How To - Paint

Painting is one of the final steps in the home improvement and remodeling process. Paint is also a protection coating of the construction materials, particularly outside. It can be said that painting is easy and can be done by anyone. However, even the most handy person would do well to learn about the process, the materials and the tools before starting any major painting project. Practice and experience also improve the outcome.

Knowing the basics of painting how-to can make the task easier, reduce the time element and add a quality look to the project.

Paint

Selecting the right paint for the project is essential. Recommended paints for home projects come as water based, oil based and in some cases alcohol based. The durability of the paint determines whether it is suited for indoors or outdoors. The most common paints for home projects are as follows:

Latex Primer - Used for covering raw materials like drywall and wood. Use it to prepare the walls for the final painting process. It is water base and cleans up with soap and water.

Latex Paint - The most commonly used indoor paint and in many areas outdoors as well. Comes in a variety of finishes from flat to gloss. Generally finishes more toward gloss are used for areas around water or high contact, like kids hands. Flat has more pigment and covers more readily and is used for most walls in non-water areas.

Oil-based Primer - Used as an all-purpose primer. Thins and cleans up with mineral spirits.

Enamel or Oil-based Paint - Used for areas of excess water and/or areas which require continual cleaning like sink and stove areas. Thins and cleans up with mineral spirits.

Specialty paints - There are one-coat paints, acoustic paints and texture paints available for specific projects. Discuss these with a qualified paint supplier and follow their instructions.

Tools

Roller Pan Paint & Trays
Roller Frames
Extension Handles
Roller Covers
Trim Rollers
Cone Rollers
Doughnut Rollers
Ladder

Brushes

Paint brushes are designed for either water-based paints or oil-based paints and should only be used as intended. Using a brush in the wrong medium generally causes swelling of the brush and poor painting qualities. Here are some basic brushes for home projects:

6" Wall Brush
4" Wall Brush
3" Wall Brush
2" Sash Brush
2" Sash Trim Brush
3/4" Round Brush
Foam Brushes - Various Sizes and Shapes

Brushes can last a lifetime with proper care and cleaning. Paint drying in the ferrule will destroy a paint brush. Take extra care to remove all paint from deep in the brush after each use. Brushes can be stored for short periods of time hanging so the brush is suspended in solvent (or water) so as to not allow the brush to dry up. Brushed used for water-based paints should be washed thoroughly with soap and water after each use. After cleaning, shape the brush to its natural position for drying and hang the brush to dry.

MANUFACTURERS

Benjamin Moore Paint
Behr Paint
Sherwin Williams Paint
Glidden Paint
Pittsburgh Paint
Porter Paint
PPG Paint
Dupont Paint
Kelly Moore Paint
Duron Paint
Olympic Paint
Martha Stewart Paint
Dutch Boy Paint

Related Books & Publications

Related Websites

Paint Quality Institute

Resources

Benjiman Moore Paints

Related Subjects