Save Time With Easy Painting Pointers

(MS) - The walls and ceilings throughout a home usually form the backdrop for room furnishings, drapes and other decorations. Choosing a color can be hard enough, but choosing the right kind of paint can be just as important. At a home center, it's easy to get overwhelmed by aisle after aisle of paints and equipment. Following are some hints for navigating your way through the paint options.


TYPES OF PAINT

No matter how many different varieties there are, they all fit into a number of broad categories.

· Flat latex paint is water-based and has a dull, matte finish. It remains one of the more popular options because it's user-friendly - easy to work with and low odor. Flat latex is suitable for all walls and ceilings, especially those freshly plastered, since it allows the plaster to dry out thoroughly.

· Vinyl flat latex is water-based, but it's easier to clean than traditional flat latex paint; it dries to a wipeable-matte finish. It's also more durable - suitable for all walls - since the paint's matte properties help to conceal many surface imperfections.

· Vinyl gloss latex paint is water-based and quick-drying. It dries to high sheen. The gloss finish makes washing easy, and makes the paint a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. It also can be used for all walls and ceilings.

· Semigloss paint is oil-based and dries to a medium sheen. Although many brands are available, some have less of an odor, and are more user-friendly than others. This paint particularly is suitable for high-wear areas.

MEASURE TWICE

Accuracy when estimating the amount you need will save you money and reduce waste. Calculate the surface areas of walls by multiplying the height of a room from the ceiling to the floor (or baseboard) by the entire length of the perimeter of the floor. Use the same dimensions to calculate the surface area of the ceiling. Do not subtract the areas of doors, windows and extras like molding, wall or window recesses, pillars and covered beams from your calculations. This way, you can be sure that you will have paint left over for any necessary touch ups later on. Also, remember that most walls will require two coats of paint.

SAFETY FIRST

As with any home-improvement project, safety always should be the one of your first and foremost concerns. Here are some safety pointers to consider.

· Prevent injury - be sure to store painting materials and tools away from children and pets.

· Follow instructions - read all manufacturers' guidelines with regard to proper use of materials and equipment before you begin your project.

· Climb safely - inspect all ladders and stepladders to make sure they are safe to use and show no serious signs of wear.

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wall painting, paint, walls, ceilings, room, ceiling painting, home

Painting Pointers

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