By Sherwin Williams
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, and 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).
In addition to friendly expert advice, you can find the right brushes, rollers, ladders, sprayers, caulk and more at your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store.
Painting Order
It may seem obvious, but when you're painting outside, you want to start at the top and work down. Even the best painters using the best paints have drips, splatter and occasional spills. Make sure you try to follow the painting order below.
Ceilings (under eaves, porch and overhang ceilings)
•· Paint a 2-inch wide strip on the ceiling where it meets the wall.
•· Work across the short side to maintain a wet edge.
Walls
•· Use a roller or brush (depending on the surface).
•· Start at the top of the wall and work horizontally on horizontal siding and vertically on vertical siding.
Trim
•· Paint all molding, shutters, windows and doors.
Floor (porches and decks)
•· Start in a corner diagonally opposite the exit.
•· Paint a 2-inch wide strip on the floor where it meets the wall.
•· Start in a corner and work across the short side to maintain a wet edge.
Painting Techniques
Using proper painting techniques is key to achieving professional-looking results. Another tip is to use enough paint. Get into the habit of going to the paint can often. Let the paint do the work, and you'll save time and get the finish you want.
Using a Brush
•1. Hold a brush near the base of the handle.
•2. Dip half the bristles into the paint and tap on the lip of the can. Don't wipe it on the side.
•3. Paint with enough pressure to bend the bristles slightly - don't bear hard on the brush.
Using a Roller
•1. Roll the roller slowly into the paint in the tray. Then, roll it back and forth until roller cover is evenly coated with paint.
•2. Roll onto the tray's ridges to remove excess paint.
•3. For smooth surfaces: Cover about a two-foot-square using the N pattern shown. Cross roll to spread the paint. Finish, with light roller strokes in one direction, at a right angle to the cross roll. View an instructional movie.
•4. For horizontal or vertical siding: Follow the direction of the siding and cover about four linear feet at a time (with a nine-inch roller cover).
Painting Double-Hung Windows
•1. For double-hung windows move each sash to the center of its track and paint the inside sash, starting with the crossbars. Then, paint the frame. Don't paint the top edge of the inside sash; you'll use it to move the sash. Next, paint the top half of the outside sash, starting with the crossbar, then the frame.
•2. Close the sashes to within several inches of the closed position. Paint the rest of the outer sash and the top edge of the inner sash. Paint the window casing, then the sill.
•3. Paint the check rails. Move both sashes down as far as they will go, then paint the upper rails. Once the paint is thoroughly dry, move both sashes up and paint the lower rails of the window.
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