Paint Studio Supplies

How you prepare is almost as important as how you paint! Taking the time to prep your space will help your new paint look its best and hold up over the years.

1. Clear the area as much as possible and move any remaining furniture and other items to the center of the room.
2. Cover the remaining items, floor, and baseboards in plastic sheeting. To avoid walking on a slick surface while you work, you can lay a canvas drop cloth atop the plastic. 
3. Remove electrical plates, switch covers, television outlets, and any other removable hardware on your walls. 
4. Wash the surface with commercial wall-cleaning products or a mix of mild detergent and water to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Rinse with water and dry.
5. If you need to patch or repair cracks or holes before painting, make sure to repair and lightly sand these areas before painting so you’ll have an even surface. 

Always be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on your paint and primer for any additional steps or recommendations before you begin. 

Dip your brush into your paint, coating about ⅓ of the bristles. Tap the brush, but do not scrape the sides of the container. 

Starting at the edges of your surface, paint a 2-inch strip along with the ceiling, floors, and trim. Use smooth strokes and feather out the edges as you go. This first step is known as cutting in. 

After you’ve cut in all of the edges and around all trim on one wall, switch to a paint roller to fill in the rest of the wall. To complete this step, move your roller back and forth in the paint tray until it is evenly coated, and then remove the excess paint by rolling it over the tray’s ridges. 

Using an “N” or zigzag pattern, roll upwards first to minimize drips. Repeat this process every 2 feet as you move across the wall, working slowly and overlapping your lines until the wall is filled. 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your paint to determine how much time to leave between applying the first coat and the second coat.  Every paint company has specific instructions on how to achieve the perfect paint job.

Start by removing any hardware, shutters, screens, or other embellishments. Then, clean your home’s surface and allow it to dry. If you have shrubs or plants, cover them with plastic sheeting and tie them back to your foundation. 

When painting outdoors, you may need to be mindful of the temperature, humidity, and other elements depending on the type of paint you’re using and the manufacturer’s guidelines. In general, you should not paint in direct sunlight, in near-freezing temperatures, or directly before or after rain. 

Start at the top of your house and work your way down, following your home’s natural lines. Once you’ve painted your home’s edges, you can switch to a roller to fill in just as you would indoors. 

There are several ways to remove paint, but only if you’re certain it’s safe to do so. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. A lead test is necessary to determine if the paint in older homes can be removed safely and should be completed by a professional.

If you know it’s safe to remove your paint, you should still take proper precautions and wear goggles, a respirator, protective clothing, and gloves. 

Chemical paint strippers soften the finish on old paint, making it easier to scrape off. Always check the chemical solvents’ specifications to make sure they won’t damage or alter the underlying surface. 

Sanders and heat guns can also be used to remove paint from some surfaces, but as with chemical paint strippers, these also damage the underlying material if not careful. If you’re unsure of the best approach for your situation or surface, it’s best to consult with an expert before any attempts. 

Many variables will cause paint to dry faster or slower than average, such as the paint type, temperature, and humidity. In general, latex paints are fastest-drying and can be dry to the touch in an hour and ready for a second coat in four hours. It can take anywhere from two weeks to one month for latex paint to fully cure.

Oil-based paints can take up to eight hours to dry and require 24 hours between the first and second coat, but they tend to cure faster. Use your paint manufacturer’s estimates as a guide when calculating the time needed for a project.

Every piece of furniture is different, and the process will vary depending on the materials and paints. Generally, it’s best to start by cleaning and drying the surface. The primer should then be applied unless you are using a two-in-one formulation.

Just as you would when painting a room or a house, start painting at the top of the item and work your way down so you can smooth over any drips along the way. Once you’ve applied the first coat, allow it to dry in a cool, dry place where it won’t be disturbed. Repeat with additional coats, as needed, and allow the paint to thoroughly dry and cure before using the furniture.

You might not use all the paint in your bucket, but you should save it for future touch-ups. Properly seal paint cans and store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.

The temperature for storing paint should be between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Tip: consider your climate when choosing a location to store paint. Your leftover paint should not freeze, so if you live in Montana, storing it outdoors is not the best choice.

Unopened paint can last up to 10 years (latex) or 15 years (oil-based) if properly stored. Once opened, use within 2-5 years for best results.

You should still check your paint before putting it on your walls to make sure it is still good to use. If you have any questions about the quality of your paint, give us a call!

If you have paint supplies and don’t know what to do with them after using them, we’ve got you covered! The best way to store paint brushes after a project is to thoroughly clean and let them dry completely. Hang them or lay them flat wrapped in their protective material.