Ten steps to a
perfect paint job
SPONSORED BY
IF YOU ARE A DO-IT-YOURSELFER, you can spruce up your house by repainting parts of it or even the whole structure. The right tools and techniques
will help to ensure a professional look. Here are some pro painting tips to use
with a spray painter.
1. Remove peeling paint and dirt by sanding, scraping or pressure-washing
the surface. Patch small cracks and seams with caulk and add primer to any
bare wood. Remove shutters and cover windows, doors, the ground around
the house, bushes, flowers, trees, deck, etc.
2. When selecting primer, choose a breathable oil primer to allow moisture
buildup from inside the house to escape.
3. Choose a color that will complement existing features such as the roof,
doors, railings, brick or other surfaces that will not be painted.
4. Dark colors require more maintenance because they fade quicker and are
more difficult to touch up. Remember that light colors make objects seem
larger; dark colors make them seem smaller, but can be used to draw attention to details.
5. Glossy surfaces are easier to clean; however, the glossier the surface, the
more likely it is to show imperfections.
6. Don’t forget to test your color in a small area before you paint—colors
almost always look different on the surface than you imagine they will.
7. Cover the primer with two coats of 100 percent acrylic latex paint to resist
mildew and hold color best. Avoid painting if rain or very high humidity is
predicted within 24 hours, and be sure to finish early enough for the surface
to dry before evening dew sets in.
8. Practice on a piece of scrap wood or cardboard before you spray to test
your spray pattern. Start painting from top to bottom in back-and-forth or
up-and-down motions that are slightly overlapping.
9. Keep your arm moving at a constant
speed and keep the sprayer at a constant
distance from the surface—between
10 and 14 inches is recommended. Be
sure to stop the flow of paint at the end
of each stroke before moving to the next
stroke. This will help you avoid an uneven finish.
10. If you are going to be painting a
surface with details, spray the base (or
dominant) coat first and paint the details with a brush.
Remember to allow proper time
for the paint to dry, and enjoy a home
that is protected from winter’s harsh
elements. A
This article sponsored by Wagner.®
Wagner Spray Tech is the maker
of high-quality spray-painting tools
available at Costco.
