Paints and Stains

Change your walls; change your mood. Painting is the easiest — and least expensive - way to perk up a room. You’ll be painting like a pro with these easy-to-follow tips (and tools) that give you everything you need to pour on the style.

You’ll need:

A good quality 3” paintbrush (synthetic bristles)
2” angled brush for trim and corners (synthetic bristles)
Plastic tarps or newspapers
Spackle
Painter's tape
Putty knife
Fine grade (000) sandpaper
Clean rags
Roller with extension pole
Disposable paint tray
Disposable rubber gloves
Stirring stick
Primer (latex)
Paint (latex)
Trim paint (semi-gloss enamel)

For staining:

2” natural bristle brush
Wood filler
Tack cloth

1. Prepare. The most important part of painting or staining is the prep work. Cover the floor and furnishings to protect them from spatters. Tape around windows, doors, baseboards, electrical outlets and lights. Fill in nail holes and patch cracks with a putty knife and Spackle. Let the Spackle dry, sand smooth, then wipe down the walls with a damp rag to remove dust and debris.

2. Prime. Prime your walls with a latex primer applied with a good quality roller. To save time, tint the primer to blend in with the final wall shade by stirring a small amount of your colored paint into the primer can. Using a 3” brush, “cut in” a horizontal strip across the top of the wall where it meets the ceiling. Starting at the top corner of the room and working your way in, paint a 3’ letter "M", then paint across it to make a square. Repeat until all four walls are painted, and let dry.

3. Paint. A flat or satin finish latex paint offers good coverage and is water-based, making cleanup easier. Apply paint with the same technique used for the primer, going up, down and across for even coverage without lines. Add a second coat, if needed. Touch up corners and around windows and doors with a paintbrush.

4. Trim. Use a small angled trim brush to paint windows, doors and baseboards in a contrasting color. A neutral semi-gloss enamel complements any color scheme and has a scratch-resistant finish. If you’re staining woodwork, fill in holes with wood putty and sand smooth. Lightly sand the entire surface to rough up the finish so the stain will adhere; wipe clean with a tack cloth. Apply stain with a natural bristle brush, wiping excess stain off the brush to avoid drips. Let dry, sand lightly and apply a second coat.