So I sort of have this running joke with my friends. It goes a little something like this:
Them: “Wow Mands, your walls are so clean! What do you use on them?”
Me: “New paint.”
Its no secret that I did not turn out like the wall scrubbing ninja that my mother tried to make me, and lets be honest, I usually repaint before masses of grubby handprints accumulate. But that is neither here nor there. Sorry Mom!!
So what do you do when your walls are looking less than stellar and need a new paint job OR you are like me and have a copycat artist in the house and need a new paint job (I mean can you blame her? After all she sees me drawing on the wall with markers too…)
As decor obsessed as I am, I am a little in love that Miss Dylan feels the need for large canvases. But that means that when its time to repaint there is necessary damage control that needs to happen. Today I am going to share my secrets for getting your walls paint ready (because who wants to spend all that time and money and have it not turn out?!)
Tip #1 Wipe Wipe Wipe. My #1 go to for all things wall wipe down is a Magic Eraser. All of the dirt, grime, frosting (…? its one of the 5 food groups in our house) and crayon comes off with a few swipes. I am pretty sure that there is no better name on earth for what this actually does. It would be like naming a bag of Lindor Truffles Instant Guilt. I always scrub with the Magic Eraser and then wipe the loosened dirt with a damp washcloth.
If you have marker on the wall (especially washable) don’t try and paint over it without washing it off first. It will literally take 10 coats to cover because it will seep through the wet paint. So your options are to scrub or prime.
Sometimes markings need a bit of extra attention, like pen. Pen is lame. Unless you use my secret weapon… Hand sanitizer. I swear it takes pen right off!
Tip #2 Dust Be Gone. Just like paint isn’t only for walls, Swiffer Sweepers aren’t only for floors. In St. George very few houses have basements, most are built on concrete slabs which means that all of the vents are in the ceilings. Unfortunately this means that the dust literally falls from the ceiling. Before you start painting take a Swiffer to your walls, because no one wants gobs of dust mucking up your brand new paint job.
Tip #3 Start In The Right Place. If you are painting walls, ceiling, and trim go in the order of the drippage. Paint the areas that are most likely to get dripped on last. Start with your ceiling (and get your husband to do it if you can!!) then do your walls, and then move on to your trim.
Tip #4 Hold Your Horses. One key to having a quick and easy paint job is to be patient. I know that sometimes waiting for paint to dry, is like well, waiting for paint to dry. Waiting between coats is not only important for your finish but it saves you time. Have you ever rolled a coat on and then tried to second coat it only to find out that your first coat wasn’t dry enough and rolling over it is removing your first coat? It happens with every paint line and finish that I have tried. (what can I say, patience is not my greatest virtue.) You have to wait. Trust.
Now for a fun giveaway. I have partnered with The Home Depot and P&G to giveaway a DIY painting #ReadyDoneClean prize package!! One lucky person will win my favorite cleaning prep products, a Magic Erasers and a Swiffer Sweeper and $25 Home Depot gift card to help you start your next painting project!!
To enter leave a comment below with YOUR favorite painting tip (because we can never have enough of those!!) Winner will be chosen on Thursday 3/14
I have partnered with the Home Depot and P&G for this post. The best part? I really use these products before I start painting! All opinions are 100% mine folks.
My favorite (and only) painting tip is have hubby do it! I am a terrible painter probably because I have no patience at all so painting is hubby’s job. And I’m ok with that:)
Best.Tip.Ever.
xo
m
I love and use my swiffer to dust my walls before painting. It really is easy and works.
My favorite tip is to know your strengths. For me that means I need to remember to “just tape off the trim” (if you won’t be repainting it). I always think that I have a steady hand but I really don’t & it takes longer to touch up all the over-painting than it does to just tape it off in the first place.
Sarah
I always run a fan while I am painting. Keeps the fumes at bay and helps the paint dry faster.
#1 tip: Use an angled brush and free-hand the edges. Doesn’t take any more time than putting up all that tape, and you don’t waste money on tape. My #1 exception: A narrow edge. For that, I need tape.
And totally agree about magic eraser. It’s totally magic! 🙂
My best tip is…..don’t be lazy! For me I’m always so excited to jump right in and paint that I cut corners as far as prepping. It’s way better to take the time to sand and tape because it will save time in the long run.
My painting tips:
– If you’re painting semigloss on top of semigloss ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS PRIME! The previous owners did this to the bathrooms. After a shower (old house so no exhaust fan) I can pretty much peel the paint right off the wall. A good primer would’ve helped tremendously.
– Wrap your paint rollers and brushes in plastic wrap if you need to take a break. It keeps them wet for a day or two.
Using the swiffer on the walls is the best idea. Oh and the Magic Eraser is my best friend. My favorite tip is tape everything. Helps so much!
Ida
http:secondchancesgirl.blogspot.com
Use a drop cloth and tape off the trim! And leave so the mister can do it all! 🙂
My most invaluable tip for painting is to stick your painting tray in a trash bag and pour your paint directly on top of the trash bag. I acts as a (super cheap) liner and then when you’re done painting you just stick all your trash in that tray and invert the bag – voila you’re done!
When painting stripes (or any place where two colors meet), paint the first color, let dry, tape, and paint with the original color over the tape, let dry, and then paint the contrasting color. Painting in the original color first (over the tape line) prevents any bleed through that you can still get with taping. It’s awesome.
