HOW TO PAINT INTERIOR FROM PLANNING, PREPARATION, PAINTING AND CLEAN UP

A fresh coat of paint is the most inexpensive way to freshen up and protect your home's exterior. Many paints for wood, aluminum, vinyl, stucco and masonry. Thanks to our high quality coatings and applicators, even first-time painters can achieve professional-quality results.

We're here to help you through this process with easy-to-follow tips and online project planning tools.

Primer - the first step toward a lasting finish. To get a great-looking finish coat and the beautiful, long-lasting results you expect, be sure to properly apply primer to the surfaces you plan to paint.

Primers are formulated to solve typical painting problems while helping to make your finish coat smooth and uniform:

• Covers stains and discoloration

• Anchors the finish coat so it "sticks" better

• Ensures a rich shine for enamels

• Hides surface marks and darker colors

• Fills and levels out uneven surfaces

• Seals porous surfaces

In general, the only time a primer is not needed is if you're re-painting a surface that's in good condition.

Getting Ready to Paint

Before you paint your entire house, it's a good idea to test the paint you plan to use. Prepare, prime (if necessary) and paint an inconspicuous spot. Wait the appropriate drying time as specified on the label, then look for any adhesion or compatibility problems before proceeding with a full-scale application.

Use a paint scraper, wire brush, sandpaper or power washer to remove all surface contamination, such as oil, grease, loose paint, dirt, foreign matter, rust, mold, mildew or mortar efflorescence. Make sure that cracks and imperfections are patched or caulked.

Warning! Removal of old paint by sanding, scraping or other means may generate dust or fumes that contain lead. Exposure to lead dust or fumes may cause brain damage or other adverse health effects, especially in children or pregnant women. Controlling exposure to lead or other hazardous substances requires the use of proper protective equipment, such as a properly fitted respirator (NIOSH approved) and proper containment and cleanup. For more information, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (in U.S.) or contact your local health authority.

Don't paint immediately after rain (or if rain is predicted), during foggy weather or when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (unless you're using products specifically designed for these conditions).

Clean-up procedures depend largely on the paint you use. Here are guidelines for cleaning up. To maximize your investment on painting tools, make sure to clean them right after use.

Latex Paints

• Clean any spills before they dry with a paper towel dampened with water.
• Clean brushes, rollers and other tools with soap and water.
• After cleaning, flush spraying equipment with mineral spirits to prevent rusting. Follow manufacturer's safety recommendations when using mineral spirits.

Oil/Alkyd Paints

• Clean any spills before they dry with a paper towel dampened with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• Oil-based (alkyd) paint must be removed from tools with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
• Pour the cleaning material into a clean bucket and rinse brushes and rollers well.
• When done, allow the solids to settle out of the cleaner, then strain the liquid back into the original container for reuse.
• Allow the settled solids to air-dry away from children, pets or open flames, then dispose of the container in the trash.

Brushes should be kept in their original wrapper or paper-wrapped in a manner that retains their original shape before storing.

Protect Your Paint Job

Wait at least two weeks before washing the newly painted surface. After that, clean with a mild household detergent and a soft cloth or sponge.

Tips To Protect The Environment

Try to buy only the amount of paint you need so there is little to dispose of when you complete your project. If you do have leftovers, follow these guidelines:

• Save small amounts of leftover paint for future touch-ups. To keep it fresh, place a layer of plastic wrap over the mouth of the can before replacing the lid. Pound down the lid securely.
• Check with your local waste collector to see if it accepts dried latex paint. If so, place the open can in an airy spot away from children and pets. When the paint is completely dry, put it in the trash.
• Or, seal oil/alkyd paints in the can and store them safely away from heat sources until you can take them to an appropriate waste-disposal site, such as community paint/stain collection events where you can safely dispose of leftover paints.
• Never pour stain down a drain, into a storm sewer or anywhere else that might contaminate the environment.