Protect Paint Label While PaintingI purchased a quart of paint to do a job and used only 1/4 of the paint. I will be using it again soon.
Paint Color Selection TipsI read on a Facebook group I belong to that it is not necessary to purchase sample-sized cans of paint, or to order the peel-and-stick 12 inch x 12 inch sheets. What the poster did was to get several cards with the paint chip colors she wanted and to tape the same color chips together.
Removing Dried Paint from Wallpaper and Other SurfacesIt's easy to get a bit of paint on your wallpaper when doing touch up to your ceiling or trim. If you notice right away, you can likely just wipe it off with a damp rag. But if you don't notice it for days or even weeks, the paint can be trickier to remove. Try these steps to remove the paint stain.
Painting and Staining TipsI'm certainly not an expert when it comes to painting but I have learned a few tricks that have been a help to me.
Easy to Hold Paint ContainerI used a 35.3 oz. Nestle Coffee-mate container to apply water proofing sealer to our deck. The container is comfortable to hold and it made the job much easier. After I finished, I put it in the trash.
Straining PaintI had a partially used can of paint, that I took to Lowes to be re-shaken. This caused the dried paint inside the can to be mixed back into the paint.
Use Plastic Wrap When PaintingIt's that time of the year when we will be pulling out the paint supplies and doing some painting. I had to do a little touch up painting with latex paint, using some ceiling paint and also some Kilz.
Storing Paint Chips for Easy Touch UpAs a result of buying the wrong paint, I developed a system for touch up paint. I now keep a paint chip card in each room. I also keep a duplicate of each in my calendar book as well, to have with me should I be shopping and see something to know if it would match or not.
Elastic Band Across Paint PotBy simply wrapping an elastic band around your paint pot, you can save yourself a lot of mess. This has two useful purposes. You can rest the brush on it and you can wipe off excess paint.
Ionic Paint Additive to Eliminate Smoking OdorsIf you're planning on painting the interior of your home, consider adding ionic paint additive to the paint. It turns the walls into a permanent air purification system. The ionic additive will keep your home free of smoke odors and toxins.
Use Vaseline for Painting Around MouldingPainting the inside door moulding around the hinges is a job I've never relished because it's picky work. I always ended up getting paint on the hinges no matter how careful I was. It looked awful and needed scraping off when the paint was dry.
Shoe Brush to Paint Cinder BlocksPainting a cinder block breeze brick wall is a long laborious task; with aching back, arms and hands. Trying to get the paint worked into into the rough blocks, I kept thinking there has to be an easier way.
Oops Paint is the BestI buy the "Oops" paint at Lowes to use when I redo various pieces of furniture. I have made great colors from the paint and I have also painted chairs and outdoor furniture.
Latex Gloves to Protect Hands from PaintCleaning my hands after working with oil based paint is bothersome, smelly, and dries out my skin. Now when I work with oil based paint, I always wear latex gloves and my hands are kept clean.
Masking Paint with Press and SealSome jobs need all kinds of 'taping off'. Try using Press 'n Seal instead of tape. It adheres to itself and is so easy to get where you want covered up. I'm repainting a step stool here, and it was so easy to cover all the legs and step attachments. A lot cheaper than a roll of blue tape, too!
Keep Paint Chip Card for Future UseIn each room I store a paint chip from the store for that room. Should I need to touch up the paint for that room or want to repaint it, I have all the information on that card.
Keep Paint from Ruining ClothesHere's a tip that I use all the time. Wear your clothes inside out! Sweats work the best.
Matching Paint To Existing ColorsI had a similar problem when I moved to my older condo 8 years ago. The counter tops were a unique laminate red color, which I absolutely loved. The wallpaper on the walls was horrible. I removed it and then thought about a wall color that would enhance my red counters.
Keeping Track of Paint Can OpenerI attach a can opener, to the end of a paintbrush, that is removable. This makes things so much more simple instead of searching for the opener every time.
Saving Record of Paint ColorWhen my husband paints a room, he removes the light switch plate. Writes the brand of paint and the color under the light switch plate. When he is done painting, I cover the writing with the light switch plate.
