When painting from a paint can, give it a half turn periodically throughout the job. Dipping the brush into the can alternately on one side of the can and then the other automatically keeps the contents stirred at the surface and prevents a surface film from forming. Also occasionally sweep the tip of the brush back and forth through the paint, especially with a fast-drying latex.
It is always a temptation to take short cuts. You may choose to paint over wallpaper either because you don’t want to take the time to remove it, or perhaps the paper hides cracks and defects in the walls of your older home. Most professionals will suggest that you remove the paper because it may peel or the wall covering texture will be difficult to paint over.
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.
Use paint strippers outdoors if possible. If you must use them indoors, cross-ventilate by opening all doors and windows. Make sure there is fresh air movement throughout the room. Ventilate the area before, during, and after applying and stripping. Never use any paint stripper in a poorly ventilated area. If work must be done indoors under low ventilation conditions, consider having the work done professionally instead of attempting it yourself.
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.
If you find lumps in a can of paint that you need, you can “push” them out. Cut out a circle from a piece of wire screen slightly smaller than the can’s inside circumference. Put the screen circle on the surface of the paint. With a little help it will sink to the bottom of the can, taking the lumps with it. Another way to salvage lumpy paint is to strain it through an old nylon stocking.
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.
When using a paint roller on walls, always keep a “wet edge”. Once you start a wall, keep moving until done.
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.
Instead of putting a paint smear across the outside of a can to mark the level of paint left inside (which can be messy and obliterate the label), use a rubber band instead. Put it around the can and roll it down to the level of the paint. Just by glancing at the rubber band, which is visible all the way around, you will know how much paint is left.
