PAINTING TECHNIQUES

Before commencing your painting take a little extra time to use masking tape and newspaper to protect switch plates, light fittings etc and drop cloths to protect furniture and surfaces that could be accidentally damaged or splattered by the paint.
When painting an entire room always work on the ceiling first. The advantage of this is that any paint that splatters on the walls can be cleaned up easily or painted over.
Make sure you are using clean rollers, trays and brushes. Tip some paint into the tray. Do not put too much as it makes loading the roller difficult and spillage easy.
Paint the edge of the ceilings first. Using a 60mm brush to paint a border between the ceiling and wall slowly and accurately.
Once the roller cover is firmly fitted onto the roller frame, take the roller and put it into the paint and let it saturate all the fabric. Roll the roller over the ribbed area of the paint tray to squeeze out the excess paint.
Apply the paint in a zig zag pattern so you form a large M or W. Smooth out the paint without reloading the roller.
Having used masking tape to protect the edges of wood work or glass, use a brush to paint around the edges of doors, windows and baseboards.
Fill in the open area with the roller. Never stop painting mid wall. If you stop the paint mark will show when the job is finished. If you need to take a break stop at a window or door or better yet after an entire wall.

Hint

Roll-On - Painting hallways can involve many architraves and skirtings. Its a good time to think about trying out a paint pad. These little foam pads with wheels can really speed up the job, taking the fuss out of edges.

Weather to Paint

If it looks like rain, remember the painter's rule; if you wouldn't hang the washing out or wash the car, don't paint! Nothing is more disappointing than seeing you work ruined!

First Stop

Paint exterior doors and windows early in the day, prop them open to dry and they will be ready to close by nightfall.

Little Things

An artists brush, instead of a house painting brush will help you pick out small details in extra colours quickly and neatly.

Time Travel

Gently scraping the paint work can reveal your home's colourful history and give you some original colour ideas.

Cool Tip

If you are using water based paints, on a hot day, spraying walls with water before you paint will cool them down and make the job faster and easier - you can even paint them when they are damp.