I have to say that I am lacking in awesome paint tips because I have the hardest time even deciding on the right color! With that said, my tip would be to not second guess yourself, you can always paint over it. 🙂
My favorite painting tip (or actually tool) is using the Shurline paint edger. I have popcorn ceiling and it’s a pain to get a trimmer brush to line along the ceiling and wall not to mention it works like a charm along trim and corners. No need to tape off the room, which takes forever!!!
Paint during fall or spring, when you don’t mind having the windows open – helps with circulating the air and fumes.
Make sure to tape off everything , especially window frames and moldings. I use the magic eraser too, they are fabulous. I also anchor a drop cloth down and use a fan too. Makes the job so much easier on the clean up. Hugs, Marty
I like to paint during warm weather. but my best tip?
get someone else to do it
A tip? Wait til the kids are asleep. I hate tape & rarely tape anything. I just need my music & a short brush:)
my favorite tip– in between coats I put the brush & the roller in a plastic bag in the fridge. it doesn’t dry out and you can leave it there for dayssss in case you get sidetracked with three other projects while you wait for the paint to dry. 🙂
Buy quality paint brushes. I’m always so cheap, but it really does help to have quality paint brushes that you can reuse for other projects.
-Bonnie @ Revolutionaries
http://www.revolutionariesblog.com
Before putting light switch cover back, put a piece of tape with Brand name, number and color of paint on it. This is a great way to keep track of each room’s paint choices.
Hmm…, I’m not a painting expert but the right brushes do make all the difference.
I can never paint an entire room at once, plus it usually needs another coat or at the very least some touch ups. I like to wrap my rollers in plastic wrap and throw them in the freezer. I do usually make sure to get the most paint out of it as possible first and then you need to remember to pull it out of the freezer with enough time to thaw out before use. This way I can go a day or two or even a week between.
My best paint tip is to get samples! I committed and then uncommitted to 3 bathroom colors in 2 weeks because I thought I could just go for it. It’s really difficult to know if a color will work in your space until you slap a BIG swatch on the wall.
Quality brushes and rollers make a huge difference! Don’t go cheap on brushes :).
My favorite paint tip is to buy those cheapo blue or orange rim extenders. I am sure there is a correct term for what I am talking about. it is the plastic thing that you attach to the paint can so that you can pour paint without it getting into the grooves of the paint can. These are sold at the Homedepot paint counter next to the stirrers and they are sooo worth it! Love your blog!
I’m no expert, but when it comes to paint my only tip is just go for it. It can always be re-done!
Do it with a family member or friend. My sister and I painted our guest room and we had such a fun time together – just the two of us, cracking jokes, remembering silly things about growing up. Still puts a smile on my face years later.
I like that tool with wheels for getting the edges. You can even attach it to a pole for vaulted ceilings. It beats getting up on a ladder with a brush.
Make sure you have everything you need before you begin so you can make progress. I’ve had to run to the store in the middle of a project due to poor planning. I’ve learned my lesson!
Tape everything off and then do the edges with a brush. After that rolling is super quick.
Buy good brushes, and always clean them properly! I use Murphy’s Oil Soap to clean brushes, and it gets all the paint out.
I stopped using the Magic Eraser on my walls. Every time I tried using it to remove grime, it took the finish with it and I was left with discolored patches! Love it everywhere else though 😉
Buy enough paint for at least TWO coats. My husband refuses to believe that you ALWAYS need more than one coat, and my paint jobs always look better than his!
I haven’t painted nearly enough to have any expert advice… so maybe my best tip is to have the hubs do it 🙂
I’m totally new to painting, so my tip is to read all your tips. 🙂
Best tip, for me… In between coats or when needing to take a break… Put plastic wrap over the paint in the tray and wrap all brushes in plastic wrap. Then place it all in a plastic bag. This way when you have to come back it won’t be dried up and you don’t have to wash them out in between coats.
I have not done any real painting to be able to provide any tips… I keep trying to convince my husband that painting in an apartment is not a waste of time and money.
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Like others have mentioned, pay the extra few dollars for good quality brushes. Totally worth it! I’m cheap, so I resisted doing so until I tried a Purdy brush, and oh man does it make a huge difference. I’m currently in LOVE with my new 2″ angled, short handled Purdy brush:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100548461?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051&N=5yc1vZ17n&R=100548461#.UT4H9aX3DoA
It makes cutting in the edges a dream, even without taping off.
I live in the South/East and one tip is check the weather. Humidity can really cause issues with any type of painting. Also, I always test the color and leave it up for a day or two. The light in the room can change depending on windows, day/night and lighting. These light changes can change the color of your paint. Happy painting!
My tip? Have a painting party! Invite a few people to help out with a big job and thank them with dinner!
Always save your colors, when painting the cans get recycled or tossed… then you are left with a ? what color was it again that I used… for repainting or touchups…. keep it on a list inside a kitchen cabinet door or somewhere where it wont get lost then you always have it and never have to get it matched again- wich can be hard to do sometimes!
Put a little extra paint in small jars (such a baby food jars) to keep in the house for touch up paint!
Maybe you can help me with a problem that I have. My daughter thought it would be FABULOUS to draw all over her bedroom wall with a Sharpie. ACK! It is bleeding through EVERYTHING! I’ve primed it (several times), I’ve re-textured the walls, I’ve painted…the list goes on. Any tips you have would be appreciated more than you know!
painters tape, it’s a pain, just do it … you’ll be much happier! Thanks for the giveaway.
