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Painting Tool Tips from Professional Painters

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With so many options, what are the best tips to start painting? There are many great ideas from professional painters and painting contractors.  If you go to them and ask them what the best way to paint a room is, you will get a variety of results depending on style, training and preference. But regardless, a well qualified painting contractor will provide great insight into the best way to paint your home, as well as increase the speed and quality of your finished room.  However you decide to approach painting the interior or exterior of your home, you will have a sense of pride when the job is done right.

Each painter has their own technique when it comes to application and the types of materials used on a job.  Some painters may tell you to that it is best to tape the trim of the room before painting.  But some may actually disagree on this point and tell you to use the cutting in method.   If you do tape off a room, it is best to use “painter’s  tape” that is less likely to tear or stick to the paint. Taping off the edges can in some cases allow you to move faster with less worry about the edge of the door or window, but in some cases the new paint can come off when you remove the tape after painting.   Some professionals use an edging tool instead of paint, in some cases it can be faster and more proficient since you won’t remove any of the paint when the tape is taken off. They will almost all agree however that taking wall outlet covers off is a necessity.  

Many will also argue as to whether using a traditional roller, or a newer filled roller is the best painting method.  Traditional paint rollers are commonly used in part due to the price of the rollers.   The traditional rollers are cheap and can be thrown away if need be, making them the choice of many professionals.   There are some professionals however that would tell you to use a newer filled roller.  Using one of these rollers cuts out a large portion of the mess, and also allows you to paint without a drop cloth or a rolling pan.  Because you will not have to use a drop cloth or rolling pan you will be able to paint faster and get the walls done more proficiently.  

Some will tell you to either paint in small portions or in large squares.   Painting in smaller sections will allow you to pay attention to detail and lessen the chance of streaks.  You should start with a small squared section perfecting it to making sure not to have streaks.  Then you should work your way out from the section you have painted to the edges of the walls, the goal is to get the entire section you are painting done before the paint dries.  This way you can make sure all the streaks are out before it dries and is permanent.

May painters if asked will disclose the fact that the room will only look as good as the quality of paint you choose to use. If you choose to use a paint that is cheap, the outcome will in many cases look cheap.  With that in mind, you should choose higher quality paint for a smoother, longer lasting cover. Using a higher quality of paint will also allow you to use less paint since it will cover better with fewer coats of paint.  Choosing a mid-quality to high-quality paint rather than a cheaper substitute will allow you to go further not only with the elasticity of the paint you purchased, but the outcome of the project as well.  

What about paint pads? If you have been shopping for painting supplies lately, you have most likely seen paint pads. These are not a new invention but have been greatly improved over the past few years. You may have even seen some on TV recently. These are great for particular types of jobs. They are best used for flat surfaces, doors, window trim and trimming walls. There is a plastic or metal guard that snaps up and down, so you can flip the guard up while soaking up paint. This guard will keep the paint off your ceiling or other edge when it is snapped down. It is important to remember to ensure the excess paint is wiped off the pad, much like a paint brush, or the paint will squeeze out from under the pad.

As you see, you have many options when you decide to paint. If you take care and consideration while painting, you will achieve the results that you desire. Be sure to use your professional resources as you make this investment in your home.  And if you have questions or concerns or you may want to seek the help of a professional, be sure to utilize our online directory of qualified painters in your area.