Put a Rubber Band on Paint CanPlace a rubber band from the center of the bottom of the paint can around the top. Dip your paint brush in the paint can and wipe excess off on the rubber band. No more messy painting!
Use Plastic Bags In Paint TraysI have been painting the house, so I have had to wash out my paint tray. I found a tip to avoid having to rinse out your tray for the next colour. Just put a plastic bag over your tray and push it down before you dump in the paint.
Cover Knob in Foil when Painting DoorsWhen painting, don't take off door handles just cover them with tin foil. It makes the job a whole lot easier.
Use Flattened Boxes for Drop ClothsWhen we got all our stuff unpacked from our recent move, my husband decided to flatten some of the larger packing boxes and use them around the edges of rooms that needed to be painted instead of having drop cloths spread about.
Use Vinegar on Metal Before PaintingIf you want to paint something metal or paint concrete, wipe it down with white household vinegar first, and your paint job will last much longer.
"Oops Paint""Oops Paint" is what the home improvement stores call the paints that were tinted incorrectly and the original purchaser was unhappy with the color. You can generally get a gallon for anywhere from $3-5. Check in the clearance area or ask at the paint counter.
Removing Paint with Hand SanitizerThe best thing I have found to clean paint brushes is hand sanitizer. It will even remove paint dried in the brush. Just squirt some hand sanitizer on the brush and work it in to soften the dried on paint.
Mix Your Own Paint ColorsI make my own paint colours by buying sample pots (at about $2 each) of colours in a darker shade than I want. Then I mix them in a large pot of cheap white paint. Use as many pots as you need.
Dry Out Paint Before Adding To TrashI open the cans and let the paint dry out and dispose of in the trash. I haven't needed to do this in Ocean City, so I am not sure of their legal disposal rules, which is probably the best place to start.
Painting Mortar Between BrickWe painted a brick house recently, and we were puzzled about how we were going to get the mortar painted short of taking a brush and painting it by hand. We took a sprayer used to fill with weed killer and thinned down the paint and sprayed the mortar in the brick.
Facecloths for Paint CleanupMaybe not a new idea, but it happened today, and I immediately thought of my Thrifty pals/buddies. I was painting a small wall in my hallway. I dripped paint onto the floor. All my rags were too wet or too dirty, and I was stuck in a corner.
Painting TipsWith spring right around the corner, here are some handy painting hints.
Recipe Box for Paint SamplesHave you ever moved into a home that needed a little paint touch up but had no paint? Every house should have a recipe box of paint samples! Once a room is painted, I take a piece of card stock and coat one side with paint.
Removing Paint from WindowsTo remove paint from windows, try using undiluted, hot, white distilled vinegar. Give the solution time to soften the paint before removing with a razor edge tool.
Aluminum Foil for Paint Pan LinerWant to save having to wash paint out of that paint tray or the cost of replacing one? How about the cost of liners? Use heavy duty aluminum foil. Save your larger used pieces and use the clean side in your paint tray.
Calculating the Amount of Paint Needed to a Paint a HouseTo estimate the number of gallons of paint needed to cover the outside of a house, first multiply the distance around the building by the average height (if the building has gables, add two feet to the average height before multiplying).
Use Shellac Before Painting Over A Water StainBefore painting over an area that is water stained, seal with a coat of shellac; there is less chance the stain will bleed through the paint.
Mask Holes When PaintingAfter removing hardware from an area to be painted insert pipe cleaners in the screw holes to keep from filling them with paint.
Painting Galvanized MetalRub galvanized metal first with a rag dipped in vinegar. You'll find that paint will adhere much more tightly to the surface.
Protect Woodwork With Lemon Oil Before PaintingApply a coat of lemon oil to woodwork if you are painting around it. If any paint spatters onto the woodwork, it will wipe off without any trouble. You are also conditioning the woodwork at the same time.
Pistol Grip Spray Can Handle for Arthritis SufferersMy sister told me about this several years ago. She had severe arthritis in her hands. I now have the same problem. She went to Ace Hardware and bought a little pistol grip handle for spray paint.
