Paint
is the fastest, least expensive way to redo a room and hide an array
of defects in plaster, woodwork, and other building components.
With the modern paint finishes, you can expect to paint a room two
coats over a weekend. Most of this time should be spent in surface
preparation-about 90% to be exact.
For
paint to adhere properly, it must be applied to a clean, dry surface-free
of dirt, dust, grease, and flaking paint or other wall covering.
Paint only covers the surface. It does not fill in defects. Cracks,
dents, popped nails, and any other surface defects will show through
if they are not repaired. The care you invest in cleaning, scraping,
and patching will make the rest of your efforts worthwhile. Applying
the paint is the easiest part of a painting project.
INTERIOR
PAINT FINISHES:
The two most common kinds of paint for interior use are latex and
alkyd paints, both available in premixed colors. Oil-based paints
also are made for interior surfaces. These products are satisfactory
to use. However, they tend to be slow-drying and produce an odor,
factors you may want to consider.
Latex
paints are water-based which makes them easy to work with, odorless,
quick to dry, easy to clean up after, and relatively inexpensive.
Alkyd
paint is often inaccurately referred to as "oil based." Alkyd
is synthetic-based, will adhere to a variety of surfaces better
than latex and provide a richer, more durable finish. Disadvantages
include the need for chemical solvents for thinning the paint and
cleaning tools, fairly slow drying, an odor that necessitates ventilation
of the work area, and relatively greater expense.
Acrylic
paint is very similar to latex. It is a bit faster drying than
latex. Be sure to check the label on the container before buying
this product. It may be limited to some applications. Other paints
include epoxy for kitchen and bath room walls, trim, glass, metal,
tile, and masonry. But check the bucket label for specific application.
Urethane can be used on bare wood, over latex, alkyd, and oil paint.
Check the label. Texture and sand finish paint is for walls and
ceilings. Fire retardant paint may be used on walls and ceilings
in high-heat areas such as kitchens, furnace rooms.
BRUSHES:
Brushes are made with natural or synthetic bristles. Natural bristles
should never be used with a latex or water-based paint, because
the bristles absorb water and become mop-like.
Handles
of brushes should be comfortable in your hand and easy to clean.
Grip the bristles. The brush should feel "full." The bristles also
should fan out slightly and not clump when pressed against the palm
of your hand and they should spring back to position afterward.
The
tips of natural bristles should be fagged, as illustrated. The fags
offer more brushing bristles.
Most
interior paint jobs can be handled with three size brushes: a 1-
to 1-1/2-inch trim brush; a 2 to 2-1/2-inch sash brush; and a 4-inch
wall brush.
It
is recommended that you don't buy larger brushes to make the job
go faster. You will find large brushes unwieldy and too heavy to
swing. Use a roller instead.
