Paint rollers are great and allow painters to cover a lot of surface area, but they are not very effective for all the detail work required in almost every painting project. Fortunately, there are some tools and techniques that can make painting tricky edges and corners noticeably easier. Protection First You know what surface you want to paint, but there are probably plenty of nearby surfaces you want to avoid painting. Always protect adjacent surfaces you don't want to paint with drop cloths and/or painter's tape. For example, FrogTape can keep the paint bleeding that sometimes occurs even with traditional blue painter's tape. It's also a good idea to have a clean, damp rag or paper towel nearby to immediately wipe up unwanted splatters and drips. Corners  There's just no other way around it; you need...

People who live in warm and humid climates are always looking for ways to eliminate mold and mildew. They usually resort to covering it up, applying a fresh coat of paint to their homes and commercial buildings to rid themselves of their mildew problems, only to find that their efforts were in vain. It is important to understand that applying a coat or coats of paint to exterior surfaces will not solve their problems. Paint alone does not have any properties to eradicate the growth of mold spores, nor will paint keep spores from spreading. However, here are some things you can do to help eliminate mildew growth on exterior surfaces. Bleach It Out To kill mildew and growth on exterior surfaces that have been painted, use a TSP cleaner or bleach-based solution to treat the...

Prior to painting an interior room, it would seem the only task is to select the right paint color, after which one can start painting, right? Actually, there is important prep work that is almost always necessary to complete before the actual painting process can begin. Take a few minutes to clean and prepare a room before painting can lead to a better-quality paint job and, ultimately, save time in the long run. Remove and Store Décor  The first step in cleaning before starting the painting process involves removing any wall décor and cleaning underneath where the items resided. Cobwebs and other debris tend to collect under wall adornments that have been hanging for years. If the underside is very dirty, it might be necessary to wipe away the debris with a damp cloth and mild...

What is chalk paint and why is it so popular? Chalk paint is a term that is trademarked by the Annie Sloan company, although many other brands now offer a chalky finish paint. It refers to a thick paint that results in a matte finish and is commonly used to paint furniture or home decor items, such as picture frames. Painted furniture is popular in many decorating styles, and just one painted piece can spruce up a tired room. Here are a few reasons why chalky paint is so popular: No sanding is required before painting . Yes, you read that right, no sanding! The paint is quite thick and provides great coverage, and because the desired result of finished chalky paint projects is antiqued and weathered, there is no need to produce a super smooth...

Like any successful endeavor, staining your deck requires patience, persistence, and a steady hand. By taking extra time and focusing on precision, your wood deck will see immense benefits. Your deck will be able to withstand the elements and avoid unnecessary peeling and warping which will save you money in the long run. However, to stain properly, you must have a base knowledge of what and what not to do, ensuring a clean, even coat that will lengthen your wood's lifespan. Keep these steps in mind before letting that deck project become a deck disaster. Prepare for Absorbency In preparation for staining your deck, you want the area to have solid absorbency. Absorbency is crucial in enhancing the life of your deck, as a greater amount of stain will penetrate during staining and lock it in place. Pressure washing is an efficient way to prepare...