I always keep ziploc bags close by…in case I get interrupted I just put my brush in the bag and try and get it as airtight as possible. When I get ready to paint again my brush is ready. When I am finished and ready to wash the brush I like to use citra solve cleaner…it leaves the brush so clean. And one more tip before using the brush make sure to wet it …with water if using acrylic or paint thinner for oil based…it makes clean up easier.
Use frog tape for nice clean edges. Also use a credit card to flatten the tape edges to prevent the pain from bleeding through. Thanks for the great giveaway and awesome tips!
painters tape and that paint edger thingy on wheels..makes a perfect ceiling line every time!
My favorite painting tip after painting almost all of our 2100 square foot home by myself (and a little help from my future BIL) is to have someone else do it!!! But, unfortunately, that isn’t in the budget for us….so I would say take your time, always prime over dark colors and tape off the ceilings. I didn’t do this in a couple rooms to save time and it is pretty noticeable in some areas! Thanks for the opportunity to finish up the last room in our home that needs a paint job!
I know it is an extra step but I love blue painter’s tape. I’m a stickler for clean, crisp edges and, unless you have a very steady hand (which I do not), painter’s tape is there to help with that. I always tape off my walls/trim the day before and then I’m ready to go the next day.
Always use Frog tape…good stuff!
Frog Tape is a lifesaver….and patience….patience is key to good painting. Also very hard to come by here.
Please enter me. I think magic erasers are the best product out there! Love them and use them all the time- for everything.
As far as a painting tip- I am the messiest painter in the world, so I go bare feet to save on socks, when I paint, I keep lots of plastic on the floor, lots of blue tape and yet it is always in my hair, on my face, my coffee cup and a few other walls and rooms I never intended.
My favorite tip for painting stripes, or two colors that will meet is after you tape everything off, paint the base wall color over the tape to seal it up real good so you have no leaks! Works for me every time!
So… to save a LOT of time, I don’t use tape. I probably would on a ceiling if we didn’t have lame-o popcorn ceilings… but I don’t take around doors, windows or trim… I just use a good brush to cut in. It’s not so bad and I don’t spend forever taping. Plus, I must buy bad tape or stink at it because some paint always goes through.
sarah8914 at gmail dot com
I just bought my first home, so I’ve never painted any walls ever! I’m raring to get started, so this post was super helpful, and I’d love to win to give me a head start because I have a LOT of painting to do!
I always put my brushes, rollers and paint pans in old plastic grocery bags to keep them ready for the next coat…I hate washing them out! Thanks for the chance to win! P.S. Magic Eraser is my best friend!
My favorite tip is to use painters tape
My favorite tips:
1) Use an old bread bag (free of crumbs, naturally) and put the brush into the corner, wrap tight (twisting the bag all the way down the handle), then use a rubber band to fasten. I have literally left brushes for WEEKS (oops), opened it up and the paint had not dried. at. all.
2) After getting your paint rolled onto the wall, before moving to the next section, back roll from top to bottom to ensure an even coat.
If you’re using rollers, DON’T TRY TO CUT CORNERS BUYING CHEAP ONES! You will regret it later when you have a less than stellar wall! A good roller will make all the difference in the quality of your finished product; no streaks, lumps, smears, or dreaded fibers!
Best tip is to invest in a good quality brush for cutting in. I never tape. I loathe taping.
my best tip, read everything you can, clean and prep everything then offer to cook for those that
ain’t for you. lol smoked brisket sandwiches anyone? hahahaha
paint not ain’t. darn auto correct.
Seems like other posters have already shared my tips (store in plastic bags to keep wet until the next day, short angled brush for cutting in, make someone else do it). I have to say I love Anita’s advice about putting a piece of tape with brand, color and finish on the back of the light switch cover. Great idea!
When I paint my stripes I put the base color down and then tape up all the stripes. Then I paint the base color again, that way when the paint bleeds through the tape, it’s going to bleed through to the base color and it won’t matter. I let that dry and paint the contrasting color, then pull the tape up. Clean lines every time!
i recently learned of a super paint tool call an edging tool (?) it’s basically a square foam pad that you run along the edges of whatever you’re painting (ceiling, trim) and it makes a clean line! brilliant!
thanks for the amazing giveaway!!
When I paint my tip has nothing to do with the painting itself…. I always make sure to put something in the crockpot for dinner otherwise we order take-out. No, there is no delivery to our house (1 mile outside the delivery area) so it results in having to stop, clean up and then run out or actually make dinner… so in the long run having a meal in the crock pot is a huge helper! It means I can paint all day long, clean up and then have a relaxing meal with my family… or at least everyone can eat according to their schedules.
Also NEVER, EVER buy cheap rollers! YOu will end up picking out all kinds of stray pieces of lint and fuzz if you do! 🙂
TAPE! I am amazed at how much of a time saver taping off the corner between ceiling and wall. I have a pretty steady hand and never really thought I needed to tape. When I helped my roommate paint her room, I was astonished at how much faster cutting in is when you don’t have to concentrate as hard. Putting the tape up hardly takes any time and cutting in goes by like a breeze. I’m never painting without tape again.
Prep Prep Prep! That is my biggest tip. It’s a ton of work but makes paiting so easy! 🙂
I would love this! We just decided to turn the pantry back into a bathroom (long story). My painting tip is never to buy a house where the people wallpapered the inside of the bathroom closet. Or if you do, don’t decide to strip and paint it in August!
