Posts Tagged ‘paint’

Select a Great Paint Color for Your Home Interior

Monday, February 8th, 2010

It looks so simple and easy when you are watching a home improvement program on television. A home makeover project is in progress and the decision is made to do some interior painting. Then, just like magic, there is a beautiful new color on the walls of the room. Everyone is smiling, the room looks great, and gosh, it only took a couple of seconds for the transformation!


Your life isn’t like television – it never works this way. I know, my life is never that simple or easy, either. However, selecting a paint color for an interior room or space in your home doesn’t have to be an agonizing process. There are some steps you can take to help you make a good decision when selecting a wall color and, therefore, become one of those happy, smiling people when the project is complete.


Before heading out to the paint store to pick color swatches there are two decisions that need to be made. First, determine the scope of your project, which means that you need to decide if you are going to paint one room, two rooms and a hallway, the entire Great Room, and so on. It seems so simple as to be obvious, but don’t assume, just go ahead and make the decision mentally or write it down in a notebook.


The second part of that question is this: Are there defined ’starting and stopping points’? To answer this question, go into the area and literally look at all of the walls in question. Make sure that the walls of your project flow together and are within the scope of your project. For example, I have seen a kitchen/nook area of a home where the kitchen walls were painted a different color than the nook. That’s fine, except the homeowner just stopped with one color in the middle of the wall above the cabinets, so there was definitely something unfinished about the look of the area! Don’t make that mistake. Look carefully at each wall in the area, also considering any fascia or soffits you may have.


The other decision you should make is regarding the budget. How much money do you want to, or are you able to, spend on the paint decorating project? Again, it seems so simple. But before you run out and buy the paint, you should decide:


1. What brand of paint am I going to use? Some brands and types of paint are more costly than others. Is your project area large? Then you will need more paint. If you might be covering a dark paint with a lighter color, you will need two coats of paint and possibly a primer.


2. Who is going to do the painting? If you are going to hire out the project, it makes sense to get some estimates before spending any money.


3. How many colors of paint will be used in the project? Are you going to have an accent wall or area? Are you going to faux finish any of the space? Try to determine an overall plan at this point.


Once you have decided the scope of the project and a realistic budget, it is then time to think about actual paint colors. Following are some suggestions for you to consider when selecting a wall color.


How much of a change are you considering for the room? Do you want to add some drama to the area? Look at some deeper or brighter shades of colors. Or, a more subtle and neutral look might be more in your design comfort zone. In that case, keep the colors more neutral; consider one of the hundreds of shades of off-whites. Remember that a paint chip is a teeny, tiny little piece of color. It looks more intense when you put it on your very large walls. You might want to start with a shade that is less intense on the paint chip and test how it will appear on the walls. We’ll talk more about that soon.


Are you going to work with an existing color in the area or introduce a new color? If you are thinking about a new and different color, make sure it will enhance the color scheme that is currently in the room. Your furniture and accessories should have new life and interest with the addition of a new color. Another great technique is to work with an existing color in the room and play it up on the walls by selecting a lighter or darker shade of that color.


It is always a wise decision to test your potential color choices before painting the entire room. Purchase paint samples if possible, or a quart if necessary, and prepare a color board. It’s very simple. Just take a white poster board and put two coats of paint on it. You’ll then have a good idea of the actual color. Put the color board in all areas of the room over a 24 to 48 hour period by taping it to the wall with masking/painting tape. You want to see the color at different times of the day, and in the evening with artificial light.


Following these simple steps will help ensure that you select a color you’ll be happy with in your spaceScience Articles, and minimize stress and frustration because you’ve made the important decisions at the beginning of the project. That’s how to complete your paint project with a smile!

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How To Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets In Six Steps

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Copyright (c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting

Painting your kitchen cabinets is a great alternative to purchasing new cabinets. Not only can you save a lot of money but if done correctly the results are fantastic.

The most simple way to complete this project is to leave the inside of the cabinets unpainted . The inside is only seen when the cabinet is open so I would recommend that you leave them unpainted. Plus if you don’t paint the inside of the cabinets you don’t have to remove everything from inside the cabinets.

Be sure the room is well ventilated because the primer and paint have a strong odor. You may need to use a fan placed close to a door or window in order to pull some of the fumes out of the house.

Step 1. Take off all of the cabinet hardware including all knobs, handles and pulls. Cover all countertops and flooring using drop cloths or tarps. Leave the doors attached. Using painters tape, tape all the hinges on the doors.

