Interior Painting 6 - Applying Paint

Intro - Checklist - Prep - Wall Prep - Repairs - Apply - Cutting In - Large Surfaces - Trim

You will be painting your woodwork and trim last, but you need to prep it before beginning to paint, or else the debris from prepping will settle on the new paint. Usually woodwork and trim are painted with an enamel or glossy paint, which will have to be roughed up so that the new paint will adhere properly. You can use a chemical deglossing agent or lightly sand with steel wool or fine-grit sandpaper. If you are using a chemical, avoid those containing ethyl alcohol, which can make you sick.

Often you need to scrape off old deteriorating paint. If it's in bad condition you may even need to use a water-soluble gel remover. Also, fill all dents and gouges with wood putty or patching compound. Avoid fast-drying compound; it is hard to sand. If the gouge is over 1/8", use two layers. Always sand where the old paint is breaking away from the underlying surface.

Applying the Paint

Properly applying the paint is your final step toward a professional-looking paint job. You have prepped the surfaces and chosen the right paint and applicators and now the fun starts.

Before applying paint, be sure that it is properly mixed. Professionals use a system called "boxing." This process assures that there are no mismatches among different cans of paints. Mix all your paint into one large container until the paint's color and consistency are uniform. It is important to prepare enough paint to cover all surfaces with this mix, since matching can be difficult if you run out.

Air often causes a scum on oil-based paints. In this case you will need to strain it through a nylon stocking to separate this "skin." Also, if you are thinning paint with either a thinner for oil based paints or water for water based, thin slowly so as not to over-thin and thereby require adding more paint. Finally, use a nail and hammer to punch a hole in the rim of the can so that excess paint will drip back in.

There is a sequence often used in painting which I recommend:

1. Ceilings
2. Walls
3. Trim (windows, door, then baseboard)

By painting the ceilings first you can be sure that any drips falling on the walls will be covered. When painting the walls, always paint from the top down, again to be sure drips are covered. And, finally, do the trim so that any paint that accidentally gets on the trim can be covered.

Needless to say, wear old clothes. A hat and scarf or hooded sweatshirt is recommended while doing the ceilings (unless you want to try some unusual hair coloring combinations). Again, be sure that everything is properly prepped and covered.

Intro - Checklist - Prep - Wall Prep - Repairs - Apply - Cutting In - Large Surfaces - Trim

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