My hubs and I have become pseudo painting pros from painting our fixer-upper. I HATE taping. In my experience it takes way more time to tape and then touch up where the tape either peeled paint up or Where the paint bled through then you just cut it and take your time. My painting tip is to buy really good brushes Purdy brushes are the best
my best trip is to do all the cutting in first (whether or not you paint) that way when you are done rolling you are all done – and since rolling goes a lot faster that sense of accomplishment feels much better than that “man now i have to brush all the corners?” feeling of dread
love these ideas! We’re in the process of buying a house and one of the first things to go is the white walls.
Throw away everything when your done. Haha, easiest clean up ever!
Remember to buy enough paint for touch-ups.
I have had more experience with awful textured walls, so my tip is aimed at those with textured walls also. Tip #1: Use a high nap! 3/4″ is so much better for those dents and grooves in the texture. Tip #2: Be sure to look at your walls from every angle and in all lighting before you sign off on it (and put the paint away)… those nooks and crannies hide mistakes, but if you’re at all like me, you’re going to notice them at some point and its going to drive you crazy!
Use a foam brush for edging and tricky spots, then throw away.
[email protected]
Be sure to cover the floor with plastic sheeting because you WILL drip!
Don’t try to use the least expensive paint rollers. You’ll have a crappy paint job with little hairs all over the place, and you’ll end up having to get a better roller anyway and redo a bunch of work.
Also, instead of having to wash/dry rollers and brushes between coats you can just get them quite wet with paint and wrap them in plastic. Saves a lot of time and is much less messy.
Good equipment! Brushes and paint!
Cutting in may seem like a tedious job, but once you are done, you can get the paint up pretty quickly.
Painting tip: for tight corners consider buying Wooster brand brushes (available at Home Depot). They have shorter handles and are easy on the wrists.
Wall Cleaning tips:
If you have a large “masterpiece” of your child’s in pen or permanent marker that you would like to eradicate from your wall or leather seats in the car try isopropyl alcohol (the kind you use for 1st aid). Always spot check that you won’t lift the color. It is likely the alcohol in the hand sanitizer (usually around 65% of hand sanitizer is alcohol) that is currently doing your cleaning, but bonus isopropyl alcohol is cheaper and you can buy it at up to 91% concentration. 1.97 at my target and it works great on permanent marker on plastic as well, just used it to clean up some super cheapo (& super scribbled on) toys from Goodwill.
My favorite item to clean walls “which is what I was doing yesterday because an artsy 2.5 yr old thought it would be fun to color her bedroom walls….” is the MAGIC ERASER! He saves lots of hind parts in my house!
carriesummerlin at yahoo dot com
Do not draw lines on your paint with pencil and take it off with a magic erasure. It will dull the finish and make you have to repaint the room. Guess how I know!?
i also am obsessed with magic eraser. it’s like, the best gift to the world. like, really.
anyway! my painting tip? well, i came from a family of painters (great-grandpa had a business that grandpa, uncles, and my dad all worked for). so really my tip was their tip….cut-in FIRST! and yes, then the ceiling. then the walls. my dad is ridiculously picky about this.
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My best tip is to wear old clothes that already have paint on them that you don’t care about. Every time I think “oh, I’ll just be really careful this time” I end up with a “new” set of painting clothes!
I hate cutting-in so I use shur-line paint edger tool. It’s super easy to use and gets the job done fast.
I would say use a good brush!
[email protected]
I am a messy painter, so when I paint, I always make sure I bring up my little folding card table and have a “paint station” ready to go, which includes a big bowl of water and a roll of paper towels to wipe up any little drips or splats. It makes things SO much easier, and makes my husband happy that every two seconds I’m not gasping and yelling, “Hurry!!! Bring me a wet paper towel!!!!!”
Take your time putting tape on appropriately I have gone too fast and the tape wasn’t stuck down all the way and it bled through.
I always carry a damp rag in my pocket when painting to quickly wipe off any oops before they dry
Helena
Make sure you buy a good quality brush or roller – the best way to get a great finish =)
I always line my tray with foil…then I can clean up quicker!
Definitely taking the tape off before it dries! Nobody likes to watch the tape peel away your pretty painted wall!
I have been known to use my dental tools (the ones I keep at home) to help clean up weird edges on painting projects!
I’m a huge fan of using painter’s tape, but I’ve found that squishing the edge down with one of those plastic bowl scrapers does a bang-up job of sealing the edge!
I write the name of each room that I paint on to the back of the paint color card. I bind them all together with a metal ring and hang them in the paint section of our garage. Makes it easy to find the paint color when a friend asks what color I have on the walls or when I need to get more paint for touch ups.
my favorite tip is to plan ahead — by painting different sample spots in your house and see how they look in the day/night/light/etc. my best friend just painted a couple big walls in her house a lovely shade of gray….that has turned out to be quite blue in the nighttime light. now she’s thinking of changing colors…so, test it out first! =)
My favorite tip is to wrap your brush, roller and tray in plastic bags between coats. That way they won’t dry out!
I do the plastic wrapped roller and brush in fridge for the second coat and the trash bag over paint tray. Easy clean up. Just make sure you put the trash bag inside out so no ink bleeds into your paint. Learned that the hard way!
My tip is to have your mother-in-law help! ha ha she is the best! But really, my tip is to have others help you and make it fun!:)
Brianne Hunter
I have two tips:
1. Run a credit card over the edge of painter’s tape to get a tight seal.
2. Paint over the edge of the tape first with whatever color you’re trying to protect. For example, if you’re taping around the baseboard, paint over the tape with the baseboard color first. If anything seeps under, it’ll be that color and it’ll seal it. Then when you follow with the color, you’ll get a sharp line.