Step 2. You will need to clean the cabinets using a cleaning solution such as TSP. This is a cleaning agent which is readily available at most hardware stores. Wash the exterior of all the cabinets that are to be painted using your cleaning solution. Allow the cabinets to fully dry and then sand them to a dull finish using a fine grit sandpaper.

Step 3. Prime cabinets using a good oil based primer such as BIN or Zinsser primer which you can also purchase at most hardware or paint stores. Apply a thin coat of primer using a short nap roller and a brush. Prime the front of the doors first then open and prime the backs of the doors. After priming the doors, prime the remainder of the exposed cabinets. After the primer is completely dry, take your fine grit sandpaper and lightly sand the cabinets.

Step 4. Paint the cabinets using a brush and short nap roller the same way you applied the primer. You can use either oil or latex (water based) paint. The oil is going to be more difficult to apply but will be more durable than the latex. If using oil,you may also need to thin the oil using paint thinner in order to acheive a smooth even finish. Be careful and do not thin the paint too much. Start out by thinning the paint a very small amount and thin more if necessary. You will also need paint thinner for cleaning up the paint and primer.

Step 5. Once the cabinets are completely dry, lightly sand any bubbles that formed in the first coat of paint using fine grit sandpaper. Do not sand so hard that you remove the paint you just put on. Paint the final coat using the same method as before. Allow the cabinets to dry at least 24 hours before reattaching the knobs and pulls.

Step 6. If you used an oil paintFree Reprint Articles, clean the brush and roller sleeve using paint thinner. If you used latex paint you can use regular tap water to clean your brush and roller sleeve. If you used an inexpensive brush and roller sleeve you may want to discard them instead of trying to clean them.

Painting cabinetry can be a tedious task so just take your time and follow the steps in this article. Following these guidelines I believe you will be pleased with the outcome.

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Use Low VOC Paint for a Healthier Baby Nursery

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009

As a result of the “green living” movement, Low or Zero VOC paints are becoming more mainstream. If you’re gearing up to paint your baby’s nursery, here’s what you should know about these new paint alternatives.


Traditional Paints
If you’ve ever painted a room in the past with traditional paint, you probably had to open the windows because of the strong odor. Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds also known as VOCs. VOCs are comprised of a variety of chemicals that can adversely affect your health. In fact, according to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), VOCs can trigger eye, nose and throat irritations, headaches, nausea, and a loss of coordination. Significant exposure may even lead to problems with the kidney, liver and central nervous system.


Many people mistakenly believe that once their paint is dry and the smell is gone, the chemicals are too. However VOCs tend to concentrate indoors and may persist in the air long after painting is finished. To decrease this risk, consider choosing a non toxic paint for the nursery and other rooms in your home as well. There are many benefits to using non toxic paints including:


(*) Easier clean-up with soap and water
(*) Easier disposal options
(*) Less odor during application and usually no odor once the paint is dry
(*) A shorter waiting period to safely occupy the room
(*) Significant reduction in toxins released into the air


Non toxic or Natural Paints
These paints are produced by a variety of manufacturers and come in several options. Many of the paints are now available at mainstream home improvement stores as well as at local specialty paint stores. As with many eco-friendly products, there are no official federal guidelines regarding labeling, so VOC standards may vary by manufacturer. Consult the paint labels or ask your in-store paint specialist for clarification if you have questions. You can also look for paints that have Green Seal certifications.


Types of Non toxic Paints


Low VOC: These paints use water instead of petroleum to carry the paint. To be considered Low VOC, a paint may only contain 250 grams of VOC per liter. Likewise, varnishes are limited to 380 grams of VOC per liter. However, many reputable paint companies offer paints with even lower VOC levels. Look for Green Seal Certifications.


Zero VOC: These paints still contain VOCs but are limited to less than 5 grams of VOC per liter.


Natural Paints: These safe paints are made solely from natural ingredients, including substances like water, clay, chalk, plant dyes, natural latex and even milk and beeswax. You can search for natural paints online.


Decorating a baby nursery can be a loving way to prepare for your newborn’s arrival. If your plans involve painting the walls, choosing non toxic or natural paints is great way to reduce potential household toxins and give your precious baby the gift of healthy indoor air.