Use Painter's Tape to Protect CarpetI helped a friend redecorate her son's bedroom, which included painting the walls and trims, repairing the skirting boards, and repainting. I decided the best way to protect the carpet edges around the skirting was to use wide masking tape and tape it onto the carpet.
Paint One Side of Steps at a TimeEvery time I paint steps, as soon as the steps have fresh paint, they are needed. It's like a "Murphy's Law" thing! Well, I have the solution. Paint half of the steps at a time, left side from top to bottom or vice-versa. Then, when they're dry, paint the other side.
Keep Paint from Dripping when Painting CeilingThe next time you find yourself facing the task of painting a ceiling or up under an overhang, cut a hollow rubber ball in two and slip on half open side up over the handle of your brush.
Glue Paper Plate to Paint CanYou'll keep the floor neater during the next painting job if you glue a paper plate to the bottom of your paint can, instead of trying to move newspapers under the container every time you set it down.
Restoring Paint Hardened PaintbushesHardened paint brushes can often be made as good as new by simmering them in boiling vinegar for a few minutes, then washing them in soapy water.
Touch Up Paint With Liquid PaperWhen we washed off a white wicket shelf that is in the bathroom (wicker doesn't mind water every once in a while), some of the paint chipped off revealing another color underneath.
Test Paint On CardboardIf your DIY store sells those tiny "taster" pots of paint, don't try them out on the wall. Paint each one on a piece of used cardboard and hold it up to the wall. You can see how it will look and not have to paint over different colours when you've chosen.
Store Oil Based Paint Brush During PaintingBecause of the long wearing factor of oil based paint, I hardly ever use anything else but clean up is a little messy. So if I have to stop in the middle of my project, I just put my brush in a container of water, until I am ready to use it next time.
Paint Tray Inside Plastic BagI have been painting the last couple of weeks and all the rooms are different colors. To save a lot of work on clean-up I put the painting tray in a plastic grocery bag. When you are done painting a room just pull the bag off the tray inside out and throw in the garbage.
Vegetable Oil to Clean Paint BrushesVegetable oil cleans paint brushes and keeps them soft and pliable.
Storing Your Paint Brush Between PaintingTo keep paint brushes moist between painting, put in a ziplock bag and put in the veggie bin in your fridge. My mother does a lot of painting and gave me this useful tip.
Using Craft Paint as Touch Up PaintWhen you need a small amount of paint for touch-up check the craft department. Walmart has every color and they cost about $1.
Keep Small Amount of Wall Paint in RefrigeratorKeep a small container of your wall paint in your refrigerator for quick touch up jobs. The paint stays fresh and you don't have to drag out a heavy messy paint can for small jobs.
Freeze Paintbrush For TomorrowIf you have to stop in the middle of painting before the job is done, you don't have to wash the brush. Just stick the bristles into a sandwich bag, no need to seal, and pop it into the freezer until ready to paint again.
Use Tampon To Fix Painting MistakesWhen painting a room, if you find the touch-up tedious, use a tampon. This is how it works. Push a small portion from the applicator. Dip just the tip in the paint. Remove the drip. Blot on the mistake whereas your paint touched the ceiling or vise versa.
Rag Painting a RoomThis is with a 4 and 5 year old girl's help. My granddaughters wanted to help rag paint their room. Since they did not understand the concept of rag painting, we let them paint with socks on their hands.
Have A Painting PartyWhen we moved in to our new home, we wanted to get the painting done before moving all the furniture. We supplied the paint and the food. Friends and family had an enjoyable time and the painting got done in no time.
Cover Your Paint Roller With Saran WrapSave your paint rollers after painting a room. Wrap up you roller with paint already on it in Saran Wrap or a plastic grocery bag. Wrap it up tight. The next day, resume your painting without replacing another roller. Saves lots of time and money.
Use Waxed Paper to Prevent Skin on Stored PaintTo prevent unused paint from forming a skin, trace the paint can lid onto a piece of waxed paper. Use the top of the lid, not the side that the paint is on.
Finding Bargain PaintYou can find great deals on paint at your local hardware/paint store - just ask for the "mistinted paint section". These paints are the same high quality ...