Painting tip…um. Get help because it makes it go sooo much faster, and it’s not so lonely. Not that painting is terribly lonely.
My husband and I recently bought a late 1800’s home – beautiful and lots of character but in desperate need of a paint overhaul! We’ve gone through 8 gallons of primer already and still have two rooms to go! The best tip we’ve received is to use green painters tape – not blue. Works so much better with a much better seal! Also – apply a thin bead of caulk at the edge of your tape and the wall – you will have a perfect line when you peal it off!
You know what else works for getting out pen is hairspray. As long as it is ballpoint pen, hairspray will take it out of just about anything, from walls to shirts to couches…it must be the alcohol in it (and the hand sanitizer).
My tip is to not try to match new paint color to old paint. Just redo the whole thing!
For cutting in I use a Purdy brand paint brush! They are absolutely the best!
I live in a really dry part of the country, Colorado, so I have found I have to paint fast to get it done without yucky lines. This also means that if I have to take a break for the little dude or for a refreshing adult beverage, my brush can get dry and gummy. Well that sucks, so I have been wrapping my brush in a damp towel and sticking it in a plastic grocery bag. Saves my brush every time!
Use the best brush you can afford for cutting in!
What a nice giveaway!
I think my only advice for painting would be to tape off moldings and then, just go for it! Don’t over think or be a perfectionist!
Both my kids are wall artists! And especially love the wall in our living room. I once had a mom say “oh, you let your kids color on the walls. How fun.” Um. No I didn’t let them, but it happens 🙂 my favorite painting tip is FROG TAPE! It really helps give you a clean line. Fingers crossed we can start painting the living room soon.
My tip is: always cover your floors! It saved our floors from being stained a dark red. And I’ve been wanting to paint over that dark red (my husband thinks that because the paint is guaranteed for twenty years we should leave it up longer. Silly man), so now would be the perfect time to win a paint kit!
Be sure about your colors before you buy… otherwise you’ll have a gallon of creamy blueberry in your basement and no thoughts as to how to use it.
Bribe your friends with free food so they will come help 🙂
This is perfect b/c we just bought a new house and will be reapinting EVERY. SINGLE. SURFACE.
My #1 tip is to do your prepwork. Clear the space. Tape things off. Use drop cloths. Get the kids out of the house. It pays off!
I’m honestly not sure how I cleaned tough stains anywhere in the house before Magic Erasers. Those things are worth their weight in gold!
I, too, suggest using a good brush for painting. Amazing what a difference it makes. I like Purdy brand–you can get ’em cheap on amazon.
I would have to say that my best tip is to just take the time and cover everything you pushed into the center of the room because it can still get paint on it…not that I know this from experience or anything. Hahahaha! 😉
The best tip I ever got is the one I always pass along; buy a good Purdy brush. I never use tape because it’s so easy to edge with my Purdy brushes.
Always wrap my brushes in plastic at the end of the day if I haven’t finished my project. Much easier than cleaning them every night!
My favorite paint tip? Try to go a little bolder than you think you should. Or hold up – is that my life philosphy?? 🙂
Always label the paint cans with what room(s) they were used in. I used to think I would remember the names and stuff, but I didn’t. Now I write it down.
There are so many awesome comments, all of which are useful. I suppose all I can add would be for spray-painting–not exactly what you’re looking for I think! If your spray painting within the house and cannot take it outside and don’t have the time or money to tape plastic onto every surface (trust me it’s unexpectedly necessary to cover everything!) make a paint tent using one plastic drop cloth and tape over the surrounding area. Just be sure that when you’re in there to have a hat on and a mask to keep you from dying! Or, just use a dollar store expandable garment bag if the item is movable and it’s winter…
My tip is wait until you’re in the mood. If you aren’t in the mood and treat it like a chore you’ll do a terrible job and have to repaint it again. So if it’s unpainted for another day, no worries – just wait until you have the motivation and are looking forward to it!
my tip is what i recently purchased the last time i painted which was a canvas tarp and i have to say best buy ever i didnt have to worry about the paint falling on the ground or the millions of newspapers shuffling under my feet while painting angelgenius27(at)yahoo(dot)com
my tip is to bribe all friends and family you can to help! scg00387 at yahoo dot com
Use an angled 2″ brush and do the trim without taping.
I come from a family of paintaphobics. Don’t be afraid of paint…and don’t just paint a little inch square sample and then panic because it looks dark! Just pick the color you like and do the whole room, you’ll love the change when you are done! 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway chance! I am moving right now, so it’d be nice to spruce up our new place before filling it!
My FAVORITE painting trip is: Recruiting friends to help you. (my husband refuses to help me now since I change my house colors quite frequently)
If you don’t have a steady hand, use tape!
I just learned a new one tonight, line the paint tray with aluminum foil for easy clean up! I can’t wait to try it!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
I rub my blue tape over my shirt and then put it on to protecet my trim paint. That little bit of lint is priceless and I never peel up paint with my tape anymore. I also run a quick line of my trim color along the edge of the tape and let it dry so if there is a little bleeding it’s my trim color and I am not doing endless touch ups.
I have heard that some people use vaseline on their windows next to the trim so if they get paint on the window they can wash it off instead of using tape. I use a chapstick and run it around the edge of the window instead. It is quick and easy.
