Everything you Need to Know About Painting

Painting is a relativity inexpensive project that many home owners tackle themselves. However, successfully creating an accent wall may prove tougher than you think. Here’s some fast facts about painting as highlighted in HGTV magazine:

You should dip your paint brush one third of the way into a paint can. Many people over-submerge, and waste paint.

Pull off painter’s tape right away. If you wait longer, you could pull off some paint and forgo the opportunity to wipe off any misplaced paint.

The best way to unclog the nozzle of a spray paint can is to flip the can upside down and pray for five seconds. The can will spray compressed air, thus clearing the nozzle. Two cans should be bought to spray paint a medium sized side chair.

Ceiling paint is NOT the same as wall paint. Ceiling paint is formed of white paint that streaks less and covers better than wall paint. If you want a dark color on your ceiling, you may have to use wall paint.

At the end of the day, if you’re not finished painting, wrap your brushes with plastic wrap and secure with a rubber band. Leaving the brushes in water could saturate them and dilute the paint. Leaving them in a paint can lets in too much air and may dry the paint out.

Skim coat your walls if they’re uneven. Applying a thin layer of compound to even out the wall before its painted can prevent a bumpy finish.

A good exterior paint job should last 8-12 years. 100% acrylic exterior paint with a long-term warranty is your best bet. Don’t use latex paint over something previously painted with oil-based plaint. This could cause your paint to bubble and crack once it’s dry.

Buy low VOC (volatile organize compounds) paint. These chemicals can cause headaches and irritate eyes.

Canvas drop cloths are better than plastic drop cloths for covering floors. Plastic is slippery and not very durable; it’s better used for protecting furniture and fixtures.

You need about a gallon of paint per 400 square feet. Also consider layers, doors, and windows. The paint calculator at sherwinwilliams.com is a good resource.

Finally, when you’re shopping for paint, you may wonder why some are more expensive than others. This is most often due to the fact that they’re made with high-quality, concentrated pigments, which make colors look rich on walls but contain pricy ingredients.

For a detailed demonstration on how to paint a wall, click on the video below. 

Putting the 'Beach' in Beach Home.

While the Midwest isn’t exactly on the ocean, it does sport a number of lakes that are home to costal-inspired getaways. HGTV magazine lists a number of decorating tips that can help you create your tropical retreat regardless of your distance to the beach.

Let as much light in as possible. Linen curtains are heavy enough to block the sun when needed, but their loose weaves allow light to filter in. Linen can also be used for your bed’s headboard.

Use soothing colors (nothing too dark) on walls and for furniture. White furniture, countertops, cabinets, and bedding/couch cushions are easily complimented by soft shades of blue, green and brown to achieve a serene look. Using coastal patterns (fish, sailboats, anchors, etc.) is a great idea for throw pillows. Blue and green tile and backsplash should be paired with white bathrooms and kitchens. Wide plantation shutters (also in white) compliment this color scheme. As for the home’s exterior, grey stone siding (with white trim and a light blue door) is classically coastal.

Rattan chairs provide a naturally woven look. Using thick rope can also achieve this image, and is quite versatile. A ball of thick rope can be used as a door stop, the base of a lamp, or the border of a picture frame or mirror. Big woven baskets can be used to hold pillows and blankets, or could be used as a laundry basket.

Distressed finishes (think whitewashed mirror frames, consoles and tables) mimic driftwood. These antique finishes make furniture look slightly weathered. A burnt oak stain can also be used to achieve an aged, washed ashore look.

Decorate with art. Take advantage of shells and coral—a capiz chandelier makes a wonderfully beachy fixture. Sea glass makes for nice knobs, drinking glasses, and decorative bottles. Coastal art (beach and seaside scenes) is a quick way to turn a house into a beach house. You can also use furniture as art—consider putting a sailboat bed in a child’s room, with a lamp that looks like a lighthouse and nautical flags hanging on the walls. Striped rugs are nautical additions to any room.