KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - PROPER TOOLS MAKE PAINTING EASY
Painting is the one do-it-yourself project where a modest investment can get you the same high quality tools that the professionals use.
Brushes
You can buy a brush that can last you forever. Look for a natural bristle brush from a good manufacturer. The cost is under thirty dollars.
Clean after every use, hang up with the bristles hanging down and this brush will last you a lifetime. Water is sufficient for water based latex and turpentine for oil-based paints. The best size is a three inch long handled brush.
You use the brush to do what we call cutting. You will go around the entire wall, around windows and other trim then fill in with a roller.
Choose a straight brush with flagged tips. This is a trade term meaning the tips of the brush are split to help the brush hold more paint and spread it more smoothly.
Rollers
A ten inch roller should be sufficient for most DIY (do-it-yourself) needs. You can load it up with paint, apply several horizontal strokes, and then spread them evenly across the wall with vertical strokes.
Buy a roller with a hollow threaded handle. This type can be attached to an extension pole to use on ceilings and hard to reach areas like stairwells.
Roller Sleeves
Models with a short nap produce the smoothest surface, but they don't hold much paint. These rollers are best used with oil based paint where you need a flat, reflective surface. A medium nap roller is best for most painting projects.
Pans
Rollers and pans are often sold together. Buy inexpensive plastic pan liners for easier clean-up.
Pour a small amount of paint in the pan, roll the sleeve over, and roll off the excess on the ridged slope of the pan
Drop cloths
It' O.K. to use cheap plastic to cover furniture and light fixtures. You really want to use thicker plastic or better yet cloth drop cloths on the floor. They tend not to slip as easily as plastic.
With good tools, a little know-how and preparation you can make painting a breeze.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