Definitely use a good brush for edges and ceilings! I bought an expensive brush and it has lasted a long time. worth it!
never use flat paint in an area that gets wet or may need to be wiped. it will definitely leave streaks in the paint!
My favorite painting tip is to cover the floor, even if you think you are careful enough not to drip. I learned this the hard way of course.
This is the perfect paint for me because we are buying a house right now and will need to paint THE WHOLE HOUSE asap. Literally, every wall and ceiling is the most boring beige, and I can’t wait to freshen things up a little. My favorite painting tip is patience when it comes to the prep work. It is so long and annoying, but makes for a much easier and cleaner finish.
My favorite tip I’ve used while painting is to use a blowdryer to help get the tape off when it isn’t coming off cleanly.(I’m not brave enough to paint without taping… yet!) That and wrapping my rollers/trays with saran wrap to save them for a bit without having to toss them, saved me so much time!
My paint tip would be to buy samples of several colors and put them on your wall and see them during the day and at night to decide the perfect shade for your space!!
Baby wipes. You can get paint off of so many things w baby wipes! The paint drips on the hard wood, in your hair, on the table… When i paint, i usually get paint all over my hands and arms too- and it wipes right off w baby wipes! 🙂
I love magic erasers! I use them on everything! seriously, everything. They will take tar splatters off of your car! If that isn’t awesome… I don’t know what is. Thanks for the giveaway, I can’t wait to prep my walls with my magic eraser.
I learned this a year after I painted several large walls dark gray. When painting dark colors, roll in the same direction (e.g. top to bottom) to minimize stroke marks. When the light hits my walls, you can see color variation from the different directions. (I’m not redoing them though. I’m not that crazy.)
No great paint tips but a little Beyonce will help the time go by quicker. All the Single Ladies. . .
My paint tip would be to not skimp on cheap paint. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for better quality!
I, too, love magic erasers. Saves a lot of time between paint jobs because so many marks easily disappear. Also, I use tiny paint brushes to get to that edge between the ceiling and wall.
I’m married to a professional painter, so I’m full of fabulous tips. My #1 tip?
MARRY A PAINTER 😉
My painting tip: keep a notebook with paint chips AND the formulas. I had a color specially made for my new house and when I went back to “touch up” some spots years later that formula was a life saver!
Wrap wet paint brushes with plastic wrap in between coats. This keeps them wet and avoids the need to clean them until the painting is complete.
Loud music! It also helps if you sing really loud. Dancing doesn’t hurt either. 🙂
My best tip is to have a lunch and dinner plan in place the day you are painting, whether it’s take-out or plugging in the crockpot. This way I can keep working and everyone else can help themselves 🙂
My best paint tip is that you DO have to wash a surface before you paint it. Every. single. time. husband and I paint we have an agrument about how important it is to wash the walls! Then when he sees how dirty my rag and water are afterwards, he lightens up a bit. This is especially true if you or the previous owner burn candles!
Two tips: First, use the new plastic cling wrap in your paint tray.You can pull it right up when you are finished and throw it away. Great for using on your roller and paint brushes when you want to save them to reuse. Secondly, do not let the tape stay on too long and do not use masking tape
It`s totally worth the money to have a babysitter while you paint! Well at least for me, but I do have five little kids too..
Like you, I repaint…A LOT! I have four kids so it’s almost a necessity. I also use magic eraser to get walls ready before re-painting (and on pretty much everything else where the unexpected just “happens”). The swiffer was a good tip for dusting the walls first, too…i usually go old school with a slightly damp cloth (tedious and lame, I know). And finally, taping is a virtue. I try to skip that step and cuss myself every. single. time! Thanks for the good tips today (and every other day, too)! Your blog and story are really inspiring for new DIY, “senior citizens” (as you lovingly call us over 30 and 40-somethings) like me! 🙂
My painting tip is do not forget to clean your brushes. I forgot one time and had to throw away my nicest ones. Bummer!
keshakeke(at)gmail(dot)com
Don’t get lazy with the blue tape! Taking all the time you need to properly tape off all of your edges will make the actual painting job go so much faster and smoother. Short cuts are usually regretted…
Best ip is one that’s often forgotten – wipe down your walls (especially in corners and along baseboards) before you start painting ! Otherwise you get these nasty bumps on the wall if you had dust anywhere!
I have coffee tins and use to mix paints and store brushes and other paint supplies.
my fav thing when painting is an angeled brush! if i have a good angeled brush i can go around door frames and window frames without taping off!! sweet!!! the trim, outlets, door knobs ect- i go for another fav which is taping. it is tedious to do but it makes such a difference. the last thing is that i am very picky about touch up paint. my husband (i’ve learned) likes to short cut, but the key to a nice paint job really is in the details.
my best tip is to wrap the paint brush in a walmart bag while waiting for the paint to dry and starting the next coat. I love the swiffer tip. Thanks so much.
my tip – if you have to fill in any holes, after you have filled them and sanded them smooth, make sure you prime them before you paint (unless you are priming the whole wall – if you are then just carry on 🙂 ).
If you skip the priming the spot, the spackle absorbs some of the finish of your new paint color and you will have “flashing” on your walls. The filled in spots will always look just a little off in certain light.
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity! My best painting tip? Patience! Also, you can always touch up your mistakes! I hate to tape since it takes so long, so I usually just freehand. I always end up getting a splotch of paint where it doesn’t belong, but you can always go back and touch up these spots.
