If you’ve ever tackled a painting project before, you know that it appears to be deceptively easy. However, when you get right down to it, painting can be pretty time consuming. There are some tricks of the trade that will help any painting project go a lot faster. Here are a just a few of the best ones.

1. Use painter’s tape religiously.

No matter how good at edging you think you are, chances are there will be some paint that ends up where it shouldn’t be. This means that you’ll have to go back over the area and clean it up and in some cases, you may end up ruining woodwork. It’s just easier to use painter’s tape the first time to avoid any accidents. The finished product will also look a lot better. Keep in mind that masking tape and other inferior taping products may end up with paint bleeding through, so make sure that you pick painter tape instead.

2. Do appropriate color tests ahead of time.

This sounds pretty simple, but many people end up putting a large amount of color on a wall only to end up hating it. Pick a spot that cannot be easily seen and test a couple of colors. Let them dry completely and take a look at it the next day. You’ll be able to get a better idea of what looks right on your wall.

3. Have all of your tools ready to go.

There’s nothing worse than having to stop in mid-flow and go grab something you need. Make a checklist of all of your tools and make sure that they are all within easy reach. The most common things you’ll need include a roller with at least two replacement sponges, paint brushes, painter’s tape, paint trays, edge guides and a mask if paint fumes tend to bother you.

4. Wear proper protection.

If you need to wear a mask, wear one - it’s a lot easier than trying to fight the fumes. If you’ll be painting a ceiling or high up on a wall, wear goggles. Paint in the eye is not much fun and it can permanently damage your sight. Make sure that you are painting in a room that is properly ventilated. If you’re having trouble, turn on a fan and take a break outside of the room to give your brain and lungs some time to recover.

5. Use dropcloths no matter how small the project is.

It only takes one tipped can or one splatter to ruin a floor. Don’t take chances, especially if you’re working on carpet. It’s simply too difficult to get paint out of carpet or rugs. If you’ve got hardwood floors, you’ll have an even worse time trying to remove it.

6. Always pick the right kind of paint for the job.

Oil based paint is very different from latex and will require different techniques. Not all latex paints are alike. Make sure that you are using a paint that is rated for your type of wall and how you plan to use it.

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Categories:

Aesthetics, Create, Handy Man, House Paint, Project

Tags:

accidents, color tests, colors, mask, masking tape, paint brushes, paint fumes, paint trays, painting project, pretty time, sponges, wear goggles, Woodwork

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