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About This Project
A first-class paint job takes time, patience, the right tools and high-quality paints. We'll show you how to:
- organize tasks so you can move to the next step without waiting
- get prep work done easier and faster
- use fast-drying primers and sealers to avoid downtime
- produce a smooth look with brushes and rollers
- caulk and mask trim for crisp, flawless corners and joints.
I used to think I was a pretty good amateur painter. That is, until I worked with a real pro, my new painting guru, Butch Zang. Like other successful tradespeople, he has to get the job done quickly and properly to keep his business healthy. The word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers take care of all his marketing needs. You won't find him in the yellow pages.) Butch's shortcuts and methodical, organized painting techniques were designed to save him time, eliminate callbacks and make him more money. Next time you paint, try Butch's system -- you'll be surprised at the speed and quality of your work. And you won't get any more testy callbacks from your spouse!
Preparation
Organize Your Work So You'll Never Have to Stop.
Follow a sequence of steps that'll allow you to let one part of the prep work dry while you go on to the next chore. The first few steps will give you the idea: Seal water stains on the ceiling and, while they're drying, sand, degloss and prime the woodwork. While the primer dries, put the first coat of paint on the ceiling and so on. If you're the kind of person who would prefer to work your tail off for a weekend rather than stretch the project out over several relaxed days, this story is especially for you. But even if you prefer the laid-back approach to painting, following these steps will yield excellent results with less hassle.
Allow a weekend to completely finish two average-sized rooms. You should try to get through step 10 on Saturday. You'll need to hustle, but you'll complete the bulk of the work. Saturday's caulking will dry overnight so you can tape the woodwork and finish up on Sunday. You'll be done with the whole job in time to have supper and catch 60 Minutes that night.
Spend 15 Minutes Clearing the Room
Painting is enough of a chore without having to weave your way through a room full of furnishings. Remove everything you can, including couches and dressers. If something is too large or heavy to move, put it in the middle of the room and cover it with .5-mil painter's plastic. Complete the paint prep work by taping the carpeting down to the bottom of the baseboards and running dropcloths over the top of the tape. It's worth investing in canvas dropcloths to protect your floors. Although you may be tempted to substitute cheap plastic sheeting, canvas stays put and offers a non-slip surface. It's easiest to buy a couple of 9' x 12' drops, but you could just buy one and move it around to follow your painting.
CAUTION:
If your home was built before 1978, test your paint for lead before sanding or scraping it. Lead in dust causes lead poisoning, especially in young children. Use a test kit available from any paint store, or contact your local health department for the addresses of reliable testing labs. If you have lead paint that's in good condition, use a deglosser rather than sanding it. If your lead paint is flaking, call 800-424-LEAD for the free EPA guide "Reducing Lead Hazards When Remodeling Your Home."
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