My tip is: don’t forget to caulk when necessary. The most perfect, meticulous paint job will still look raggedy if there are holes where the window trim, or baseboard, or crown…etc. … meet the wall.
I spent a month repainting all the trim in our previous house. When I finished, I said to my husband, “I don’t get it! Why does it still look so gross?!?!?!” He said, “Uh, aren’t you going to caulk it?” Duh. (This was long before there were DIY blogs to educate me.)
My best painting tip is for edges with different colors.. Tape, then paint the original color to just cover the tape. Next, let dry and paint the new color. Pull off the tape and the line is perfect.
My Dad is a professional painter and he always says, “ceilings first, then walls, and finally trim.”
my best painting tip is to bribe the husband to do it 🙂
Best tips…no need for taped edges, invest in a vey good angled Purdy brush…definitely worth it!
Also, tint a primer with a undertone of your primary color…ie. for a red room-add a little red to the primer (making it pink) and then follow with your top coats of pure red…the guys at your local hardware store are more than willing to do such for you. It adds depth and helps with complete coverage.
Ceilings don’t always have to be white…mix it up…choose a complimentary color…a white with an undertone of grey, green,or blue.
My painting tip to having clean lines is to place your blue tape down – I press my finger all the way along the tape to ensure a good seal as I place it on the wall or trim. But to be extra certain that the paint doesn’t bleed through, I paint a really thin coat of paint along the tape (where it meets the wall) and let it dry completely. Then I go back and paint away. This always leaves me with a nice crisp line. People always comment what a great job I do at painting, but really the trick is all in patience and prep work.
If you do a lot of painting, (I’m lookin at you, Mandi) invest in a small scaffold. My husband says his only cost $70 – $80, and it has changed my whole attitude toward painting.
I’d have to say that my favorite tip is to not be afraid to go at your own pace. I used to avoid big projects because I get frequent migraines and so often can’t stick to a planned timeline. Now I’ve learned to embrace the fact that my projects may be half-finished for a while. I will finish painting the bathroom when I CAN–until then, I shouldn’t let the fact that it might take a while keep me from starting in the first place!
When doing new construction type of things, paint and prime your trim, windows, and doors BEFORE they are hung. Touch ups and covering the nail holes are all you have to do when it’s done. 🙂
My best tip- Frog Tape all the way!
My best tip for popcorn ceilings (if you haven’t taken the time to completely scrape it off that is) is to run a small flat edge screw driver along the edge of the ceiling where it meets the wall. It removes just enough of the ceiling texture to allow the edge of your brush to run up underneath it giving you a perfectly straight edge. I also took advantage of Lowe’s Black Friday sales last thanksgiving and invested in 4 Werner Aluminum Work platforms. You can set them up around the room and cut in around your ceiling in about 6 minutes. I have no tips for cutting in around the floor, other than to use a good, angled, short handled brush. Only paint when you have the time and are not rushed and do good prep work first!
Great tips Mandi! I worked as a paint contractor for years, and your tips are spot on.
My tip – Use NICE paint. We’ve tried a few different kinds in our house and have learned that Behr Paint With Primer is THE way to go. And we cover EVERYTHING in Kilz before we paint. Since our house is old there are a lot of walls that have oil based paint on them, so covering it in Kilz first makes it so that latex paint actually holds onto the wall.
My paint tip would be to have my dad paint. He is a perfectionist and even though it takes him at least twice as long as anyone else, it is perfect in the end. I also know you have to buy quality paint. That helps big time.
My favorite painting tip (And yes, there is a “DUH” factor involved in this one) – Tie your long hair back! Put it up in a clip, even a shower cap. Spoken from experience, trust me. I can’t tell you how many times my hair has ended up looking like the paintbrush. Sigh…It’s true. Sad, but true.
Thanks For the Opportunity to Win These Goodies Mandy!
Sincerely,
Laurie
My #1 painting tip: use quality products, from tape and tarps to brushes and paint. When I was 15, I repainted my entire bedroom, including the vaulted ceiling that went up to 8′ high. Mom made me buy all the cheap supplies, and I had SUCH problems with them! The paintbrushes kept leaving bristles behind; the thin tarps kept ripping, and didn’t keep paint from seeping through; the tape wouldn’t lay flat against the surface, which meant paint was getting in underneath it.
You HAVE to have good supplies. If you don’t, more then likely you’ll not only regret it, but end up spending your savings from the cheap products to buy MORE supplies!
Thanks for the great post, Mandy, and the opportunity to win these items! <3
– Kiara from Land & Luxury
Take your time while doing prep work it will make all the difference in the end.
jessicarwarfield at gmail dot com
I can’t stand paint trays, but when I have to use them I always use the plastic grocery store bags to line them with so the clean up is little to nothing.
I listen to MUSIC!! It makes work more fuuuuunn 🙂
I use a straight edge to paint trim and keep paint off the wall while doing it. I don’t have to tape which is great since it’s time consuming if there are a lot of windows and doorways. I’ve been doing it for 30 years and it works like a charm.
I’d say don’t paint in all sorts of different directions just cause you’re in a hurry. Do it right and make it look tidy.
I honestly have been SCARED to try painting a wall! Maybe if I win this I’ll suck it up and just DO IT!
My only tip is to have a partner helping you paint. It goes by so much quicker when you have two sets of hands painting. Thank you for the contest!!
