A coat of paint is one of the least expensive ways to get bang for your buck when updating your home. Dave of has tips for getting the job done.
Protect Yourself
Even if you're not handling lead-based paint, it's a good idea to wear a tight-fitting, dust resistant face mask to avoid breathing in the tiny particles created from sanding.
Wear goggles to protect your eyes when you're painting overhead or using a paint spray or sanding or scraping.
Good ventilation is a must: open windows and use fans in enclosed spaces. Also, be sure you're ladder or stepladder is locked and securely stationed on the floor to avoid any falls.
When it comes to working with lead-based paint, it's even more important that proper precautions are taken. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed a law that requires businesses that repair or renovate older buildings (built before 1978) to adhere to strict lead-safe work practices. At least one worker involved in such projects is required to be certified in dealing with lead-paint. It is highly recommended that homeowners contact a certified professional in this case. Lead paint is a hazard for young children and it is important that trained professionals deal with any projects to avoid contamination of the home. Always look to see the certificate verifying your contractor is qualified and certified to work in pre-1978 homes.
Lead poisoning can lead to nerve disorders, high-blood pressure and memory loss. If you have questions, it's best to contact the EPA at 1-800-424-LEAD or www.epa.gov/lead
Prepping
Choose the right paint and finish.
Latex or water-based are the most popular choices. Be sure you choose the proper type of paint depending on the surface: If you are painting a kitchen or bathroom, choose paint specifically designed to resist mold, mildew and humidity. If you are painting an exterior surface, choose an appropriate primer and a latex paint suited for the outdoor environment. Depending on the surface and the look you're going for, you'll also have to choose between a flat, eggshell, semi gloss or high gloss finish.
Choose the right tools
For most jobs, a roller, a tray and a few brushes in varying sizes will do the trick.
Protection
Remove furniture from room. Cover all items that are too large to remove -- and the floor -- with drop cloths to minimize splatter and dust. Use painters tape to mask off any areas you do not want paint on, such as trim and hardware. An extra few minutes of precaution may save you hours of clean up.
Prepare the surface Wash the walls thoroughly with hot water and detergent soap -- rinse well. Once dry, patch any holes, cracks, or joints with spackling compound and let dry. Sand with fine grade sandpaper until you have a smooth surface. Before you begin painting, wipe all sanded surfaces to remove residue. If you have several holes or cracks in the wall, failing joint lines between drywall panels, or the need for wall paper removal, it's not a bad idea to call in the professionals who have the skills and tools to get the job done effectively and efficiently.
Painting
Always use a primer on the walls before painting
Use good high-quality products from actual paint stores and high quality tools. A cheap brush or roller or low quality paint will make your job much more difficult and will have a poorer finish.
When using a brush, dip the bristles of the paint about halfway into the paint and then tap the brush against the edge to remove any excess. Hold the handle at the base and press gently so that the bristles flex slightly.
Cut in your edges first and then paint in consistent, even up and down motions from floor to ceiling. (Avoid the all over technique seen on DIY TV shows.) Do ceilings first, walls next and then trim work.
Rollers provide even coverage with little color variation and are much quicker than painting with a brush. Make sure your roller has the right knap for the surface you are painting. Dip the roller into the paint so that it is well covered, but not saturated. Roll the roller over the ridges of the pan to ensure that it will spread the paint smoothly. Prepare to cover about four feet of surface for each "dip" you do with your roller. For best results, paint a large M onto the wall, and then roll from side to side to spread the paint. Finish up with light up and down strokes for an even finish.
Going Green
Some of the most harmful chemicals found in paint are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. They are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that readily vaporize into the air. VOC's are a major contributor to pollution and a host of health issues including breathing problems, headache, burning, watery eyes and nausea. Some VOCs also have been linked to cancer, as well as kidney and liver damage. The new 'green' line of paint, offered by many manufacturers, has no VOCs.
Look for eco paints that meet the Green Seal Standards. Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that strives to improve environmental standards for many products. Some stores that sell eco-friendly paint are: Home Depot, OSH, and TrueValue Hardware.
The advantages of using eco-friendly paint:
- Considerably minimize health risks -- reduce chances of allergic reactions in areas such as the eyes, lungs and skin
- May reduce the likelihood of asthma in children
- Offer efficiency and cost benefits
- Can act as humidity and temperature regulators
It's time to call a professional when:
- There is extensive patch work involved
- When you have two or more rooms to paint -- unless you have an entire summer to get it done
- Heights -- interior atriums or most exteriors
- If your home was built before 1978
- Once you've started a project and realize you're in over your head
CertaPro Painters (847) 947-8728 www.certapro.com
Protect Yourself
Even if you're not handling lead-based paint, it's a good idea to wear a tight-fitting, dust resistant face mask to avoid breathing in the tiny particles created from sanding.
