Planning on tackling a DIY project this weekend? Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, make sure you have the right supplies for every paint project.
1) 2″ – 2½” Trim Paint Brush
A quality paint brush can make a big difference on your next paint project. A 2″ – 2½” brush offers good control, ideal for detail work like cutting in and painting trim.
2) Painter’s Tape
In addition to blocking off areas you don’t want to traditionally paint, painter’s tape can be great for creating patterns on whatever you’re painting. In any case, this stuff is essential for keeping your project neat and clean, no matter what type of paints you use.
3) Roller Cover, Frame and Tray
Roller covers, frames and trays are absolutely essential for painting large surfaces quickly and efficiently. Different roller covers are available for different jobs. For example, nylon/polyester covers are ideal for applying latex paint. Natural fiber covers (mohair and lamb’s wool) are great for oil-based paints, and foam rollers work well with thinner paint.
4) Drop Cloth and Rags
If there’s one area of painting that requires extra attention, it’s keeping clean. Drop cloths and rags are necessary for protecting furniture and carpet, while also minimizing clean-up time.
5) Ladder
A ladder or extension pole is essential for reaching those hard to paint places in your home. Different kinds of ladders are designed specifically to keep the user safe, so make sure to choose the appropriate style and size before beginning any job.
I was asked to paint the exterior of an older house in Montclair, N.J. The exterior has the original cedar shake and the customers want to rehabilitate it and then apply a fresh coat of paint on it. I’m concerned about power washing it as the shakes could break or the pressure could leave marks in the boards. But there is a lot of lose and chipped paint that has to be removed. What method or product do you recommend to abate the lose paint that will help make my job look it’s best and easier for us?
Hi John! Prep will be key for this project. We understand your concern about power washing older cedar shake. The loose paint will need to be removed/sanded down in order to avoid adhesion issues. Pressure washing may remove the paint more quickly but you do have to make sure not to damage the surface, the only other option would be to sand which could be time consuming to remove the loose paint or use a chemical stripper.
The surface also needs to be cleaned to remove any contaminants before priming bare areas and painting. Use warm water and a mild detergent to clean the surface with a long-handled scrub brush to scrub any dirt or residue from the wood. Rinse it thoroughly with a garden hose and allow it to dry completely.
I painted my living room, dining room and foyer white with a satin finish. Can I paint the ceiling with the same white satin finish? There is no trim except for baseboards .
Hi Anne! You certainly can paint with the same satin finish; it will make your space larger. However, if you have a stamped or patterned ceiling, you may want to stick with a flat finish.