Twenty Tips That Make Painting Easy

A list of twenty tips and advice that will make painting easier. Tips include ways to make cleaning easier, how to protect the surface, etc.

Painting is a pretty tough job with no additional labor required. The following is a list of tips to keep in mind before starting to paint. They may not make you enjoy it, but they will make your job easier.

1. Make sure you have everything you need before you begin, especially enough paint. In general, a can of paint covers about 400 square feet.

2. Try to avoid painting on rainy days. The extra moisture in the air will make the paint dry more slowly. If this cannot be avoided, use a dehumidifier to help speed up the drying process.

3. If you are painting a large room, don’t try to get the same money by buying cheap rollers and brushes. The money you save will be minimal and will not compensate for the sore hands. Plus, better rollers and brushes will help you work faster.

4. Have your primer tinted the same color you want to paint. This will ensure that the paint covers well and may reduce the need for an additional coat.

5. Use a nail to tap five or six holes into the retaining slot of the paint can. This will allow the paint to return to the can. If you need to reseal the can, you can put the nails in the can or put some playdough or clay over the holes.

6. Tape a large paper plate to the bottom of any open paint can you are using to catch splatters or drips.

7. Flattened corrugated cardboard boxes are perfect for covering floors when painting.

8. Have a damp cloth and paper towels handy to clean up any drips or mistakes. Most of them, including accidental touches on the ceiling, can be removed in this way.

9. Have some patching compound and putty on hand. You will be amazed by all the little holes and marks you can find on your wall. They may not have been visible with the old color, but they can stand out with the new one.

10. When stopped for short periods, seal your brushes in a plastic or Ziploc bag. This will keep them “fresh” without having to spend time cleaning them. Plastic wrap and aluminum foil work almost as well.

11. Cover the inside of your paint tray with aluminum foil or plastic. It will make cleaning easier.

12. To make cleaning your brushes easier, use an old baby wipe container. Put the paint thinner into the container and push the brush handle through the hole in the lid. This will allow the brush to soak in without kinking the bristles. If you don’t have containers for baby wipes, try cutting a slot in the lid of a coffee can or similar container.

13. Clean the paint rollers on old newspapers before cleaning. Removing excess paint will make cleaning easier.

14. Rub hand lotion on your hands and arms before you begin. It will make the paint easier to remove from your hands when you are done. Also, baby oil is sometimes better at removing paint from skin than soap.

15. If you have a steady hand, you may not need tape to cover the edges.

16. Wet newspaper can work very well to protect windows. You can use one-inch long strips of newspaper to protect the glass around a window. Dip each strip in water. Pull the strip between your thumb and forefinger to remove excess water. Press the strips onto the glass close to the wood. Do only two at a time and remove them as soon as you are done.

17. If you are painting a bathroom, use damp newspaper to cover the bottom and sides of the tub. The newspaper will click and keep your tub free of paint.

18. Wrap hardware (doorknobs, hinges, sweaters, etc.) in aluminum foil before painting.

19. Use old milk jugs to store paint. It will hold the same time and the paint will be easier to access if you need to do some touch-ups.

20. Write the date, brand and color of the paint used under the light switch for handy reference.

Copyright © 2006 Ian White