Part 4 - Clean Up

Now that we've moved our way through the painting process, there is one more step, clean up. Of course, the clean up procedure will depend on how large the project is.

TIP: To maximize the life of your tools, make sure you thoroughly clean them before storing them

Latex Paints

·        Clean spills before they dry with a paper or soft towel dampened with water.

·        Clean tools ie, brushes, rollers, etc. with soap and water

·        After cleaning, flush spray equipment with mineral spirits to prevent rusting. We suggest following the manufacturer's safety recommendations, each tool is different

Oil Alkyd Paints

·        Clean any spills before they dry with paper or soft towel dampened with mineral spirits or paint thinner

·        Oil alkyd paint must be removed from tools with mineral spirits or paint thinner

·        Pour the cleaning material into a clean bucket and rinse brushes and rollers well

·        When done, allow the solids to settle out of the cleaner, then strain the liquid back into the original container for reuse

·        Allow the settled solids to air-dry away from children, pets or open flames, dispose on container appropriately

·        Brushes should be kept in their original wrapper or paper-wrapped in a manner that retains their original shape before storing

Protection

We suggest allowing the paint to sit for 2 weeks before washing. After that, clean with mild household detergent and soft cloth or sponge.

Keeping it Green Friendly

Purchase only the amount of paint you'll need so there is minimal waste. If there is waste, dispose of appropriately. Here's a few tips:

·        Save a small portion of paint for future touch-ups. To keep the paint fresh, place a layer or plastic wrap over the mouth of the can before replacing the lid, and pound down the lid with hammer

·        Check with your local recycling depot to see if they accept dried latex and oil alkyd paints. Remember when drying latex paint to keep in a well ventilated space and away from children and pets

·        Seal oil alkyd paints in the can and store them safely away from heat sources until discarded appropriately  

·        NEVER pour paint, stain or any other coating down the drain, into a storm sewer or anywhere that may contaminate the environment

Do you have any more green friendly tips? Please share them below :)

Step 3 - Part 2 - Painting

Now that we've almost completed the process of painting a room, you're probably wondering is there a better way? Well, here are some tips that could help you out!
If you take your time, have patience and use good painting techniques you'll achieve that professional look you are striving for. If you rush you're more inclined to splatter or get paint where paint shouldn't be.


Another great tip to keep in mind is getting in the habit of going to the paint can. Let the paint do the work, and you'll save time and get the finish you are looking for.

                                      Using a Brush

1. 1. Hold a brush near the base of the handle.
2. 2. Dip half the bristles into the paint and tap on the lip of the can. Don't wipe it on the side.
3. Paint with enough pressure to bend the bristles slightly — don't bear hard on the brush.
4. A 1"-2" brush offers good control so it is well-suited for detail work such as cutting in around windows or painting molding. To apply paint to larger surfaces such as doors, use a 3"-4" brush.

                                      Using a Roller

1. Roll the roller slowly into the paint in the tray. Then, roll it back and forth until roller cover is evenly coated with paint.
2. Roll onto the tray's ridges to remove excess paint.
3. For smooth surfaces: Cover about a two-foot-square using the N pattern shown. Cross roll to spread the paint. Finish, with light roller strokes in one direction, at a right angle to the cross roll.
4. If the surface you are painting is porous or textured, use a heavy-nap roller cover (1/2" or more). Use a 1/4" nap to maximize sheen on a smoother surface.

                       Painting Double-Hung Windows

1. For double-hung windows move each sash to the center of its track and paint the inside sash, starting with the crossbars. Then, paint the frame. Don't paint the top edge of the inside sash; you'll use it to move the sash. Next, paint the top half of the outside sash, starting with the crossbar, then the frame.

2. Close the sashes to within several inches of the closed position. Paint the rest of the outer sash and the top edge of the inner sash. Paint the window casing, then the sill.

3. Paint the check rails. Move both sashes down as far as they will go, then paint the upper rails. Once the paint is thoroughly dry, move both sashes up and paint the lower rails of the window.

 

 

Casement or Awning Windows

1. Open the windows and paint the top, side and bottom edges.
2. Finish with the crossbars, frame, casings and the sills.

