Housing...Inside and Out

September 17, 1999
It's Time To Paint

Read the manufacturer's directions for paint mixing instructions. Most paints must be mixed well. However, others such as enamels should not be mixed at all.

If the paint needs mixing, have the paint dealer mix it by machine when purchasing the paint. There is no foolproof way to know how long dealer-mixed paint can sit before it separates. If you paint within a week or 10 days, you should be safe.

Before painting check the paint to see if it is well mixed. Stir with a paddle. Check to be sure that the heavy pigment has not settled to the bottom.

If it has settled pour most of the liquid into another can. Stir the remaining part until it is smooth. Do not stir in a circular motion. Roll the paddle from the bottom of the can to the top. Add a little of the liquid that you poured off and continue to roll the paddle. Repeat until all of the paint is evenly mixed.

Thin only as a last resort. If the paint sags as you apply it, if it is too thick and globby, or if you just can't get the pigment stirred up, then you may need to thin the paint. Thinning may change the color a little. Thin water-base paints with water and solvent-base paints with mineral spirits or paint thinner. Be sure of the manufacturer's instructions.

The two primary methods for applying interior paint are brush and roller. Each has its advantages and techniques.

The brush insures good contact for surfaces with pores, cracks and crevices. It is especially good for primer coats and it is flexible. Painting from a brim full can is asking for trouble. Pour part of the well-mixed paint into another bucket.

The paint can is bound to get messy as paint collects in the groove that holds the lid. Find a nail and hammer and punch a couple of holes in the bottom of the groove. Most of the paint will return to the can from the groove and the lid will cover the holes when you seal the can.

Dip the brush into the container to about one-third or one-half the length of the bristles. Press the sides of the bristles gently against the inside of the can. Do not draw the brush across the rim or you will get clumpy bristles and a lot of paint in the groove.

Hold the brush comfortably near the base of the handle and exert pressure with your fingertips. Unload the brush with a sweeping, crescent-shaped stroke in a small area. Then finish the stroke all the same direction into the previously painted area.

A roller works well on large, flat surfaces. If it drips when lifted from the tray, there is too much paint on the roller.

Fill the roller by rolling it slowly into the well, which is the lower end of the tray. Move it back and forth until well covered. Roll it back onto the ridges in the slanted upper portion of the tray, and lightly roll back and forth to remove any excess paint.

Paint a large "V" or "W" in a 2-to-3-feet wide area of wall. Then roll crosswise to spread paint evenly and finish with light up and down strokes. Do not move the roller too quickly because it will spray droplets of paint everywhere.

The airless spray applicators are most frequently used for hard-to-reach surfaces such as shutters, louver doors, wicker furniture and screens. They can be used indoors but require extra precautions to avoid spraying paint where you do not want it.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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