Painting Tips: Getting Organized
- Create a Good Working Space
It's important to have a good working space for any project.
Step 1
Place drop cloths under the areas being painted. Also be sure to cover downspouts, flowers and shrubs, sidewalks and patios. Weight down corners with rocks or bricks to prevent drop cloths from lifting in the wind and touching freshly painted surfaces.
Step 2
Carefully inspect all areas to be painted for peeling or cracking paint, rotted wood boards or trim, and clogged or loose downspouts or gutters. These areas need to be repaired or replaced before painting.
Step 3
Paint when the air and surface temperatures are between 50F (10C) and 85F (29C). Ideal conditions are 75F (24C) and 50% relative humidity. Do not paint if rain is anticipated within 8 hours.
- Tips
If you take a short break from painting, you can wrap your applicators tightly in a plastic bag or wrap or aluminum foil instead of washing them! Store away from heat.
Always be sure to stir the paint thoroughly before using and do not thin.
If you detect any small lumps or strings in the paint, strain it before painting. (A nylon stocking works well for straining paint).
If you are using more than one gallon of the same color, mix them together in a large container, then reseal them in the original containers to store until you need them. This will ensure color consistency from one container to the next.