Paneled Doors

1. First remove all hardware or cover it with masking tape. If you happen to splatter or spill always clean up right away with a soft cloth, it'll save a ton of time in the end
2. Start by painting the panels, working from top to bottom. For each panel, paint panel molding first, then the interior, using up and down strokes with your brush.
3. Next, paint the rest of the door, finishing with the outer edges. If the door swings out, paint the hinged edge. If the door swings in, paint the lock-side edge.

Flush Doors

1. Paint the edges first.
2. Then fill in the center area, working from top to bottom.
3. Finish with the frame and jamb.

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you! Don't hesitate to call 778-887-8763 or shoot us an email at info@trendzpainting.com

Do you have any tips or tricks? Let us know, leave a comment below :)

Step 3 - Part 1 - Painting

Now that we have all our supplies, and we’re ready to paint, we have to prep. Preparation may be a pain, but let us assure you that it will save much hassle and headaches later on down the road. It allows you to solely focus on painting, and not trying to spill, splatter or mark up your floors or furniture.

Let’s get started! We recommend you remove all draperies, pictures, mirrors, area rugs, hardware and cover plates. Move all furniture into the middle of the room and cover with a drop cloth for extra protection; you never know what could happen! Would be a shame to trip and spill red paint all over your a dresser that’s been in your family since the 1800’s, wouldn’t it? Tape off woodwork and tape down plastic drop clothes, also wrap plastic around light fixtures and hardware you could not remove. Ensure your surface is clean, as noted in Step 1 – Part 1 – Preparation. Lastly, open a window, ventilation is good!

We also recommend you tape off your walls from ceiling and moldings; it’ll make for straight lines and keeps the colour where it should be. Here’s a great article on how to tape.

TIP: remove the tape when the paint is not completely dry. It’ll be easier, and create straighter lines.

If you are painting an entire room it’s important you complete it in the correct order. It will help eliminate splatters, spills and mishaps.

1.       Ceilings

·         Paint a 2 inch wide strip on ceiling where the wall meets the wall with a brush

·         Use a roller with extension, start in a corner and work across the short side to maintain a wet edge.

2.       Walls

·         Just like the ceiling, paint a 2 inch strip around the border of the wall (along ceiling, floor, woodwork) with a brush

·         Use a roller, come as close as possible to create a clean, uniform appearance

3.       Woodwork

·         Paint all trim around doors, windows, ceilings and floor

4.       Floor

·         Start in a corner diagonally opposite to the exit, you will not want to be stuck in a corner with wet paint on the floor

·         Just the same as the ceiling, paint 2 inch wide strip on the floor where it meets the wall or trim

·         Use a roller with an extension pole or wide brush, start in a corner and work across the short side to maintain a wet edge

TIP: Use enough paint, get in the habit of going to the paint can often. Let the paint do the work, you’ll save time and get the finish you want.

More to come on how to hold a brush, use a roller, how to paint double-hung windows and much more, stay tuned!

Step 2 - Part 2 - Primer

To get a great-looking finish coat and beautiful, long-lasting results, be sure to properly apply primer to surfaces prior to painting. There are many different characteristics when it comes to primer. It can be confusing; however the main job of primer is to:

·         Achieve a smooth, professional finish

·         Block stains, marks and odors

·         Assure adhesion

·         Speed topcoating

·         Prevent peeling

·         Attain the truest paint colour in the least amount of coats

·         Improve touch-up performance of the topcoat

Here are a few examples of the primers out there

Premium Wall & Wood Primer

·         Premium quality primer for the smoothest finish

Multi-Purpose Latex Primer

·         General purpose whole-house primer for multiple surfaces

Drywall Primer

·         Seals new drywall and previously painted walls for a consistent finish

Pre-Wallcovering Primer

·         Primes, seals and sizes in one coat

Multi-Purpose Oil-Based Primer

·         Versatile sealer and stain blocker, assures a uniform finish

Adhesion Primer

·         Tightly bonds to slick and glossy surfaces

White Pigmented Shallac Primer

·         Highest performing primer for sealing out the toughest stains and odors in one coat

Concrete and Masonry Primer

·         Seals and adheres to concrete, brick, stucco and plaster

We understand choosing the best primer can be confusing and we’re more than happy to help. Join the conversation on Facebook, shoot us and email or contact us at 778-887-8763

Do you have any pictures of your do it yourself projects? Don’t be shy, be proud of your work and share your creation on Facebook.