the painted surface
Painting Questions
These are some general painting questions that are often asked. We hope the answers will help you during your home painting projects. You may ask us a paint related question by contacting us.
How can I touch up a recently painted wall?
When planning your home painting project thought should be given to buying a bit more paint than is required to have enough for touch ups later. Touching up a wall with the same paint as originally used will greatly increase the chances of a successful touch up or repair of the painted surface. If the paint has been stored be sure to thoroughly shake, stir or mix the paint. If the paint needs straining to remove dried pieces or clumps of paint pour it through several layers of cheesecloth, a paint strainer or some ladies old hosiery. Thinning the paint may also help it to blend into the previously painted surface. Whether applied with a brush or roller feather out the edges to minimize visible beginning and ending strokes. If the spot is near a corner or door frame go ahead and paint up to it. Paints with any amount of sheen will be harder to make an invisible touch up since the new paint may appear shinier. Most of the time the sheens will equal out after a few days as the touch up fully cures.
I moved a painting and now I have a nail hole in the wall, how do I repair the hole?
This tip is for repairing small nail holes. First, carefully remove the nail to prevent any more damage to the wall, if the nail can be pulled out by hand, twist it as you pull on it and it will leave a cleaner, neater hole. You may need a pair of pliers to remove the nail, if so twist and pull it out at the same angle it was inserted. The goal is to leave the neatest hole possible to repair. Dimple in the hole slightly by pushing on it with the butt end of a putty knife or screwdriver, anything with a rounded surface. Using a patching compound such as DryDex or drywall mud apply a small amount with a putty knife to fill the hole and dimple. Wipe carefully over the patch with a moist sponge or rag to remove the excess patching material, leave only enough to fill the hole and dimple. The goal here is to leave a smooth surface that will not need to be sanded. Sanding will only create a larger surface to paint. Allow to dry and if necessary wipe again with the moist sponge to smooth and clean the area of any excess. When the patching material is dry dab on a thin layer of paint with your fingertip using a tapping motion and feathering out the edges. Apply a second coat if needed. This technique works well as a quick fix on small nail holes.
What kind of paint would be durable for a kid's room?
Choose a paint with some sheen such as a satin, semi-gloss or gloss finish. Generally the higher the sheen the more durable and washable the paint. For walls and woodwork use a 100% acrylic paint. Acrylic paint is tougher than latex paint though both terms might be used to describe any water-base paint. Use acrylic if available. Acrylic paints labeled for use on trim and woodwork can be used on walls also and can be tinted to the color of choice.
The dark color I used to paint my walls is dry but still seems tacky, what happened?
This sometimes happens with dark colored paints of semi-gloss or gloss finishes. Because of the amount of colorant in some dark colors the actual drying or curing time may be longer. Also latex and acrylic paints dry to a flexible film or layer of paint. This lack of hardness along with the gloss makes the paint feel like it has not dried. It should get better after a few days as the paint fully cures. To avoid the thick, heavy look and tacky feel of latex paints try thinning it about 10% next time.
What should I do to paint over a glossy interior paint?
First make sure the surface is clean. If the paint is water-based a cleaner such as TSP or Spic and Span can be used. Avoid cleaners having alcohol or ammonia in them as these may soften water-based paints. If the paint is oil-based stronger cleaners can be used such as Windex Multi-Surface or Fantastic. Rinse and dry then sand to dull the gloss and give “tooth” to the new paint. Sanding sponges work well on flat and rounded surfaces. Use about a 150 to 200 grit size or something labeled “Fine”. Spot prime areas where the paint has been sanded or chipped off. If the old paint is oil-based an oil-based paint should be used again. New on the market are acrylic paints that are said to be able to adhere to an oil-based paint. If acrylic paint is used to paint over oil-based paints then prepping the old surface becomes even more important. Do not take shortcuts when cleaning and sanding. It is our advice to spot test the new paint on the old surface before doing a major project. If the old paint is water-based then either oil or water-based paints may be used to repaint.
What size paint brush should I use?
There is no one answer as it will depend on what you intend to paint. But I can give you some general guidelines. First use one that is comfortable to hold. The brush should feel balanced in your hand and the shape of the handle be comfortable. Basically most painting can be done with one of three sized brushes. A small 1 or 1½ inch angle sash, a medium size of 2, 2½, or 3 inch angle sash and if needed a large size 4 inches wide. The small one is great for tight spaces between molding and walls, cabinets and walls or craft projects. The medium size is used for cutting-in walls and ceilings, painting trim, woodwork, cabinets, shutters and just about anything. This will be the most used brush. The angle sash is more useful than a straight cut brush because it gives you the ability to paint around details of molding and profiles but does everything a straight cut brush can do. The angle also matches the natural painting motion for most people. The large 4 inch brush will be needed for painting exterior trim or siding and large areas that cannot be rolled or sprayed. Whatever size you need buy the best brush available. Wooster, Purdy and Corona are good brands. A good quality brush will last a very long time if properly cleaned and stored after each use. For most people doing do-it-yourself painting projects around the home a few good brushes will last a lifetime.
More helpful painting tips, techniques and how-to articles can be found by following these links.
How To Paint a Room ◊ How To Paint a Stairway ◊ How To Paint a Two-Story Room ◊ How To Choose Colors ◊ Six Step Color Choice ◊ Popular Color Ideas ◊ How To Choose Paint ◊ Tools ◊ How To Caulk ◊ How To Patch a Hole ◊ How To Patch a Crack ◊ How To Cut In a Wall or Ceiling ◊ How To Roll a Wall or Ceiling ◊ How To Paint Woodwork ◊ How To Paint a Window ◊ How To Paint Baseboard ◊ How To Paint a Door ◊ How To Paint Crown Moulding ◊ How To Paint Kitchen Cabinets ◊ How To Choose a Premium Paintbrush ◊ How To Paint a MDF Bookcase ◊ How To Paint Aluminum or Vinyl Siding ◊ How To Paint Over Faux Finishes ◊ How To Use Magnetic Paint ◊ How To Use FrogTape ◊ How To Paint Repair Water Damaged Drywall ◊ Hiring a Contractor ◊ Paint Stripper Safety ◊ Painting Louvered Shutters ◊ 2013 Color Trends ◊ Choosing Front Door Colors
