Interior
Painting:
Four Basic Steps to a Great Paint Job
It’s
not surprising that interior painting is the most popular
do-it-yourself home improvement project. You can transform
an entire room in a short period of time, usually with minimal
effort and little expense. To help you succeed in your next
interior painting endeavor, the experts at The Rohm and
Haas Paint Quality Institute suggest that you follow these
four basic steps:
#1: Prepare the Surface Properly. Good paint performance
depends largely on good paint adhesion, and paint adheres
best to surfaces that are clean and sound.
Remove dust, dirt and grime from all surfaces, using a detergent
and water solution. Rinse, then allow to dry. Next, fill
small holes and cracks with either filling compound or caulk;
allow to dry thoroughly, and make a second application if
necessary. Then prime any repaired areas or unpainted surfaces
with a quality interior latex primer. If there are any water
stains or other discolorations, use a stain-blocking primer
to prevent the stains from coming through the new paint.
These are available in latex, oil-based and alcohol-based
formulas. To ensure the most uniform appearance from the
topcoat, consider priming the entire area you will be painting.
#2: Use the Right Tools and Brushes. To get the most out
of your paint job, you should always use quality brushes
and rollers. They will apply the paint more smoothly and
evenly. Furthermore, applying a heavy, smooth coat delivers
maximum hiding and durability. Applied this way, the film
will stand up better to cleaning
and scrubbing.
The best brushes are well balanced, hold a lot of paint,
and distribute it evenly on the surface. Look for tightly
packed bristles, and test them for flexibility by fanning
them out. Also, tug lightly on the bristles – if more
than a couple come out, you should consider buying a different
brush. Additionally, sturdy, top quality rollers put the
paint on heavier and more evenly than economy rollers.
When applying any water-based coating, use only synthetic
(nylon or polyester) bristle brushes and roller covers.
Alkyd and oil-based paints can be applied with either natural-material
or synthetic applicators.
#3: Choose the Right Gloss Level.
Selecting the right gloss level for an interior paint job
involves both aesthetic and practical considerations. From
an aesthetic standpoint, you must decide what sheen level
will look best on that surface. Practically, however, you
also must think about how the paint will be expected to
perform: a higher gloss level will highlight imperfections
in the wall, but it will also offer easier cleanup of any
dirt or stains that get on the paint.
#4: Use Top Quality Paint. Compared to ordinary interior
paints, top quality products provide superior adhesion and
better stain resistance, apply more smoothly, and generally
look better longer.
In terms of application benefits, top quality paints won’t
tend to spatter or show brush or roller marks.
These paints also are tougher and more durable than ordinary
interior paints, according to The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality
Institute. They resist yellowing, and have superior resistance
to stains. Spots or stains typically will not penetrate
the paint film and can be wiped off without damaging the
finish. For more information on painting, consult with the
salespeople where you purchase paint. Or, visit the PQI
Web site at www.paintquality.com
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