Short Term Cover for a Wet Paint BrushInstead of washing out your paint brush every time, use a zippy bag, cut off a small bit of one of the bottom corners. Slip the handle of your paint brush through the hole.
Sponge Walls for a Dramatic Effect When PaintingCreate a great new look for any room when painting. Use a clean kitchen sponge and dip into any shade of paint. It can be lighter or darker for a dramatic effect. Either sponge on the whole wall or any place; top near ceiling or along any part of the wall.
Vinegar for Cleaning Paint BrushesI did not want to throw my $1.00 brush away. I am a bit thrifty. It has many other uses to come. I soaked in vinegar water for a day and the brush cleaned up, no more dried floor patch. I will get a few more years out of my paint brush.
Getting the Last of a Can of PaintTo coax the last little bit of paint out of a can, use a church key or can opener to punch a small hole in the side of the can just below the lip. Now the paint will flow out instead of gathering around the rim inside the can.
Watch Out For Old Lead House PaintWith all the recall notices here and elsewhere for toys etc., I would like to add that I read in the Los Angeles Times that the lead exposure in the paint in such toys is extremely limited.
Rubber Band to Remove Excess Paint from BrushWhen painting, stretch a large, wide rubber band from the top to the bottom of the paint can so that the rubber band lays across the widest part of the opening.
Use Same Colored Primer For Painting Dark WallsWhen you are faced with painting walls that are a dark colour, instead of painting the walls with just white Primer, add the same colour in the Primer that you intend to paint the walls. This will save a lot of time and money in painting the walls a second or even a third coat.
Buy Oops Paint For a DiscountWhen going to repaint a room, go to the oops pile at most home improvement stores. These are paints that were mixed but didn't sell.
Keep Paint Information OrganizedWhen painting, write down the brand of paint and color of paint and any numbers on the can that identify the type of paint. Keep this info in a binder or on your computer as a good reminder if you ever have to buy more.
Use Lattice To Hide Painting LineEver messed with a painting job, especially a noticeable one? Well, I am not a painter. In my front lobby, I painted a lovely deep grey blue. When I came around one of the corners, I realized that living room wall was much too hard to paint, because of high ceilings.
Keeping Paint Off HingesKeeping Paint Off Hinges. It can be difficult to put masking tape on hinges to keep paint off them. Instead, cover them with petroleum jelly.
Paint Clean UpDon't mess around with cleaning brushes and paint tools inside your home. Take them directly outside, being careful not to drip inside the house, and clean them on your lawn with a hose.
Quick Paint Touch UpsQuick Paint Touch Ups. Did you already clean your paint brushes but notice you missed a spot? Don't dirty a paint brush for a small touch up. Just use a q-tip and toss it when you are finished.
Keep Paint Drips Off Light FixturesTo prevent drips on ceiling light fixtures, cover them with a plastic bag. Turn off the lights first so you don't melt the bags! Secure the bag where the fixture meets the ceiling with masking tape.
Keeping Paint Out Of Your HairKeeping Paint Out Of Your Hair. If you are a messy painter like me and don't want to get paint in your hair, wear a thin shower cap like the ones they have in motels. Throw it away after you are done.
Watch Out for Pets When PaintingA few years ago, my friend and her hubby started painting their newly acquired house. The only thing was they didn't think of was putting their cats in a room with the door closed.
Painting Tables and ChairsPut plastic lids under each leg to help catch drips when painting. It's also good to put newspaper down, but the plastic lids will keep paint from soaking through the newspaper and staining the floor when applying paint to the legs.
Preventing Film from Forming When Storing PaintCut a piece of aluminum foil and place it directly on top of the paint. You can use the paint can lid as a template for cutting the foil.
Painting Above Your HeadWhen you need to paint above your head and don't want paint drips falling on the floor or on your face, cut a slit in a paper plate and put your paint brush handle through it. The plate will catch the drips.
Longer Lasting Paint BrushesWhen you buy a new paint brush, soak it in linseed oil for 12 hours before using it for the first time. This will extend the life of the paint brush and make it easier to clean.
