Best-Kept Secrets of Professional Painters
Professional painters have a few tricks up their sleeves that can make the painting process easier and more efficient. Here are some of the best-kept secrets of professional painters:
Paint the Trim First, Then the Ceilings and Walls
One of the most important secrets of professional painters is to paint the trim first, then the ceilings and walls. This ensures that any drips or splatters from painting the trim won’t end up on your freshly painted walls or ceilings. It also helps to create a more even finish since you can easily cover up any mistakes made while painting the trim with paint from the ceiling or wall .
To Avoid Lap Marks when Wall Painting
To avoid lap marks when wall painting, professional painters use a technique called “cutting in.” This involves using a brush to paint around the edges of the wall before rolling on the paint. This helps to ensure that the edges are painted evenly and without any lap marks. To do this, start by cutting in along the ceiling and then move down to the walls. Make sure to
To avoid lap marks when wall painting, professional painters use a technique called “cutting in.” This involves cutting in the edges of the wall with a brush before rolling on the paint. This helps to ensure that the edges are properly covered and that there are no gaps or lines where two sections of paint meet. To do this, start by painting a 2-3 inch wide strip along the ceiling and then move down to the walls. Make sure to overlap each section slightly as you go, so that there are no gaps or lines where two sections of paint meet.
Clear the Entire Room Before Painting
Before starting any painting project, professional painters always make sure to clear the entire room. This means removing all furniture and other items from the room, as well as covering any surfaces that you don’t want to get paint on. This helps to ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently, without having to worry about accidentally getting paint on something. It also helps to create a cleaner , more organized workspace.
Avoid Drips as you Paint
To avoid drips as you paint, professional painters use a technique called “back-brushing.” This involves using a brush to lightly go over the area that has already been painted with the roller. This helps to ensure that any excess paint is spread evenly and without any drips or runs. To do this, start by rolling on the paint and then going back over it with a brush. Make sure to use light, even strokes and to not press too hard on the brush.
Shine a Light Across the Woodwork and Circle Flaws
One of the most important secrets of professional painters is to shine a light across the woodwork and circle any flaws. This helps to identify any imperfections in the wood that may need to be sanded down or filled before painting. It also helps to ensure that the paint will adhere properly and look even when finished. To do this, use a bright flashlight or work light and move it slowly across the woodwork. Any flaws should be circled with a pencil or marker so that they can be addressed before painting.
Consider Liquid Sandpaper, Especially on Lead Paint
When dealing with lead paint, professional painters often use a product called liquid sandpaper. This is a special type of cleaner that helps to remove the old paint Finally, and professional prepare painters the often surface use for liquid painting. sandpaper It to also prepare helps surfaces to for ensure painting. that This the is new especially paint important adheres when properly dealing and with looks lead even paint, when as finished. it To helps use to this ensure product, that simply the spray surface it is on properly the prepared area and and that then the wipe paint it will off adhere with properly. a To damp do cloth.this, simply apply a thin coat of liquid sandpaper to the surface and then let it dry before painting. This helps to create a smooth, even surface that will ensure that the new paint adheres properly and looks even when finished.
Dust and Vacuum Thoroughly
Before starting any painting project, professional painters always make sure to dust and vacuum the entire room thoroughly. This helps to ensure that all dirt and debris is removed from the surface before painting, which can help to prevent any imperfections in the paint job. To do this, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust and dirt from the walls and ceiling. Then use a damp Before starting any painting project, professional painters always make sure to dust and vacuum the entire room thoroughly. This helps to ensure that the surface is free of dirt, dust, and other debris that could interfere with the paint adhering properly. It also helps to create a cleaner workspace and reduce the risk of breathing in any dust particles while painting. To do this, use a vacuum or broom to remove any dust and dirt from the walls and ceiling. Then use a damp cloth to wipe down the surface, paying special attention to any corners or crevices. Finally, use a tack cloth to pick up any remaining particles before painting.
Fill All Holes, Even Small Ones
Before painting, professional painters always make sure to fill any holes or cracks in the surface. This helps to ensure that the paint adheres properly and looks even when finished. Even small holes should be filled, as they can cause paint to pool and create an uneven finish. To do this, use a putty knife to apply spackle or wood filler into any holes or cracks. Allow the filler to dry completely before sanding it down and painting over it.
