AMW101
The sun is shining, leaves are budding, birds are singing- Spring has finally arrived, and this inspirative season goes hand-in-hand with fresh, new home updates.
If you’re going to be tackling your home paint jobs solo
#1 you got this, and #2 we got you…
Here are some tips, tricks, and products to make your life easier and your job seamless.
Keep a painter’s tool handy like the 6-in-1 by Hyde
Multi-tools are always beneficial to have around. You can use them to open paint cans and then gently hammer the lids closed, hammer any random little nails on your wall, scrape paint and finish, spread compounds and spackle, clean paint rollers, open cracks and dig into nooks & crannies, open boxes, AND even crack open a cold one when you’re done for the day. I could keep going. They’re just a convenient, inexpensive little tool to have handy.
18-inch paint roller cover
Most customers grab the standard 9-inch roller cover for painting jobs without thinking too much because it’s the most common, all-purpose size. But if you have large, empty walls to cover and want to do it quickly, treat yourself to an 18-inch roller cover. It’s like rolling with both of your hands. You’ll be pumped at how quickly you’ll be able to finish a room, and it will look flawless!
Quality of paint applicators matters
We always recommend using high-quality brushes and roller covers. Cheap, low-quality roller covers will leave fuzz and lint on your walls. Inferior quality brushes will leave streaks and uneven application. With meticulous cleaning and care, high-quality brushes and roller covers can last you a long time and supply a better finish. We’re big supporters of paint applicators manufactured by Wooster and Purdy. It’s worth it to pay a little extra for better tools.
Washing your walls
Almost always overlooked, washing your walls before painting can make a big difference in the final result. Wipe walls down with a damp sponge and a gentle detergent, and make sure there’s no dust or debris along your trim work. Immediately after washing, rinse the walls with clean water and a damp sponge and let dry. The cleaner and blanker your canvas (the wall), the smoother and easier your application will be. For tough dirt and grime, Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) reigns champion. When mixed with water, TSP is an inorganic powder that creates an alkaline cleaning solution. It works wonders on greasy kitchens, scummy bathrooms, and little Monet’s crayon-decorated walls. Just make sure you wear gloves (it’s slightly caustic) and protect your floors (it can stain).
Low stick painter’s tape.
Liberally apply low-stick painter’s tape (aka “blue tape”) to all edges of surfaces that you don’t want to be painted. The tape peels off easily and won’t mess up the primer or existing paint underneath. Unless your cutting in skills are eagle’s eye perfect, you’ll be glad you picked up a few rolls.
Masking film
Usually sold in rolls or folded squares, masking film is very thin plastic, which uses static electricity to cling to surfaces. Professional painters often utilize it, and now you’re in on the secret, too! It can be used to cover interior walls while painting a ceiling, to mask windows, doors, cabinets, and flooring. Masking film also magnetically pulls paint and dust particles to it, so it’s a great helper for sanding projects, too!
This post barely scratches the surface of all the specialty tools and sundries we have to make your painting project easy and, dare we say it, “FUN”!
At Angeles Millwork & Lumber Co. and Hartnagel Building Supply, our paint specialists are always happy to walk you through your specific project and make sure you have everything you need to succeed!
