|
Store Locations
| |
Currently Available Questions
How to select interior color
- Light colors will help lighten a dark or poorly-lighted room, and
provide a psychological lift. Light colors also make walls and
ceilings appear to be further away, and can be used to make small
rooms appear larger and more open.
- Dark colors can give a room a dramatic look, and create a sense of
intimacy. They can also make walls and ceilings appear to be closer,
and can be used to make a large room appear smaller and more cozy.
- Bright, vibrant colors will give the room a cheerful feel, and a
sense of excitement.
- Reds, yellows and oranges are warm colors. When these colors are
used in a room, they make the walls appear closer, creating the
illusion of a smaller room.
- Violets, blues and greens are cool colors. When these colors are
used in a room, they make the walls appear farther away, creating
the illusion of a larger room.
- Tans, greys, and off-whites tend not to attract attention, and can
be used to create a restful, relaxing atmosphere. They are also
easier to coordinate with other colors in the room.
- For long, narrow rooms, paint the shorter walls a darker color.
This will make these walls appear closer together, so the room will
seem less like a tunnel.
- For square rooms, paint one wall a different color, preferably the
wall first seen when entering the room. This will give the room a
more dramatic look and make it seem less 'boxy'.
How to choose the right sheen
To decide which paint sheen is best for your project, ask yourself
the following questions:
- What room, area, or surface is being painted?
- Will the painted surface be handled frequently, or subjected to
abrasion or excessive wear?
- Will the painted surface be washed or scrubbed frequently?
- Will the painted surface be regularly exposed to moisture or high
humidity?
- Does the surface being painted have any nicks, dents, or surface
flaws present?
Your answers to these questions will help you select the best paint
sheen to use, based on the following advantages and drawbacks of
different paint finishes.
Return
to CONTENTS
How to select exterior color
- When selecting exterior paint colors, take the fixed colors into
account (like the roof, brick, stonework or any stained wood), and
make sure all the colors look good together.
- Light colors will make a small house seem larger, and dark colors
will make a large house seem smaller.
- A large, boxy house can be broken up by using a trim color that
contrasts the body color.
- A small house will appear larger if the trim is painted the same
color as the body of the house.
- Light colors will help keep a home cooler in warmer climates,
because they absorb less heat. Dark colors will help keep a home
warmer in cooler climates, because they absorb more heat.
- Because light colored paint films absorb less heat, they will
generally last longer than darker colored paint films.
- Some communities have restrictions on what colors can be used on
house exteriors, so check this out before you make your choice.
Return
to CONTENTS
How to estimate paint quality
Along with selecting the right products and colors for your project,
you'll also need to estimate how much paint you'll need. This is done by
calculating the surface area that's being painted, and dividing it by
the estimated coverage rate of the paint you're using. When estimating
your paint needs, keep the following things in mind:
- In most cases, it's better to buy a little too much paint rather
than not enough, so you don't run out in the middle of the job. But
don't overdo it! Ideally, you should end up with 1 - 2 quarts of
paint leftover, for future touchups.
- Paints in ready-mixed colors are returnable (in full, unopened
containers), but tinted paints are not. This means estimates for
tinted colors must be done much more carefully, so you don't end up
with more paint than you can use.
Return
to CONTENTS
How to estimate the coverage rate
The coverage rate for most paints is 250 - 350 sq. ft. per gallon
(check the product label for more specific information). The exact
coverage will depend on the following factors:
- The type and condition of the surface being painted (i.e., age,
porosity, roughness). A paint won't go as far on a rough, porous or
textured surface as it will on a smooth, well-sealed surface.
- The type and quality of paint being used. In general, higher
quality paints will cover better than lower quality paints, and
lower sheen paints will cover better than higher sheen paints.
- The method of application. The coverage rate will be slightly
higher for brushes and rollers, and slightly lower for paint
sprayers (due to overspray).
- The experience of the painter. A more experienced painter will
usually be able to make the paint go farther than an inexperienced
painter.
- Some colors cover better than others. Here are some general rules
of thumb:
- Darker colors cover better than lighter ones.
- Muddier colors cover better than cleaner colors.
- Yellows and reds generally don't cover as well as other
colors.
- Factory-mixed colors cover better than store-tinted colors
(because higher quality pigments are used).
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I remove mildew?
To distinguish between mildew and dirt, apply a few drops of bleach
to the surface; mildew discoloration will disappear, but dirt will be
unaffected. For removing existing mildew, use a ready-made mildew
remover or cleaning solution.
Return
to CONTENTS
General tips for a better paint job
- The following guidelines will help ensure best possible color
consistency:
- Use the same batch of paint for each job or structure.