Run a Crisp Bead of Caulk Between Woodwork and Walls
Before painting, professional painters often run a crisp bead of caulk between woodwork and walls. This helps to create a seamless transition between the two surfaces and prevents any paint from seeping into the cracks. To do this, use a caulking gun to apply a thin line of caulk along the seam between the wall and woodwork. Then use your finger or a damp cloth to smooth out the caulk and create a crisp, even bead. Allow the caulk to dry completely before painting over it.
Sand Between Coats
When painting, professional painters often sand between coats. This helps to create a smooth, even finish and ensures that the paint adheres properly. To do this, use a fine-grit sandpaper and lightly sand the surface between each coat of paint. Start with a light sanding and then progress to a heavier one if needed. Make sure to wipe down the surface after each sanding to remove any dust or debris. to remove any dust or debris. to to remove remove any any dust dust particles or before debris.applying the next coat of paint.
Take a Wool-Blend Roller Cover for a Spin
When painting, professional painters often opt for a wool-blend roller cover. This type of roller cover is designed to hold more paint and release it evenly onto the surface. It also helps to create a smoother finish with fewer brush strokes. To use a wool-blend roller cover, first pour some paint into the tray and dip the roller in. Then roll it back and forth on the tray to evenly distribute the paint. Finally, roll it onto the surface in a “W” pattern for an even finish.
No-Maintenance Paint Tray
No-maintenance paint trays are a must-have for professional painters. These trays are designed to be easy to clean and require no scrubbing or scraping after use. They also help to reduce the amount of time spent cleaning up after painting projects. To use a no-maintenance paint tray, simply pour the paint into the tray and roll the roller over it until it is evenly distributed. Then, when you’re done painting, simply rinse the tray with water and it will be ready to use again.
Cardboard Protects Floors Best
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Slap It On, Then Smooth It Out
When painting, professional painters often use a technique called “slap it on, then smooth it out.” This technique involves applying the paint quickly and evenly to the surface, then using a brush or roller to smooth out any bumps or ridges. To do this, start by pouring some paint into the tray and dipping the roller in. Then roll it onto the surface in a “W” pattern. Once the paint is applied, use a brush or roller to smooth out any bumps or ridges. This technique helps to create a smooth, even finish and ensures that the paint adheres properly.
2/3 Prep, 1/3 Painting
When it comes to painting, professional painters know that two-thirds of the job is in the preparation and one-third is in the actual painting. Proper preparation is essential for a successful paint job, as it ensures that the surface is properly prepped and ready for painting. This includes cleaning the surface, filling any cracks or holes, sanding down any rough spots, and priming if necessary. Once the surface is prepped, then it’s time to start painting. Professional painters know that taking the time to properly prepare a surface will result in a better-looking and longer-lasting paint job.
Do the Ceiling, Then the Walls
When painting, professional painters always start with the ceiling before moving on to the walls. This is because it is easier to paint the ceiling first and then move down to the walls. Painting the ceiling first also helps to prevent any drips or splatters from getting onto the walls. To do this, start by rolling a coat of paint onto the ceiling in a “W” pattern . Once the ceiling is done, move on to the walls and repeat the same process. This technique helps to ensure that the paint adheres properly and creates a smooth, even finish.
Brush Bristle Saver
When painting, professional painters always make sure to use a brush bristle saver. This is a tool that helps to protect the bristles of the brush from paint buildup and damage. The brush bristle saver is a small plastic device that fits over the top of the brush and prevents paint from getting into the bristles. It also helps to keep the bristles in good shape, which helps to ensure that the brush will last longer. This is an essential tool for any professional painter and should always be used when painting.
Skip Brush Cleaning Between Coats
When painting, professional painters often skip brush cleaning between coats. This is because the paint that is left on the brush can actually help to create a smoother finish and better adhesion of the next coat. To do this, simply dip the brush into the paint and then apply it to the surface. The leftover paint on the brush will act as a primer for the next coat, helping to ensure that the paint adheres properly. This is a great time-saving tip for any professional painter and can help to ensure that the job is done quickly and efficiently.
Repurposed Egg Crates
When painting, professional painters often use repurposed egg crates to help keep their brushes organized. Egg crates are a great way to store and organize paint brushes, as they provide plenty of space for multiple brushes and keep them separated. To use an egg crate for brush storage, simply place the brushes in the individual compartments of the crate. This helps to ensure that the bristles stay in good shape and that the brushes are easy to find when needed.