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How To Paint A Concrete Floor

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Copyright (c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting

Unpainted concrete will usually appear to be very cold and drab and will diminish the appearance of a room. You can transform the floor and with a fresh, new appearance with a some hard work and a fresh coat of paint and it will provide a beautiful and unique finish that will last for many years to come. Painting your concrete floor is a excellent way to upgrade the appearance of a garage or basement at a very reasonable cost. It is also a job that the typical homeowner can complete with little training and just a few tools.

Although painting concrete is usually more difficult to paint than sheetrock, it is still a relatively easy project. The tools and materials that you will need to complete the job are a mask, a pair of gloves, eye protection, concrete paint, concrete primer, a paint tray, a paint brush, etching acid, tri sodium phosphate (TSP), hydraulic cement, bucket , mop and a scrub brush. All of these items are readily available at your local paint or hardware store.

To begin, thoroughly clean the surface of the floor, making sure to remove any grease or oil from the floor. The is a very important step in the preparation process. You can use kitty litter to absorb larger oil or grease stains.To clean the floor, mix the TSP cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s directions. Using your mop,clean the floor well using the TSP solution. After mopping the floor, rinse thoroughly and allow it to completely dry.

Use hydraulic cement to fix any holes or cracks in the concrete and allow the cement to set up before proceeding to the next step. If you cannot find hydraulic cement, you can also use caulk which is specially formulated for concrete.

Mix the etching acid with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to mix the etching acid thoroughly before you begin to use it. Make certain to wear your eye protection, gloves and a mask when you are using the etching acid and follow the manufacturer’s directions. Failure to take proper safety precautions could result in serious injuries when using etching acid.

Place a small amount of etching acid on the floor and use your mop to spread the acid to a small area. Continue to apply the etching acid until you have completed etching the entire floor. Once the etching acid had fully dried, use the shop vac to clean up all of the dirt and etched concrete from off of the floor.

After you have completely etched and cleaned the floor it is now time to apply the primer. Stir the primer thoroughly to make certain it is mixed well. Pour some of the primer into your paint tray. With your paint brush, cut in around the entire perimeter of the room and around any other fixed objects in the room. Once you have cut the room in, use the roller and paint tray and apply a coat of primer on the floor in four foot sections. Once the primer has completely dried you can began applying the concrete paint. Use the same steps that you used when applying the primer to apply the concrete floor paint. Drying time will vary depending on what type of floor paint that you used. Be sure to apply at least two coats of a good quality concrete paint when painting concrete floors even if it appears that the additional coat is not necessary.

After you have completed painting your concrete floor, a polyurethane coating should be added for protection and maximum durability. Polyurethane coatings normally have very strong fumes, so be sure to wear a mask and keep the area well ventilated.

To keep the floor looking good for a long timeFind Article, apply a single maintenance coat of urethane every two years.

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The Different Types of Interior Paint Finishes

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

Copyright (c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting

Although there are different types of interior paint finishes, they all refer to the finishes reaction to light. We will look at latex paint finishes in this article since latex paint is the most commonly used paint.

Flat paint finishes have no sheen once the paint dries. Flat paint does not reflect any light but instead absorbs it. Flat paint finish is great at hiding any imperfections that you may have in your walls and also looks good in most colors. The best rooms to use a flat finish is rooms that usually receive little traffic such as bedrooms or closets. Don’t use flat paint in a room that will require a lot of cleaning because it is difficult to clean when it gets dirty.

An eggshell paint offers about as much sheen as an actual eggshell, hence its name. It is mostly flat but does have a small amount of luster. It is also easier to clean than flat paint so it would be better suited for areas of your house that have higher traffic such as a living room or a hallway. Another benefit of eggshell paint is that like a flat finish it also looks good in a variety of colors.

A satin paint finish is much easier to clean than flat or eggshell paints, just be careful not to scrub too hard because you could possibly remove some of the sheen which will leave an uneven finish in your wall. A satin finish will not hide imperfections in your walls as well as flat or eggshell finishes will. Since satin paints stand up better to cleaning they are a great choice kids rooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

Semi gloss paints are a step up from satin and reflect more light. It is a good choice for painting trim but could be used for a kitchen or bathroom because it does not absorb kitchen greases or bathroom condensations as much as the other paint finishes do. It could also be used in playrooms since it is much easier to clean up. Semi gloss paints generally look better in a lighter shade of paint.

Gloss paints offer the most sheen of all of the other finishes and is also the easiest to clean. Gloss paint is generally used for painting trim and is usually not a good choice for walls. Gloss paint is also commonly used to paint cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms.