Mixing Leftover PaintsMost paints can be readily mixed together, regardless. Our city has joined with a neighboring city doing this very thing, selling the paint cheap with the understanding that "what you see is what you get". . .
Use an Old Phone Book for Paint MessThis is more of a decorating tip then a craft tip, but when I am faux painting the walls of my home, I use the pages of an old phone book to remove excess paint from my sponge, rag, or feather duster. I just keep the flipping pages to get a fresh new surface to dab the extra paint off.
Plastic Bags on Your Feet When PaintingIf you are painting and don't want to get paint on your shoes or the floor throughout the rest of your house, tie plastic grocery bags over your shoes.
Painting Tip - Keeping Hands CleanRub baby oil or Vaseline type petroleum jelly into your hands before painting. It will be a lot easier to wash the paint off when you are finished with the job!
For a Quick Painting JobIf you like a quick painting job, paint your entire room with a Flat Latex paint, trim and all...
Using Vinegar When PaintingBefore painting, clean walls with white vinegar and let dry before painting. Inexpensive and easy. Also put your paint brushes in white vinegar and rinse well and dry before using.
Cleaning Paint RollersPaint rollers are inexpensive enough to throw away after use, but I hate to send them to the landfill if they can readily be cleaned.
Painting on a Tight ScheduleMy schedule doesn't give me large chunks of time, so something as straightforward as painting a room with latex paint may take 2-3 days.
Preparing Walls for PaintingWash them down with TSP, (tri sodium phosphate), you'll find it by the paint supplies in any store that sells paint. Buy degreaser for stubborn spots. If you don't do it, spots will bleed through, I promise. All that work for nuttin honey. With TSP you don't need to rinse. It goes so fast, it is worth it.
Getting Extra Paint Off Your Paint BrushUse a large rubber band to clean paint off your paintbrush. Simply place it over the center of the opened paint can instead of rubbing your brush against the edge of the can.
Recycling Used Paint ThinnerYou don't need to discard paint thinner that has been used for cleaning paint brushes. Put used paint thinner into a glass or metal container with a tight fitting lid. The paint particles will sink to the bottom leaving you with clear paint thinner towards the top.
Drying Paintbrush TipAfter cleaning a used paintbrush, put a rubber band around the bristles of the brush to help it keep its shape while drying.
Interruptions While PaintingI have been painting my living room and find that, very often, I am called away from my work by a telephone call or a child needing help. I keep a large plastic garbage sack nearby and, when I am called away, I place my paint pan, with roller and brush and all, inside the bag and twist it a few times to seal.
Use Blue Painter's TapeAlways use blue painter's tape, not regular masking tape to mask areas when you are painting. Blue tape peels off easily, masking tape often doesn't.
Faux Painting With a Grocery BagYou can faux paint by using plastic grocery bags instead of sponges or rags.
Keeping Air out of the Paint CansPutting a partially filled balloon into paint cans that have been partially used or emptied will keep the air out of the can and prevent the paint from forming a skin or harding in the can.
Painting Tip - Keeping Wet Ones HandyWhen doing painting, staining, or polyurethane projects; I keep Wet Ones pop-up wipes handy to clean my hands, wipe off paint brush handles, or wipe up small accidents.
Painting Heating RadiatorsPainting old radiators can be tough. Try using an inexpensive, small window squeegee: the type that has a small rubber strip on one side and a sponge strip on the other. The sponge side on these squeegees holds paint pretty well and can slip into the smallest spaces.
By Elizabeth
Discounted Paint at LowesWhenever I visit my local Lowes home improvement store, I check out the discounted paint rack. These are 1 gallon and 5 gallon pails of tinted paint that someone did not purchase.
Cling Wrap for PaintingI recently painted my bedroom, and disliked the thought of masking the trim, the window frames, etc. Instead, I used a roll of cling wrap. I would paint an area, then move the cling wrap to another area when I was ready to paint.
How to Dispose of Paint and Other Hazardous MaterialsMy storage room was filled with half cans of paint (I just redecorated,) varnish, old paint thinner and stripper. My trash people told me that they could not haul this to the landfill so I called our county extension office.