Wear goggles to protect your eyes when you're painting overhead or using a paint spray or sanding or scraping.
Good ventilation is a must: open windows and use fans in enclosed spaces. Also, be sure you're ladder or stepladder is locked and securely stationed on the floor to avoid any falls.
When it comes to working with lead-based paint, it's even more important that proper precautions are taken. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed a law that requires businesses that repair or renovate older buildings (built before 1978) to adhere to strict lead-safe work practices. At least one worker involved in such projects is required to be certified in dealing with lead-paint. It is highly recommended that homeowners contact a certified professional in this case. Lead paint is a hazard for young children and it is important that trained professionals deal with any projects to avoid contamination of the home. Always look to see the certificate verifying your contractor is qualified and certified to work in pre-1978 homes.
Lead poisoning can lead to nerve disorders, high-blood pressure and memory loss. If you have questions, it's best to contact the EPA at 1-800-424-LEAD or www.epa.gov/lead
Prepping
Choose the right paint and finish.
Latex or water-based are the most popular choices. Be sure you choose the proper type of paint depending on the surface: If you are painting a kitchen or bathroom, choose paint specifically designed to resist mold, mildew and humidity. If you are painting an exterior surface, choose an appropriate primer and a latex paint suited for the outdoor environment. Depending on the surface and the look you're going for, you'll also have to choose between a flat, eggshell, semi gloss or high gloss finish.
Choose the right tools
For most jobs, a roller, a tray and a few brushes in varying sizes will do the trick.
Protection
Remove furniture from room. Cover all items that are too large to remove -- and the floor -- with drop cloths to minimize splatter and dust. Use painters tape to mask off any areas you do not want paint on, such as trim and hardware. An extra few minutes of precaution may save you hours of clean up.
Prepare the surface Wash the walls thoroughly with hot water and detergent soap -- rinse well. Once dry, patch any holes, cracks, or joints with spackling compound and let dry. Sand with fine grade sandpaper until you have a smooth surface. Before you begin painting, wipe all sanded surfaces to remove residue. If you have several holes or cracks in the wall, failing joint lines between drywall panels, or the need for wall paper removal, it's not a bad idea to call in the professionals who have the skills and tools to get the job done effectively and efficiently.
Painting
Always use a primer on the walls before painting
Use good high-quality products from actual paint stores and high quality tools. A cheap brush or roller or low quality paint will make your job much more difficult and will have a poorer finish.
When using a brush, dip the bristles of the paint about halfway into the paint and then tap the brush against the edge to remove any excess. Hold the handle at the base and press gently so that the bristles flex slightly.
Cut in your edges first and then paint in consistent, even up and down motions from floor to ceiling. (Avoid the all over technique seen on DIY TV shows.) Do ceilings first, walls next and then trim work.
Rollers provide even coverage with little color variation and are much quicker than painting with a brush. Make sure your roller has the right knap for the surface you are painting. Dip the roller into the paint so that it is well covered, but not saturated. Roll the roller over the ridges of the pan to ensure that it will spread the paint smoothly. Prepare to cover about four feet of surface for each "dip" you do with your roller. For best results, paint a large M onto the wall, and then roll from side to side to spread the paint. Finish up with light up and down strokes for an even finish.
Going Green
Some of the most harmful chemicals found in paint are volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. They are unstable, carbon-containing compounds that readily vaporize into the air. VOC's are a major contributor to pollution and a host of health issues including breathing problems, headache, burning, watery eyes and nausea. Some VOCs also have been linked to cancer, as well as kidney and liver damage. The new 'green' line of paint, offered by many manufacturers, has no VOCs.
Look for eco paints that meet the Green Seal Standards. Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that strives to improve environmental standards for many products. Some stores that sell eco-friendly paint are: Home Depot, OSH, and TrueValue Hardware.
The advantages of using eco-friendly paint:
- Considerably minimize health risks -- reduce chances of allergic reactions in areas such as the eyes, lungs and skin
- May reduce the likelihood of asthma in children
- Offer efficiency and cost benefits
- Can act as humidity and temperature regulators
It's time to call a professional when:
- There is extensive patch work involved
- When you have two or more rooms to paint -- unless you have an entire summer to get it done
- Heights -- interior atriums or most exteriors
- If your home was built before 1978
- Once you've started a project and realize you're in over your head
CertaPro Painters (847) 947-8728 www.certapro.com
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