Tips 101

Dry Your Brush

If you are going to reuse a brush that has just been cleaned with water, blow it dry with a hair dryer first. Any residual water in the bristles will dilute the paint on the brush, causing it to run down the handle when painting. If the brush has just been cleaned with mineral spirits, dry the bristles as well as possible with paper towels before starting to paint, to prevent paint running down the handle. Spread the paper towel out to dry before disposing.

Getting A Cleaner Edge

If using masking tape to protect a surface (except carpet) when painting, remove the tape as soon as you can. You will get a cleaner "edge" and there is less chance the tape will bond to the surface it is protecting and become difficult to remove. Masking tape comes in many grades and qualities so talk to your paint supplier to make sure you get the right tape for the job you are doing.

Resealing The Can

After opening, and before using a new can of paint, drive about 5 or 6 holes with a nail around the rim where the lid sits. This will allow paint to drain back into the container instead of filling the rim. If the rim fills with paint, it is difficult to reseal the can.

Invest In A Good Brush & Roller

Buy a good-quality brush or roller. A cheap brush loses bristles, doesn't hold as much paint, and is harder to use when "cutting in" to another surface. Cheap rollers tend to matt and leave an uneven "stipple" on the surface.

Keep A Wet Edge

When brushing or rolling, always work from the dry surface back into the wet paint, working fast enough to keep a wet edge. If you are going to take a break, do it in a corner, never in the middle of a wall. This will help avoid lap and roller marks in the painted surface.

Use An Extension Pole

Use an extension pole on your roller handle. It allows you to use longer strokes and saves you from bending over to refill the roller with more paint. It also speeds up the job and makes it easier to maintain a wet edge — especially on a ceiling.

Painting Baseboards

Use 2-inch masking tape around the edge of the carpet when painting baseboards. Allow the tape to lay on the baseboard about 3/4" and then tuck it down over the carpet fibers as you pull them away from the baseboard. The tape will not stick firmly to the carpet fibers, so let the paint dry before removing the tape.