(Family Features)–Whether you’re painting one accent wall or your entire house, preparation is key for nailing your paint job. Before starting any paint project, set yourself up for success by gathering all the tools you’ll need:
Brushes or rollers: The tool you use to apply paint will have a significant impact on the finished look, so investing in quality brushes or rollers can make a noticeable difference.
Roller tray: If your project calls for a roller brush then a tray is necessary to allow for even distribution of paint across the roller and more even application. Consider investing in inexpensive tray liners that can be thrown away when the job is complete to help make cleanup easier.
Painter’s tape: While every job is unique, they all start the same way – preparation. Before starting any painting project, it’s important that you’re choosing the right tape for your job, so you end up with a better result. For more sensitive projects like geometric shapes and stripes, consider an option like Scotch Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape that seals out paint while delivering sharp lines and a clean removal. This tape is ideal on surfaces that require a little extra care, such as wood floors, wallpaper, cabinets, painted drywall and freshly painted walls.
Painter’s plastic: Protect large surrounding areas like the floor and furnishings with plastic coverings to prevent unwanted paint drippings. You can also find products that dispense painter’s tape and plastic at the same time, allowing for quicker, easier application than applying each product individually.
Pro Taping Tips
– Make sure the surface is clean, dry and dust-free so the tape sticks properly.
– Apply tape directly on the surface, pressing down as you go without stretching the tape.
– Press down firmly with a smooth edge, like a putty knife or credit card, to secure the tape.
– Let the tape set for about 30-60 minutes before painting.
– Wait until the paint is dry to the touch before removing the tape.
– Use a putty knife or razor blade to score along the edge of the tape to help prevent cracking along the paint line.
– Lift tape slowly by pulling it back on itself then removing at a 45-degree angle.
Source: Family Features Editorial Syndicate
