Walls & Painting Articles

Video / Updated 08-09-2023

A brush is a brush, right? Not quite. If you know how to choose the right paintbrush, you can save time painting. Choosing a paintbrush requires a good understanding of what each brush does and what your project requires. Paintbrushes come in various shapes and sizes, each with a different purpose in mind. To choose right brush you need to consider the paint you'll be using, the cost, and the finish you want. Paint Choice: If you’re using latex paint you'll need synthetic bristles, but if you’re using oil-based paint or a varnish, spend the extra money to get a good quality natural bristle brush. The better the quality of natural bristles the smoother and glossier the finish you'll achieve. Handles: Handles are made of a wide variety of wood or plastic materials. They also come in many different sizes and shapes. With all those choices, the only one that really matters is how it feels. Get a handle that feels comfortable in your hand. Size: Smaller brushes, called trim or sash brushes, are intended for use in small, tight spaces, and if the bristles are tapered, they are able to get into corners and grooves much more easily than a flat-bottomed brush of the same size. Likewise, wider brushes (called paint or wall brushes) are designed for painting large flat surfaces. As you increase the width of the brush, you compromise control and precision. The following paintbrushes are helpful to keep around. 1-inch angled sash brush: Choose one with a stubby handle to paint edges and trim. 2-inch angled sash brush: This brush is used for cutting in corners and edges, and painting narrow window sashes and sills. 3-inch flat bristle sash brush: We recommend the regular handle; use it for wide trim and sashes. Small chip brush: Use this brush to get paint into tight corners and spaces. 5-inch wall brush: Use this one for floors, walls, and ceilings.

Video / Updated 08-08-2023

A roller is a roller, right? Not quite. Knowing how to choose the right paint roller can save you time. Choosing the right paint roller requires a good understanding of what your project requires. Paint rollers come in various sizes and roller covers come in different coverings, each with a different purpose in mind. To choose right roller you need to consider the size of paint roller you want and the kind of surface you'll be painting. Roller cages (the skeletal frame that includes the handle and “ribs” that rotate) and their covers come in several lengths. Rollers are available in mini to 12-inch (and bigger) sizes. The mini (or trim) rollers are good for painting woodwork and other small areas. To work on walls and ceilings, choose a 9-inch roller; the larger sizes are heavier and will make you tire more quickly. A roller cage with plastic ribs holds up better than cardboard cages. Plastic can be cleaned, and it lasts longer than a cheaper version. You have to select the length of the nap on covers and what it’s made of. Roller nap is made from natural or synthetic fibers. Nap is available in various lengths, so use the one recommended for the surface you’re painting. In general, the longer the nap, the more paint it will hold. Use the following as a general guideline. 1/4-inch nap for smooth or fine surfaces, such as new walls, ceilings, wood doors, and trim 3/8-inch nap for smooth to light-textured walls 1/2-inch nap for most walls and medium rough surfaces, such as textured plaster, and concrete 3/4-inch nap for rough surfaces, such as textured walls and ceilings, textured plaster, and concrete 3/8- or 1/2-inch nap is a good general-purpose roller cover. You find helpful information about selecting the right tool for your project on the packaging, and you can ask a salesperson for help. Choose a roller cover based on the texture of the surface to be painted.

Video / Updated 08-08-2023

Getting water based paints out of your paint brushes is easy, and you won't make a mess, if you have the right tools and follow the appropriate steps. Mild liquid soap cleans away latex paint, but a paint brush comb will be sure to get all of the paint so you can use the brush again on future paint jobs.

Video / Updated 08-07-2023

Latex paint is water based, and alkyd paint is oil based. Latex paint dries much faster than oil-based paint and it comes in a range of finishes, from flat to glossy. Alkyd (oil-based) paint is often used in high-end kitchen renovations.

Video / Updated 08-07-2023

Getting oil paints out of your paint brushes is easy if you have the right tools and follow the right steps. Since you have to use paint thinner to remove oil paint from brushes, it's very important to be sure you're cleaning your brushes in a well-ventilated room and away from flames. You should also where protective eye goggles and gloves.

Video / Updated 08-07-2023

Dust that collects around doors, windows, corners, and even on your wall surface, can ruin your paint job. Clean your walls before you paint to be sure that your finished paint job looks great.

Video / Updated 08-07-2023

Adding vertical stripes to a wall creates a great effect for bathrooms, dining rooms, hallways, and other spaces in your home. Make sure your base color is the lighter of the two. Aim for a stripe between 8 and 12 inches wide.

Video / Updated 08-07-2023

Before you repaint a room, you need to prepare the walls for the change. This video shows you the supplies you need to prepare your walls properly for a perfect paint job.

Video / Updated 08-04-2023

Before you paint your walls, you may run into damage that needs to be repaired. This video highlights some of the tools you might need to make both small and large repairs on your wall so that you end up with a beautiful finish.

Video / Updated 08-04-2023

Can't decide whether you should paint with a flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss finish? Consider the room's lighting, how often it will need to be cleaned, and the tips in this video to find the perfect finish for your painting project.