- If the paint is a tinted color, it's best to 'box' the paint
(mixing the paint by pouring it from can to can) before
starting. The next best thing is to always keep the paint
container partially filled. In other words, refill the container
when it's half-full, not when it's completely empty.
- Paints should be applied at the right temperature. For best
results, the air, surface and paint temperature should all be
between 60° - 80° F.
- Don't stop painting in the middle of a continuous wall or trim
surface, or a lap mark may show where the two coats overlap.
- Allow painted surfaces to dry for at least 14 days before washing.
Use a mild detergent to protect the paint finish.
Return
to CONTENTS
How to estimate exterior coverage
The same general calculations are also used to estimate how much
paint will be needed for an exterior painting project. Or, use the
following worksheet to estimate how much paint will be needed for the
body of a house. This worksheet gives a paint estimate for one coat.
Double the total for two coats (Note: for exterior paint jobs, two coats
of paint will provide the best durability and colorfastness).
- Width of all walls added together x Height of house from
foundation to roofline = Wall surface area below roofline.
- Width of gable x Height of gable = Area of gable in square feet.
Repeat line B for each gable and add together.
- Total from line A + Total from line C = Total surface area of
walls.
- Width of eaves X Total length of all eaves = Area of eaves in
square feet.
- Total from line D + Total from line E = Total surface area of
walls and eaves.
- Height of window or door X Width of window or door = Area of
window or door in square feet.
- Repeat line G for each window and door and add together.
- Total from line F - Total from line H = Total from line H.
- Total from line I ÷ 250 - 350 Sq. ft./gallon for one coat of
paint = Number of gallons needed.
To get an accurate estimate for the trim paint, calculate the surface
area of the doors, window trim and any other surfaces that will be
painted with the trim paint, and add these numbers together for the
total trim surface area. Then divide the total trim surface area by the
coverage rate of the paint. For a rough estimate, figure on 1 gallon of
trim paint for every 8 gallons of body paint.
Return
to CONTENTS
Interior painting tips
- Walls, ceilings, and other large, flat surfaces should be painted
as follows:
- First, a 2" to 3" border is painted along all
corners, edges and other areas that can't be easily reached with
a 7" or 9" roller. A 2" to 3" brush or paint
pad works well for this step.
- Next, a 7" or 9" roller is used to fill in the
middle. Starting at one corner of the surface, the paint should
be applied over only about one square yard at a time. This way,
the paint will be less likely to dry out between passes (this is
known as keeping a 'wet edge'). Otherwise, the paint may dry out
between passes, causing a lap mark to show where the two coats
overlap.
- It's usually best to paint the ceiling first, then the walls.
This reduces the chance of marring a freshly painted surface.
- When painting ceilings, a little less paint should be carried
on the brush or roller, to reduce spattering.
- When painting the ceiling, the paint should be applied across
the shorter side of the ceiling, so the paint will be less
likely to dry out between passes.
- When painting cabinets, doors, windows and trim, start with the
least visible and least accessible areas, and finish with the more
accessible areas.
- On paneled doors, the edges and paneled areas are painted
first, then the broad surfaces.
- For cabinets, the inside surfaces are painted first, then the
narrow trim and panelled areas, and finally the broad outside
surfaces.
- When painting windows, start with the least accessible
surfaces first, and finish with the most accessible areas. Be
careful not to get paint on the weather stripping or contact
areas, or the window might stick.
- When painting cabinets, shelving, etc., it might be easier to
remove the hardware, then lay the items flat. It's easier to paint a
horizontal surface than a vertical one, and the paint will level out
better.
Return
to CONTENTS
Exterior painting tips
- When painting exterior surfaces, 1 prime coat and 2 finish coats
will give the longest-lasting paint job. As an alternative, apply 1
prime and 2 finish coats on the surfaces that will receive the most
weathering (the south and west exposures, windowsills and other
exposed horizontal surfaces), and 1 prime and 1 finish coat
everywhere else. If the surface has been previously painted and the
paint film is in good shape, a prime coat isn't necessary.
- Clear, dry weather and no wind is best for exterior painting.
- When painting exteriors, start painting from the top and work
down. For example, start with the gutters, then the fascia, gables,
siding, trim, railings, porches, and finish with the steps.
- For best results, paints and primers should only be applied when
the air, surface and product temperature are all between 60° - 80°
F:
- When solvent-based paints are applied at too low a
temperature, they will be thicker and be harder to apply. They
will also take longer to dry, which can lead to sagging,
wrinkling and a non-uniform gloss across the surface (this is
known as 'flashing').
- When latex-based paints are applied at too low a temperature,
they will not dry and cure properly, leading to poor adhesion
and reduced durability. The slow drying time may also result in
sagging.
- If a paint is applied at too high a temperature, it may dry
too fast, leading to brush marks or lap marks.
