Prepping to Paint
By Geralin Thomas
Recently a chronically disorganized client (CDC) asked me to help organize a painting project in her home. Professional painters would be freshening up the ceilings, crown moldings, baseboards and walls in each room. Nonetheless, my CDC was overwhelmed with all the options – choosing the paint colors was the easy part compared to some of the other decisions that had to be made. I gave my CDC this primer on painting.
Hunting and Gathering: Prepare to Prep
Before you begin, you’ll need the following tools:
Brushes
- Natural-hair brushes for oil-based paints
- Nylon-polyester brushes for latex paints
- 2.5 inch brush for edge work
Rollers
(3/4 inch nap is good for most jobs)
- Sheep’s wool rollers for oil-based paints
- Synthetic rollers for latex paints
- Roller handle
Tape
- Corner tape: triangle-shaped wedges of tape that fit into corners; great for window frames
- Curving tape: fits around doorknobs, oval or circular windows
- Wide type: to tape off everything
Tape tip: Place a piece of painter’s tape on the back of the cover plate. Write the name and number of the paint colors used in each room.
You’ll also need:
- drop cloths
- paint tray and liner
- screwdriver (to remove switchplates)
- ladders
- rags
The Lingerie of Paint: Primer
Paint primer is like underwear -- optional, but certainly a good idea. I think of primer as the lingerie of paint because it goes on before anything else. No one will even know the primer is there once the decorative coat is put on over it.
Primers can be oil- or water-based, white (for light-colored walls) or tinted (for deep colored walls).
And just as great foundations help clothes look better on less-than-perfect figures, primers help paint look better on the walls. They help cover stains and encourage paint to adhere to walls evenly.
Take It From the Top: Ceiling Paint
If you decide to paint the ceiling at all, paint it first. And who knew that ceiling paints are now available that are colored when you apply them but white when they dry? If you are wondering why this is helpful, you’ve obviously never painted a ceiling. It’s tricky (and a killer on your neck) to find spots you’ve missed. Tinted ceiling paint is a good thing.
Choose your Weapon: Types of Paint
One of the first questions a paint vendor will ask is "What type of paint do you want to use – latex, oil-based, or enamel?" So be prepared.
Latex: Fast-drying, for indoor use, cleans up easily with soap and water.
Oil-based: Slow-drying, has a strong smell, for use on cabinets and trim, clean-up requires mineral spirits and elbow grease.
Enamel: Fast or slow drying has a sheen; for kitchen and baths especially because it is resistant to smudges and finger prints.
Tip: If you are painting a room that is humid or damp, or one that becomes damp under certain conditions, choose paint with mildicide in it.
Choose your Other Weapon: Find a Finish
Your options are flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high-gloss.
Flat: Sort of chalky to the touch; doesn’t reflect light and is sheen-free; finish is lovely because the colors are saturated, but it can be tough to clean. Some flat paints have a matte finish that can be washed.
Eggshell: Has a slight luster; looks best on smooth, flat walls; easier to clean than flat and smoother to the touch. It’s great in long hallways where kids can’t seem to keep their hands off the walls.
Satin: Has slightly more luster than eggshell; cleans easily; shows little bumps and lumps in walls, but good for trim work.
Semi-gloss: Rreflects light; washes nicely; used on fireplace surrounds, window trim, door frames.
High-gloss: Like gooey lip gloss because it is super shiny and looks like lacquer; washes easily; used on frames, cabinets, and doors when a reflective look is desired. Catches light beautifully but magnifies every blemish.
My CDC is now prepped for painting and ready to go. Hope you are too!
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