Paint & Wallpaper

Lead-based paint is usually not a hazard if it is in good consition, and it is not an impact or friction surface, like a window. It is defined by the federal government as paint with lead levels greater that or equal to 1.0 milligram per square centimeter, or more than .5% by weight.

Most exterior paints will cover about 400 square feet per gallon for one coat. But adjust for waste factors like the type of surface and equipment used. If the surface is rough or porous, add 20% to the total gallons figured. If siding is narrow (4 to 5 in.), add 10%. If on a corrugated surface, add 33%. Also add on a 10% waste factor if using brushes or rollers, add 20% for airless paint sprayers, and add about 40% for air paint sprayers.

If you want to re-use a roller cover on several paintjobs, it is best to start with the lightest color, then work in gradually darker colors, following each job with a thorough cleansing of the cover.

Be sure that your first coat of paint is dry before applying a secpnd coat. Although latex paint will quickly feel dry to the touch, adhere to the specified drying times for the best results.

Though it may seem like common sense to some people, one of the easiest ways to cover your furniture (if you have to keep it in the room) is to move it all to the middle of the room and cover it all with old sheets and/or drop cloths.

When paint fails, it�s usually caused by weak surface preparation. Spend time on a few basics before you begin to get the results you want when you�re done. Simply washing walls with detergent to remove dirt, grease, oil, and fingerprints can make all the difference. A clean everyday floor sponge mop makes a great wall washer. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and give everything adequate time to dry.

To reduce your child’s exposure to lead, get your child checked, have your home tested (especially if your home has paint in poor condition and was built before 1978), and fix any hazards you may have. Children’s blood lead levels tend to increase rapidly from 6 to 12 months of age, and tend to peak at 18 to 24 months of age.

When painting, keep a damp rag handy to clean up as you go. It’s much easier to clean paint that is still wet.

When starring out, pre-dampen your brushes slightly before dipping into the paint. Slightly damp brushes apply paint more evenly. When working with latex paints, moisten with water: when applying oil-based paints, first dip them into paint thinner, then pat them with paper towels to remove excess thinner.