- If a latex paint is applied at too high a temperature, it may
dry before the film can set up properly, which can lead to
premature paint failure.
- Paints and primers should not be applied when the humidity is too
low or too high. Low humidity conditions can lead to the same
problems as painting in high temperatures, and high humidity
conditions can result in the same types of problems as painting in
low temperatures.
Return
to CONTENTS
Tips for using a paint brush
- Before using a paint brush, it should be pre-wetted with water if
a latex paint is being used, or mineral spirits for an oil base
paint. The excess liquid should then be removed, leaving the brush
damp but not wet. This step will help the paint transfer better to
the surface, and make it easier to apply.
- Hold the brush lightly with the fingertips, near the base of the
handle.
- To load the brush with paint, dip 1/3 to 1/2 of the bristle length
into the paint, then tap the brush against the inside of the paint
container to remove the excess paint.
- Paint should always be applied with the broad side of the brush,
not the edge.
- Apply the paint to the surface in long, light, even strokes. Hold
the brush at about a 45° angle to the surface, applying enough
pressure so the bristles flex slightly, and lift the brush slightly
at the end of each stroke. To avoid overspreading the paint, brush
the paint from unpainted into painted areas.
- On the last stroke, lightly stroke the brush across the length of
the surface. This will help provide the smoothest finish.
- When applying latex paints, avoid overbrushing the paint. On the
other hand, extra brushing can actually improve the finish of alkyd
or oil-based paints.
- When painting wood, brush with the grain wherever possible.
Return
to CONTENTS
Tips for using a paint roller
- First, make sure the cover fits tightly on the roller frame. If
not, pull the wires on the frame cage out slightly to improve the
fit.
- Before using a roller cover, it should be pre-wetted with water if
a latex paint is being used, or mineral spirits for an oil base
paint. The cover should then be spun or dabbed with a rag or paper
towel to remove the excess liquid. This step will help the paint
transfer better to the surface, and make it easier to apply.
- To load a paint roller with paint, it should be rolled back and
forth in the well of the roller tray until the cover is uniformly
covered with paint, then lightly rolled back and forth on the upper
portion of the tray to remove the excess paint.
- Instead of using a roller tray, many experienced painters prefer
to use a roller grid in a bucket. A bucket holds more paint than a
tray, so it doesn't need to be refilled as often.
- Starting at one corner of the room, the paint should be applied
over about one square yard at a time. The paint is applied to the
surface by making a large M or W shape, and then the unpainted areas
are filled in with horizontal cross strokes.
- To avoid spattering, the paint should be applied with slow, even
strokes. Each stroke should be overlapped into the previously
painted area before it dries, for a more uniform finish.
- Each section of wall should be finished by lightly rolling the
last pass vertically (or at right angles to the cross strokes),
rolling each pass in a single direction.
Return
to CONTENTS
How to clean and care for brushes
- The brush should be cleaned immediately after use, before the
paint has a chance to dry. Use a compatible solvent for
solvent-based paints, and a warm detergent solution for latex-base
paints. Do not clean natural bristle brushes with water; the water
will cause the bristles to swell and become limp. Strong solvents
like lacquer thinner may also damage brush bristles, and should not
be used unless the brush is designed to be compatible with that
solvent.
- The wet bristles should be brushed with a metal brush comb (a fork
works well, too!) to keep the paint from collecting on the bristles,
especially near the handle.
- If the brush is to be stored for long periods, it should be placed
in the pouch supplied with the brush or wrapped in foil or heavy
paper, with the bristles smooth and flat.
- The brush should always be stored flat or suspended from a nail or
hook; make sure that the bristles are straight and that the brush is
not resting on the bristles.
- Brushes should not be allowed to stand on end in either paint or
water.
- Brushes should not be allowed to soak in water. It will damage the
filaments and/or the epoxy setting, and cause the ferrule to rust.
Return
to CONTENTS
How to clean and care for rollers
Rollers should be cleaned immediately after every use, by first
removing excess paint by rolling or pressing on a newspaper, then
washing in the proper solvent or water. They can then be dried and
wrapped for storage.
Return
to CONTENTS
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I select interior paint
finishes?
- For living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, etc., flat finishes are
better because they provide a softer, more muted look, and they
don't show surface imperfections.
- For children's rooms, utility rooms, kitchens, etc., higher sheen
paints are preferred because for these areas, higher washability,
moisture, stain and scuff resistance is usually needed.
- Low sheen and eggshell finish paints provide a happy medium, with
a nice balance of soft finish and good durability.
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I select exterior paint
finishes?
- For exterior siding, flat and low sheen finishes are better
because they're easier to touch-up, and they don't highlight surface
imperfections.
- For gutters, trim, doors and windows, higher sheen paints are
better because they provide better washability, moisture, stain and
scuff resistance.