If at first it doesn’t look good, try, try, again
I’m the world’s worst painter…I’m just so impatient! A tip….wrap your paintbrush in plastic wrap when you need to take a break. It will help prevent the paint from drying on the brush without having to clean it each time.
My fave tip is the magic eraser! I have not had much experience painting and to be honest I am kind of a jump right in kind of person. I think I would have assumed that if I’m painting over it then I don’t need to worry about marks…. hehe good to know that I should wipe it off first! Thanks for the opportunity!
Painting never seems to go very smoothly for me. No disasters, but I don’t really have any tips.
My favorite painting tip for painting a bathroom is to put a kitchen garbage bag over the toilet so it doesn’t get paint on it. I hope I have a chance to win this giveaway. Thank you.
My tip is to use plastic not cardboard when painting decor or frames. No matter how long I let it dry it always seems to stick to cardboard. Thank you for this opportunity to win! Shindig Designs
My tip is to be sure all surfaces are flush, patches done, smoothed, drips sanded out if there are any from priors, it makes a huge difference, I have still to repair the mess a contractor left when he painted. “I have better things to do than watch paint dry.” Even called him back and it’s no better.
Janet
I use a plastic bag to cover my paint pan for easy clean up- keeping the brush in a plastic bag when not in use is a must too- not new ideas but good ones.
My best painting yip is wallpaper! Haha, j/k.
Hope I win.
~K!
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I place my paint brush and roller in a plastic bag and put in refrigerator in between coats of paint. Thanks for all the great tips.
I love the Magic Eraser! Painting tip…for me it’s worth the extra money for quality brushes.
Remove tape right away! It leaves clean lines and won’t flake.
Also, don’t paint while your two year old is awake. BIG MISTAKE.
Love YOUR guts!
My biggest tip is buy good paint. It does make a difference. I love your blog!
We like to roll the roller up in tin foil between coats, then it’s still wet, and we don’t have to wash it or waist it.
I love painting, but I hate painting baseboard. Have bad knees, blah blah blah, but have found that using a long drywall knife against the floor helps to keep the paint off the floor (or carpet).
I love painting, but I hate painting baseboard. Have bad knees, blah blah blah, but have found that using a long drywall knife against the floor helps to keep the paint off the floor (or carpet).
I love a freshly painted wall! But I hate to paint… MY TIP? Choose a neutral color you love so you don’t have to repaint for a long while! 🙂 On that note, my house DESPERATELY needs to be painted.. so here’s hoping!!
Rubber band across top of can to wipe brush on.
Mentally prepare myself that it will take longer than anticipated!
Nail a few holes in the rim of your paint can. Paint will drip back into the can instead of pooling and dripping over the side.
Nail a few holes in the rim of your paint can. Paint will drip back into the can instead of pooling and dripping over the side.
The only tip I can offer has been offered, but I use it all the time! Wrap your brush/roller in cellofoam between coats. In my house, a room never gets painted all at one time.
Get plenty of paint. I seem to underestimate that one sometimes…
Thanks for the giveaway!!
use really great, trusted brands for all your supplies! a job well done lasts longer than one done in a hurry to meet some imaginary deadline you put on yourself! good painters tape+good paint+good brushes=happy walls!
I add about a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the paint to help reduce the smell. It doesn’t change the color.
My best tip is named Daddy 😉 He has a few decades of experience so he’s much better and faster than I am! LOL
Leave your favorite jeans in the closet!… Don’t kid yourself, no matter how careful you are, you’re going to get something on them (and if you wear your grungies there’s no guild about starting a paint fight with your hubby). Actually, just wear your husbands clothes – you know, those ugly shirts he’s been needing to DI forever 😉
We will be in full fledge painting mode within the next few months… oh please, please, please PICK ME!
I love painting! It’s so fun to see a room transform. I don’t really have a tip though, other than change into grubby clothes even if you’re just doing a little touch up. Or you’ll regret it. Maybe not this time or next time but soon enough… (Said the voice of experience)
To use tray liners to save money and time for easy cleanup
fencingromein at hotmail dot com
We currently have a project going in absolutely every room and new paint is a must. My tip is to remove the painters tape immediately after you are done painting the final coat. This way the paint does not dry that has spilled over and begin peeling off your hard work.
My favorite painting tip is to use a brush extender instead of climbing to reach high areas, and also those special corner shape brush/sponges for the angles and corners.
kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom
Painting tip: don’t paint with dollar store brushes like me.
My best tip is to invest in good brushes. It saves so much time. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
I hate painting but it’s necessary for the looks I want…I just am not patient enough to be honest. While my tip may be horrible it’s true…marry someone who’s more patient than you! Thank goodness my husband is selfless because he cuts in while I roll the walls…when I’m not getting distracted by some future project not yet thought up!
Commenting from https://whatthegraham.com I had no other way sorry!
jami @ whatthegraham.com
This has little to do with the actual walls, but always, always wear a hat or handkerchief. Even when I think I’m being careful, I end up with paint in my hair!
Take your time and don’t rush!! 🙂
I have got many interesting ideas specially in discussion and your blog is praiseworthy. Andrew Johnson
I have a lot of glass in my house and my Lab, Charlie, is an artist at nose writing and drawing on doors and walls. I think he purposely gets his nose dirty so he can run it across my wall. A canine artist, that’s Charlie!
Oh, a tip! I always use a paint ladle that I dip into the paint can and pour it into my painting container. Keeps the can nice and clean. AND I always take a photo of the paint color breakdown for future reference