Getting Started
Applying the Paint
Applying the paint is your final step toward a professional looking paint job. You
have prepared the surfaces and chosen the right paint and applicators and now
the fun begins.
Before applying paint, be sure that it is mixed properly. Air often causes a scum
on oil-based paints. In this case you will need to strain it through a nylon
stocking to separate this "skin." Also, if you are thinning paint with either a
thinner for oil-based paints or water for water-based, thin slowly so as not to
over-thin and thereby require adding more paint. Finally, use a nail and hammer
to punch a hole in the rim of the can so that excess paint will drip back in.
There is a sequence often used in painting which we recommend:
1. Ceilings
2. Walls
3. Trim (windows, doors, then baseboard)
By painting the ceilings first you can be sure that any drips falling on the walls
will be covered. When painting the walls, always paint from the top down, again
to be sure drips are covered. And, finally, do the trim so that any paint that
accidentally gets on the trim can be covered.
Needless to say, wear old clothes. A hat or hooded sweatshirt is recommended
while doing the ceilings. Again, be sure that everything is properly prepared and
covered.
Cutting In
"Cutting in" is a process of applying paint at all corners where ceilings meet
walls or where walls intersect. Also, paint is applied next to all molding, trim,
and baseboards. Since these are areas rollers or sprayers cannot neatly reach,
use a 2"-2.5" brush, painting all these edges before doing the large surfaces.
You can use a paint edger. This sponge-type brush has a small set of wheels on
the side that enable it to make an even close cut. A paint edger or straightedge
can be used next to trim or baseboard to be sure that no paint gets onto the
wood. Cut in around all appropriate areas before painting the large surfaces.