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I select the right color?
- The appearance of a color depends on its surroundings, so a color
should be checked only with the other colors that will be present in
the area being painted.
- In general, colors will end up looking somewhat lighter and
brighter on a large sample area than they do on the color chip; you
may want to adjust for this by choosing a color that's slightly
darker and less intense.
- A color's appearance is affected by the sheen of the paint it's
made in; for example, a color will look softer and more muted in a
flat or lower sheen paint than it does in a higher sheen paint.
- A color's appearance is also affected by the other ingredients in
the paint; for example, alkyd and oil-based paints usually look more
yellow than latex paints, especially with light off white colors.
- The light conditions will affect the appearance of colors: for
example, standard (non-color corrected) fluorescent lighting will
make colors appear more blue; incandescent lighting will make colors
appear more yellow-orange.
- If you're very particular about the color you want, the best way
to check a color is to buy a sample quart or gallon in the type of
paint you're going to be using, and paint out a sample on a fairly
large piece of wood or drywall that has a texture like the surface
you'll be painting. This will make it easy to check the color in
different areas, and under different lighting conditions.
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I select the right brush size?
- In general, use the largest size brush that can comfortably be
used to get the job done. Here are some guidelines:
- For painting into corners that can't be reached with a roller,
a 3" brush works well.
- For window frames, trim, and other narrow surfaces, use a
brush that's slightly narrower than the trim surfaces being
painted.
- For detail work or painting into hard-to-reach areas, use an
angled sash brush (these are available in widths of 1" to 3½";
go with a size that's slightly narrower than the surface being
painted).
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I select the right roller cover?
- To pick a quality roller cover, look for the following features:
- A plastic or phenolic core instead of cardboard, so it will
hold up better, especially under repeated use.
- No visible seams. This will minimize streaking on the painted
surface.
- A resilient nap that retains its shape, even after being
squeezed.
- To select the right nap material, follow these guidelines:
- Natural lambskin is best for flat paints.
- Woven fabric is good for higher sheen paints (because it
doesn't shed fibers).
- Mohair is good for higher sheen paints, varnishes, and
shellacs.
- Knitted fabric is less expensive, but more likely to shed
fibers. This type of cover should only be used with flat paints.
- When selecting the right nap thickness, remember that the smoother
the surface is, the shorter the roller nap should be. Using a longer
nap cover on a smooth surface can lead to a rough paint finish and
poor hiding. Using a shorter nap cover on a rough surface can make
it tougher to get complete surface coverage. Here are some general
guidelines:
- For smooth surfaces and enamel paints, go with a mohair or
1/4" nap.
- For fairly smooth or medium textured surfaces, use a 3/8"
to 3/4" nap.
- For rough textured surfaces like stucco and cinder block, use
a 3/4" to 1¼" nap.
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I prepare the area for interior
painting projects?
- Remove small furniture, window coverings, pictures, etc. Cover
large items and the floor with drop cloths.
- Keep a window or door open for adequate ventilation while
painting, especially when using an alkyd or oil-based paint.
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I prepare the area for exterior
painting projects?
- Cover and tie back any shrubs or foliage that are next to surfaces
being painted.
- Place dropcloths on the ground to protect against paint spatters.
Return
to CONTENTS
How much cleaning is necessary?
- All dirt, dust, mildew, grease, etc., must be removed from the
surface for the paint to adhere properly. Be sure to check the
following areas:
- When painting interiors, check the kitchen (especially around
the stove, oven and sink), ceilings, around air vents, bathrooms
(especially around the sink and shower stall) and around corners
and switch plates.
- When painting exteriors, check under the eaves, around doors
and window frames, and any well-protected areas where mildew may
be growing.
- Clean dirty surfaces with warm, soapy water. For very dirty
exterior surfaces, a pressure washer is the best way to go.
- For removing mildew, use a ready-made mildew remover, or one
of the following cleaning solutions:
- 1 part household bleach and 3 parts water; or,
- 1 cup household bleach, 1/3 cup TSP and 1 gallon hot water
(for removing mildew and dirt).
- Washed surfaces must be rinsed thoroughly to remove all soap
residue, and allowed to dry completely before painting.
- Remove any dust or cobwebs with a brush, broom or tack cloth.
Return
to CONTENTS
How do I avoid surface leaching?
- When painting outside, avoid painting when cool and/or damp
conditions are present or expected (like in the early morning or
late afternoon).
- When painting bathrooms, laundry rooms, etc., let the paint film
cure for as long as possible before exposing it to high humidity
levels. If possible, increase ventilation to keep the humidity level
as low as possible.
- Paints formulated with 100% acrylic binders and paints with good
wet adhesion are more resistant to surfactant leaching.
Return
to CONTENTS
|
|