Choosing a paint finish ia a matter of personal preference, just remember that the more sheen a paint has the more durable it will be. In general, you get what you pay for. Buy the best quality paint you can afford. Using quality paint will make your paint job last longer, is less likely to yellowScience Articles, goes on easier and also leaves a smoother finish.

It would be a good idea to purchase several quarts of paint to test if you are not sure of what sheen or color would be best for the room you are painting. Some of the larger retail paint companies even sell small sample containers of paint so that you can test several different colors and sheen’s at a small cost.

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Learn How to Paint Like a Master

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

Painting is the most common home improvement project that people take on themselves. Many seem to think that painting is not difficult when in reality there is a very defined set of steps that you need to follow to make sure that your paint job looks like it was done by a professional. However, by following these simple set of steps your paint job will look great every time.

First, it is always a good idea to plan out how you would like the end results to look when planning a paint job. You may also save yourself a lot of headaches if you plan ahead. By repainting a room, your are adding character as well as a new coat of paint so there are certain things to keep in mind when painting. If you want to repaint a smaller room you will want to use lighter colors as darker colors will make the room look smaller unless that is the look you are going for. Same with a larger size room, darker colors will make the room look as though it is smaller than what it really is.

Also remember that paints come in different finishes and the finish you choose will greatly affect how the room is going to look. Paint finishes come in flat which doesn’t have a shine, egg shell, which is slightly shinier, semi gloss which is shinier yet and then gloss which is very shinny. Using paint with a shinier finish will be much easier to keep clean. A semi gloss to a gloss finish would be best for rooms that are lived in quite a bit like the living room and kitchen or for kids rooms.

You should always sand down your walls before painting to smooth them out. If you have never done this before you may think it is just a waste of time and want to get right to painting. However, you really should continue to read this article before you go running off to paint that room. You will make certain that your paint job job will look smooth and free of rough spots by sanding down the walls before painting. Sanding the walls before you begin to paint will give them a nice smooth finish.

Your next step would be to prime the walls after they have been sanded down and dusted off of all the sanding particles. Many people decide to skip this step in order to save them time and money but it is important to do this just like it is sanding because the results will show when you are finished. Your paint job will look so much better if the walls were primed before the painting was done. Primers come in white, but your local paint store can always change the color of the primer you choose based on your choice of paint colors.

Once you have the walls primed, you can begin painting by cutting in the ceiling. By this I mean you will want to outline the area in which you are going to paint with a border of the paint you are using. To do this you will need a chiseled paintbrush that is about two to three inches. A chiseled brush is not the same as a regular brush because it is not cut straight instead the bristles on one side of the brush are longer than those on the other side of the brush. Make about a three inch border around the area you want to paint.

Now would be the best time to begin painting the ceiling. To begin painting you will need to use a painting tray or have a 5 gallon bucket. It will be easier to use a paint tray rather than a bucket when painting a smaller room or area. The bucket is best when you are painting a large area. If you are using the tray just add a bit of paint to the deeper side and dip your roller into it. After dipping your roller into the paint you will want to roll it against the slanted side of the tray, if you are using a bucket make sure you have a paint screen to roll the roller on to remove the excess paint from the roller. You want your roller to be completely saturated with paint but not to the point where it is dripping.

After completing the ceiling you can paint the walls. You want to start with cutting in the edges of the walls just like you did for the ceiling. Then one at a time just fill in the open areas. Once the ceiling and walls are complete you will want to take care of the doors and the woodwork. Start by applying painter tape around the area you are going to paint, this will allow you to make straight lines and keep the paint off your newly painted walls and ceiling. Then just apply the paint lightly with long brush strokes.

By following the steps that I have outlined here the job may make take you somewhat longerBusiness Management Articles, but I guarantee that you will be much more satisfied with the result. Have fun and let me know how it turned out.

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How To Paint Over Wallpaper

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

Copyright (c) 2008 Smoky Mountain Painting

Painting over wallpaper is a subject that is taboo amongst many in the professional painting industry, however if your wallpaper meets certain criteria you can paint over wallpaper with little or no problems. The first thing that you will need to do is determine if the wallpaper is in good enough condition to paint over. By this, I mean that you must check for any loose seams, rips or tears in your wallpaper. If you have any loose seams they must be glued prior to painting. If you have numerous rips or tears, then you will be well advised to go ahead and remove the wallpaper instead of trying to paint over it.

If you have determined that your wallpaper is in a condition where you can paint over it, there are a few items which you will need to to get started. You will need primer, paint, a paint roller and tray, joint compound, drop cloths, a utility knife and painters tape.

