Painting Tips: Painting Applications

 
Applicators

Choosing the Right Applicator

It is always a good idea to choose good quality paint applicators, not to mention using the correct applicator for the specific project being done.  This will produce more satisfactory results and a better-looking job.

Brushes - Here is a list of the common brushes and their use:

Natural long bristle brushes - These are suitable for acrylics and water based paints.  Good quality paintbrushes are fuller in bristle, so the flow of paint flows more smoothly, making for a more even, less patchy finish, desirable for areas such as walls, ceilings etc.


Natural short bristle brushes - These are recommended for alkyd gloss enamels and polyurethane finishes. The brush chosen should be stockier, yet full in bristle as it can be controlled better than a long bristle brush. Ideal applications include doors and trim.


Synthetic bristle brushes - Good for acrylics and water based paints.  They are also well suited to rough work, such as brick and masonry work.


Brushes are a good choice for exterior siding and trim.  There are a number of brush sizes available in both straight edge and angled sash.  When painting aluminum, vinyl or lap siding, choose a brush that is the same width as the "board" you will be painting to save you time and energy.

Good quality paintbrushes are a wise investment.  When finished painting, never allow the brush to dry out.  Soak the brush in the recommended solvent, and then wash in warm soapy water or mild detergent.  Finally, rinse in cold water, comb natural bristle brushes straight with a brush comb, and then hang from the handle to dry.  Brushes should be stored hanging.

Rollers - In most cases, a roller is better than a brush for larger surface areas, such as walls.  The correct type of roller cover should be used for the type of paint you’re working with.  Read the label on the roller cover for specifications.

  • Synthetic roller covers are suitable for latex paints.
  • Natural materials like sheepskin or lambs wool are good for oil-based paints.  There should be an indication of the paints a specific roller cover can be used for on the packaging.

The nap, or thickness of the roller cover, will also be important, depending on the texture or roughness of the surface being painted:

  • 1/8" to 3/16" - Smooth surfaces like untextured stucco, smooth wood, and metal.
  • 3/8" to 1/2" - Medium surfaces like sand finishes, lightly textured stucco or wood.
  • 3/4" to 1-1/2" - Rough surfaces like brick, concrete, stucco, textured walls, Spanish plaster, concrete block, corrugated metal, and rough wood.

Paint pad applicators – A paint pad applicator can be used in place of a brush or roller, especially for use on large, smooth surfaces such as clapboards.

Doors

Painting Doors

Before you begin, remove or cover the hinge, knob and latch with masking tape.  If some paint does get on the hardware, wipe it away immediately with a soft, damp cloth.

Painting Paneled Doors

Begin by painting the top panels of the door, painting the molding edges first.  Next, paint the center of the panel.  The final strokes on vertical panels should be vertical; the final strokes on horizontal panels should be horizontal. Upon completing all panels, paint the raised areas (stiles and rails) between panels.  Then paint the vertical stiles and the edges.

Painting Flush Doors

Paint them the same way you would paint a wall or other flat surface.  Paint the edges first, and then fill in the large area.  Complete the job by painting the frame and jam.

Porches and Decks

Painting Porches and Decks

The techniques for painting porches and floors are the same as for painting any other large flat surface.

  • First, remove all the furniture from the area.
  • Be sure to remove all traces of wax, and sand the floor lightly to roughen its surface, improving its paint-holding ability.
  • You can use a porch, deck, and floor paint.
  • Cut in around the baseboards with a brush, then use a wide wall brush, a medium-pile roller, or a paint pad applicator for the rest of the floor.  If you use an extension handle on a roller or paint pad, you will be able to do the job standing up.  Start at the wall farthest from the exit and paint your way out of the area.  On most wood floors, plan to apply at least two coats of paint.  Let each coat dry to absolute hardness before reentering the room, and wear soft-soled shoes until after the very last coat to avoid marring or scarring the surface.
Siding

Painting Siding

Paint one side of the house at a time starting with the highest point.
Paint trim first to avoid resting ladder against freshly painted wall surfaces.
Apply a full even coat, brushing from the unpainted dry areas into the paint's wet edge.
Complete one side of the house, as stopping in the middle of a side can contribute to color variation.
Do not paint in direct sunlight, as this will cause the paint to dry too quickly.  Plan the job so that a wall will not receive direct sun for at least an hour after application.

Trim

Painting Trim

Painting trim is one of the many ways you can liven up interiors or exteriors.  Use an accent color that complements the main colors of your wall and ceiling surfaces, or paint your trim white to embolden and emphasize the other colors.  Typically, working with trim requires a brush and is slower going than painting large surfaces such as walls.  Take your time – it's worth the patience.  Again, work top to bottom, and use an angled brush for better control, especially in corners.


Protect your wall and floor surfaces with a wide wallboard knife, a plastic shielding tool, or masking tape.


Be sure to wipe the paint off your wallboard knife or shielding tool each time you move it to keep paint from getting on trim and surrounding areas.


Paint deep-patterned surfaces such as ornate trim and moldings with a stiff-bristled brush, like a stenciling brush.  Use small circular strokes to help penetrate into the recesses.