Here are few things to keep in mind when applying wallpaper: New Walls – Must be thoroughly cured, dry, primed and sized. Previously painted walls – Fill cracks or holes with patching paste, then sand smooth. Spot-prime the patches and size all walls to be papered. Walls with old wallcovering – Remove, patch, sand and clean. Be sure the old adhesive is gone and the walls are completely dry before sizing.
Use the right solvent to clean up paint equipment. Check the paint can label. Generally use a mild detergent solution for water-based paints, mineral spirits for alkyd enamels, mineral spirits or turpentine for oil paints, alcohol for shellac, and mineral spirits for varnish. When you are reusing solvent for cleaning equipment, occasionally rub some between your fingers. When it begins to feel sticky, dispose of properly.
Like tile, most paint will differ slightly in each lot produced. If you plan to use the same color thoughout your house, it’s a good idea to purchase as much paint as you can at one time. This will avoid any deviations in the paint color and save you an extra trip to the store.
If you’re going to paint again tomorrow, just wrap your brushes or rollers in plastic and set them aside in a cool place. If your painting chores are done, clean your tools thoroughly. Latex washes off tools and trays with warm water. Oil-based paint requires a thinner or mineral spirit. Wear plastic gloves and work the solvent into bristles or nap and rinse until the solvent is clear. Once dry, store brushes hanging bristles down in their original wrap or paper. Rollers should dry and store standing on end.
If you suspect you have lead paint in your house or soil, call The National Lead Informatio Center at 1-800-424-5323 to get more information or visit them on the web at www.epa.gov/lead.
Removing the dark stains that can get onto your hands from working with walnut and other dark woods can be easy. Just pour a little lemon juice in your palm and rub your hands together. The slightly acidic lemon juice will remove the stains from your hands without damaging your skin.
When applying wallpaper, choose an inconspicuous spot for your starting point. The edge of a door frame is a good choice. This is where the first and last strips of wallcovering in the room will meet, and inevitably, those strips won’t match perfectly. That’s why it’s important to find an inconspicuous spot.
Even if your paint was mixed at the store, stir it thoroughly before each use. If it sits for a while during painting, it is best to give it a quick stir periodically.
To be certain you’ll have touch up paint you will want to buy a gallon or so extra and be sure to have the salesperson write down the exact ingredients of the paint you choose. Luckily, there are machines available which can analyze a chip of paint but, there’s that old saying about an ounce of prevention…it could save you from buying gallons later.
As part of your pre-painting preparation, check the weather forecast. The perfect conditions for painting are a mild day with temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees, little or no wind, and low humidity. Avoid painting if rain or very high humidity is predicted within 24 hours. Stop painting early enough for the surface to dry before evening dew sets it.