To begin, cover all flooring and counter tops with the drop cloths. If you don’t have any drop cloths, then I would suggest using disposable plastic coverings. Tape all of the edges next to the counter tops and flooring using the painters tape. If you plan on painting doors and casings then you will need to tape the doors hardware including knobs and hinges. Also, take off all switch plate covers from all light switches and plugs.

At this point, you will need to reglue any loose seams. If you do need to reglue seams, you can purchase the glue at any hardware or paint store. Using your joint compound, apply a thin application of joint compound to all of the seams. Doing this will hide the seams after they are painted. Allow the compound to completely dry. After the joint compound has dried, using about a 120 grit sandpaper, sand the joints to where they are completely smooth.

Once the seams have been sanded, you can next apply a coat of oil based primer. Apply the primer by cutting out around all of the edges such as next to the flooring and ceiling. You can next roll a coat of primer on the walls. Since you are using an oil based primer, you will need paint thinner to clean your brush and roller. Allow the primer to fully dry before going to the next step.

After the primer has dried you may now apply the paint. Apply the paint in the same fashion which you applied the primer. If you are painting a kitchen or bathroom, a latex eggshell or satin paint who be a better choice for your finish coat since they tend to hold up better than a flat finish would.

Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours. Inspect the wallpaper for any bubbles which will sometimes form once the paint has dried. If you do find any bubbles, use your utility knife and cut a small slit in the bubble. Next, use your wallpaper glue and apply a small amount in the cut area. After the glue has fully dried, use a damp rag to remove any excess glue. Repaint the area that you just repaired using your topcoat paint.

If your wallpaper is in decent shape and you do not want to go through the hassle of removing itFree Articles, painting over the wallpaper is a very good alternative.

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Breaking away from white wall paint

Sunday, February 15th, 2009

Breaking away from white wall paint
by: Lisa French

Paint is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to change a room. But choosing the right paint colors for your home can seem like an overwhelming task.

Paint, accessories, fabric, furniture, and flooring should all blend, so take a good look at the room you will be working on, preferably before you choose a paint color, and decide what will stay in the room, and what you may want to move out of the room.

The first thing you should do when choosing interior colors for your home, is look around at colors that make you feel good, happy, and relaxed.
These colors are probably already in your home. A few examples are the colors you love to look at in your flower garden, the colors in your jewelry, or pottery, or they can be found in the colors of the clothes in your closet.

The second thing you should do is go to your local paint store and pick up a color wheel, and or sample cards, pick the sample cards that really catch your eye, and don’t be afraid to get as many as you want. Take these cards home and look at them at different times of the day and night, to see how the color will look when the sun shines in on them, or at night when you have lamps turned on, or candles burning. Study this for several days. Be patient when deciding which color feels best to you.

  • Complimentary colors – are the colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel.
  • Harmonious colors – are the colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Like blue and purple.
  • Tints – are colors with white added.
  • Shades – are colors with black added.
  • Saturation – is the amount of color used. The more colorFree Reprint Articles, the more vibrant.
  • Color tone – is the degree to which it changes.
  • Pastels – use only a hint of color.

    • Lisa French invites you to visit her website http://decorating-country-home.com for more home decorating ideas.

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Don’t Take Chances With Lead Paint

Friday, June 27th, 2008

Before 1978, lead was permitted in both interior and exterior paint, and, once it starts chipping due to age, or when it flakes and chips during renovation, there’s danger. Even inhaling dust from lead paint as it’s sanded can be harmful. Lead paint poses a serious issue, and it affects 1.7 million kids under age 5 in this country. The Environmental Protection Agency says that the consequences are serious — even devastating.

They can include: IQ deficiencies, reading and learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention spans, and significant behavior problems. These effects are irreversible — that’s why the emphasis should be on prevention.

Before you begin your renovations, we suggest you consult an experienced professional about appropriate ways to deal with your home’s old lead paint. The recommended methods may not always be convenient — but your kids’ health could depend on them.

A related word about lead: Several types of toys have recently been recalled because they’ve been found to contain lead. Sometimes parents tell us they’re reluctant to return the toys to the manufacturer, or to throw them out, because their children are attached to them.

Our advice? We repeat what we said about lead paint: The effects of lead poisoning are irreversible — and your kids’ health could depend on how you deal with the situation. One way or another, get rid of those unsafe toys!

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