Painting 101

Nothing makes a faster statement than painting. One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is paint! The cost of painting is low and the labor is fairly simple but there are still pitfalls when painting. Learning all the ins and outs of painting will make your next painting project a huge success. Learn the different types of paint, what supplies you need to have handy and different painting techniques. We also offer advice on how to choose the right color of paint, because after all painting with the right color makes all the difference in the world!

There are two basic types of house paint. Latex or water based paints offer the easiest use and clean up. Latex performs well on interior walls and ceilings; its quick drying time prevents the kinds of ripples and sags that can occur with slower-drying oil based finishes finishes. For brick, concrete and cinder block, only latex should be used. Latex paint has less odor and clean up is easy with soap and water. The sheen of a paint is the amount of light reflected by the surface of a paint finish. There are four basic sheens: flat, satin, semi gloss and gloss.

Oil based paint is a preferred paint for use in high traffic areas, such as, kitchens and bathrooms because it is very durable, and cleans easily. Oil is a great paint to use because it has a distinctive "warm" look to it - especially when using higher sheens - and really does stand up to wear and tear better than latex. Again, compared to latex, it is a little messier with which to work and clean up, and does tend to have a stronger odor. A great paint to use on woodwork, cabinets (especially bathroom and kitchen), and trim work, particularly when you want the finish to last a long time, and keep it's sheen. oil based paints need turpentine or mineral spirits for clean up and it is important to brush on thin coats when using an oil base paint.

It's important to realize that you can't paint latex paint on top of something that has been painted with an oil base paint. To test for oil or latex paint on walls, spread some fingernail paint-remover (acetone-based) in a small place that's not noticeable. This will remove latex, but not affect oil in anyway. If you find you have an oil based paint and want to paint over it using latex paint, you will need to add a coat of oil based primer first. Be sure and let the primer dry at least 24 hours before painting on top of it.

There are several different sheens of paint to choose from:

* Flat Paints exhibit non-reflective properties providing a matte finish. This finish helps hide surface imperfections, and is normally used for ceilings and walls in areas not subjected to a lot of wear and tear, dining rooms, living rooms and bedrooms not used by small children.
* Satin Finish also know as eggshell finish, provides a soft luster sheen similar to that of an eggshell. A satin finish provides a harder surface finish which is more durable and more stain resistant than a flat finish. This durability makes satin paint a good choice for walls in children's rooms, hallways, stairways and family rooms.
* Semi gloss Paints are very durable, they are easier to clean, and are more stain resistant than satin finish paints. Semi gloss paints are most often used on heavy wear surfaces or areas that are frequently cleaned such as kitchens and bathrooms. Semi gloss paint is also used on wood trim and cabinets.
* Gloss Paint is a harder, more durable, more stain resistant paint finish. It is easier to clean than all the other paint finishes. Gloss finishes generally make surface imperfections more noticeable. Gloss finishes are the best choice for heavy wear areas like kitchens, bathrooms, furniture and cabinets, floors, stairs, handrails, high traffic doors and trim.

Now that you know what type of paint to purchase you need to choose the color. Paint color can help you open up rooms that appear small and dark or have low ceilings. Using shades of white or yellow provides an expansive, airy look. Large rooms that seem sterile and lack a cozy feel may benefit from shades of brown or dark blue. Several factors figure into color selection. Personal preference, or colors a person feels comfortable with, is one of the biggest factors in color selection. Color can reflect a person's cultural heritage or traditions. Blue, for example, signifies stability in one culture, trouble in another. Colors also set moods that play a role in color choice. Warm oranges and reds may stimulate appetites, while cool greens and blues can appear calming. Orange-yellows seem welcoming. Color choices also offer cooler reds and warmer blues that cross traditional color-wheel boundaries. If the plan is to remake the entire room, coordinate the paint colors when selecting the floor and window coverings and upholstery fabric. Bring samples to the paint dealer to ensure a good match.  Don't rely on small paint chips to decide your color, instead narrow your search to two or three colors and buy small sample pints.

Before you begin painting make sure you have all the supplies you need and don't shortcut the prepping process. Use blue paint tape to tape edges and get professional straight lines. You will want to use a roller for large areas and smaller paint brushes for cutting in the edges. An angled brush works great for the ceiling line. Be sure to have something to put over the floor to protect it from spill or splatters. If you are painting with an oil based paint be sure to have turpentine available for clean up.

Prep the wall by removing all light and electrical outlets. Use spackling to fill in any holes or imperfections on the wall. Allow the spackle to dry than rub the spot with sandpaper and wipe away the dust before painting. If your job will use more than one gallon of paint you may want to mix equal parts from each can to avoid any small changes in coloring.

You need to use a primer on wood that has not been painted before. Consider a coat of primer if walls are in bad shape or stained. Primer and tinted primer will save you time paint and money if you are painting a dark color, especially red and black. Primer is also important if you are trying to paint over a dark color that may try to bleed through. Primers/Sealers insure longer lasting paint work as the resins in the finish paints stay on the surface creating the "wear layer" as they are designed to do. Peeling and premature failure is eliminated and this is by far the most important part in getting a long lasting, durable finish.

Besides just standard painting you can try some fun painting techniques such as sponge painting. It's a quick and easy way to achieve a subtle texture and add depth to your walls.