Painting hints

Press, 8 May 1978, Page 24

Painting hints

If you are a bit of a handyman, or handywoman, and have decided to cut costs and do that painting job yourself, here are a few tips to make it easier and to give the finished job a professional look. Your basic painting equipment should include — good quality paint brushes, sandpaper, turps, putty knife, filler, masking tape, plenty of clean rags, tins far mixing paint and soaking brushes, and newspapers or a small tarpaulin to protect the floor and furniture.

Don’t be tempted to skimp on the undercoats, and if the old paint has flaked down to the raw wood, start from scratch with a good sanding and primer paint. After this you will need two undercoats. Give the painted surface a light sanding with a fine paper between each coat, and allow the full drying time as given on the tin. When you start the actual painting, follow these commonsense step:—

1. Stire the fresh can of paint with a clean flat stick. This is an important part of painting, especially with tinted paint and dark colours.

2. If the paint to be used has been stored for some time, there may be a skin on the top. Remove this carefully in One piece, and strain the paint through muslin or an old stocking to sieve out any lumps.

3. Do not paint directly from the can, but pour a little paint into a smaller tin. If you are using the tin on a high ladder, fit a wire handle and hook, so that it can be hung on a rung.

4. Always begin pantings at the top of the work area. Paint an area Of approximately 25 cm (9 inches), and brush out with even downward strokes. 5. Brush into the wet edge to ensure a clean even coverage.

6. Keep paint tins well sealed when not in use, and after painting, clean brushes thoroughly and leave soaking in water.

Where water-based

paints are concerned espe-

cially, painting with a roller and tray can be the answer. There will be some areas that will need a little brushwork, but a roller covers a large area rapidly and effectively and is ideal for ceilings and walls. Don’t be tempted to load the roller with too much paint, it will cause splattering.