when the lights go out, it looks like the night sky. This is due to a special set of paints. You can make an accurate copy of the night sky. Even the Milky Way will look real. Another great low cost way to paint your home or business and to add value.

4. Texture Painting -- if you have old walls that are rough from being wallpapered in the past or just beat up from age, you can give them a whole new look super fast using texture paint.

When my wife and I were first together we textured our dinning room walls. We had old plaster and we bought a gallon of ready-mixed texture paint from Sherwin Williams in Spanish white.

We really did not know what we were doing. I used crumpled newspaper to put it on the walls and it actually did not look too bad. It a nice textured look.

5. Painting Woodwork with Oil-Base Enamels -- do you have an older home with the older style woodwork? By giving your doors, windows and trim a custom pant job using oil-base enamel paint can really enhance the beauty. There is nothing like a creamy smooth enamel finish done on woodwork this way. Most latex paints are inferior and are not worthy of fine woodwork.

A good example of woodwork restoration is an older home we did quite a bit of work in. It was in the student ghetto area that a guy owned and paid off early. He rented the upstairs out and lived in the downstairs. He had the money to do quite a bit of home improvement.

His house was one of these older homes and he had really nice woodwork. Nice solid doors, tall baseboards and wide trim. It needed to be restored though. It was all old, dark, stained woodwork and would have looked really good with a nice enamel finish in a "coffee with cream" type of color.

If you do the job yourself it would only cost you the enamel paint, the primer and some sandpaper plus a nice quality paintbrush. This low cost project will definitely take some time to do but the end result is beauty and a definite increase in your property value.

Painting Ideas - 5 Low Cost Ways to Enhance Your Home With Paint

Lee Cusano has owned his own painting business since 1991. Since 2004 he has helped others to start their own business and make good money doing it right from the start with his several painting manuals. Please visit http://www.betterpaintingtips.com/paintingideas.html for some free valuable painting techniques and painting ideas.

LOWES INTERIOR

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Interior House Painting Tips

When it comes to finding interior painters, Christchurch is one of the top locations. One can be quickly deterred at the daunting thought of where to begin with a home makeover but by implementing a handful of tips it becomes a viable possibility. Some elbow grease and a few free days are required in order to finish interior painting.

interior doors home depot

Each room in a house will require different preparation, paints, and designs. Bathrooms and kitchens are subject to more moisture exposure than other rooms. If one has children, their bedrooms are often full of holes in the walls, marks, and thumbtacks. Walls and ceilings are often different heights, some being vaulted. There are different paints and techniques used for base-boards, doors, door frames, and trims. Other questions to consider include what colours should be used and which colour combination would look right.

INTERIOR DOORS

Choosing a favourite object such as a floor rug, art piece, or piece of furniture can function as the starting point for selecting a colour palate. If the selected favourite object is one solid color, its best to select colors which are on the same wheel or complementary. Colours which are associated with a particular style which will be implemented can also offer a distinctive colour selection. If the favourite item is blue, for instance, picking other shades of blue would be considered analogous colours, while selecting yellows would be complementary colors. Using nature as the inspiration for styles, an ocean theme, for example, could incorporate browns and yellows with the blues.

Once the colour scheme is selected, it can be brought together with accents such a couch throw or curtains. Christchurch has professionals with interior colour tips and latest trend ideas. Once the colour and colour combinations are selected, the next step is deciding on a brand. With the colour and brand selected, one must decide which of the many painting techniques should be used and which effects should be combined. Christchurch offers an extensive professional mix whose personnel can offer advice on colours which suit both the intended décor and function for the room. They are able to incorporate paint schemes that match with appliances and electrical features. Most professionals will say, lighter colours enhance children's rooms while darker colours will make for a cozy entertainment room. Estimating the amount of paint required comes after selecting which walls are to be painted. The painting process will require that all furniture be brought into the middle of the room and all surfaces, furniture, and fixtures are covered to protect them from paint splattering. Before painting walls, fill any holes, sand them down and remove any bumps and spiders webs. Professional painters can finish a paint job with the proper skills, equipment, and inconvenience one's family and pets as little as possible. However, one can paint the walls without the help of a professional and perhaps enjoy spending some time with your family if they are able to help out.

Interior House Painting Tips

Get great tips, ideas and advice on Painting your House at our website Painters Christchurch.

INTERIOR DOORS

Painting Vinyl Shutters

You no longer need to replace your vinyl shutters when they begin to look old and worn. If you are trying to save money, it is a fairly easy process to restore your old shutters to the point that they look almost like new by painting them. The only recommendation is that you do not radically alter their original color, but that you stick as close as you can to their original shade.

lowes interior shutters

In order for the paint to stick to the shutters you will need to locate an acrylic paint that has urethane resins it in. You most likely will not be able to find this paint at places like Home Depot or Lowes, however, but you should be able to find it in larger paint stores. Regular paint does not stick to vinyl as well as paint containing urethane resins.

LOWES INTERIOR

Some people have tried using exterior paint, however that does not work well at all. Vinyl naturally expands during the heat of the day and shrinks during the cooler evenings. Exterior paint cannot keep up with that constant movement and it will simply start to peel off the vinyl after a while.

Instructions for Painting Vinyl Shutters
• Take the shutters down, making sure that you keep all of the screws in one place.

• Wash the shutters with soapy water and a sponge. For stubborn dirt, or dirt in hard to reach places you may need to use a scrub brush. Soap them up as many times as you need to in order to thoroughly clean them. Once they are clean rinse them off well with warm water, making sure to get rid of all traces of suds.

• Dry the shutters with a cloth. You should do your painting in a shaded spot.

• You may want to put down newspaper so that you do not get paint everywhere. First paint one side of the shutters and then, when the paint on that side is dry, turn them over and paint the other side.

• Wait several days before reinstalling the shutters. You want to make sure the paint has had time to dry thoroughly before putting them up again. Do not leave them in the sun while the paint is drying, but rather set them somewhere under cover. It may be best to leave them inside somewhere, in your garage or an inside work area, to prevent any dust from the air settling on the drying shutters.

It is a fairly easy procedure to paint vinyl shutters providing you use the right kind of paint, and allow it to dry thoroughly before reinstalling them.

Painting Vinyl Shutters

Susan L. West, a professional interior decorator, offers advice on how to decorate on a budget. She has written on a number of home improvement and home decor ideas ranging from how to paint vinyl shutters to how to apply frosted window film.

LOWES INTERIOR