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Painting a room gives it an instant makeover but cleaning up during and after can feel like it takes forever. These easy tips will help you minimize the mess while you paint and cut your cleanup time in half.
The plastic-wrapped case that holds 24 bottles of water is a perfectly sealed tray for your paint cans, brushes and trays. Sloshed or dripped paint won't spill onto a drop cloth and be tracked all over the house. When you’re opening the water bottle package, cut the plastic about 5 in. higher than the top of the box and then fold it in.
Facial cleansing wipes aren't just for pimple prevention. The alcohol in them softens latex paint, but won't harm most surfaces (test first to make sure). They work best on paint that's been dry just a few hours.
Finishing spindles is a pain because you have to finish three sides, let them dry and then turn them over and do the unfinished side. But not if you drive long drywall screws into the spindle ends and then rest the screws on two boards or sawhorses. An added bonus is that you can keep your fingers out of the wet finish by holding onto the screws as you paint and turn.
If you have a tight spot to paint, remove the pad from a paint edging tool (about $2 at home centers). Hot-glue the pad to a stir stick, and you've got a painting tool that will fit behind toilet tanks and radiators.
Ever paint a chair and have it stick to your newspaper or drop cloth? Paint hassle-free by driving drywall screws about 1/2 in. into the bottom of the chair legs. The extra elevation makes it easier to paint and even lets you coat the bottom of the legs. This also works great with brush-on paint.
If masking tape tears as you remove it or pulls off flakes of finish, heat it with a hair dryer. Heat softens the adhesive. Then pull the tape off at a 90-degree angle.
Cut the bottom section from a stiff wire coat hanger and bend it so each end straddles the rim to fit inside a paint can. Let the wire overlap the sides and tape it to the can to keep it steady when you rub off the excess paint. When the job's finished, remove the wire and wipe it clean to be ready for next time.
Tape all wall/woodwork seams with painter's tape. Lay the tape onto the woodwork and press it with the corner of your putty knife to prevent the wall paint from bleeding behind the tape onto the woodwork. Let the tape stick out perpendicular to the trim to act as a little protective roof to catch paint drips.
Glad Press'n Seal plastic wrap (available at discount stores) goes on fast and stays right where you put it. Paint can seep under the edges, though, so it's no substitute for masking tape in spots where you need a sharp edge.
Prevent paint “overspray”with this clever spray booth made from a cardboard box. Cut a hole in the top of the box. Cover the opening with plastic wrap and position a shop light above to illuminate your project. You can use coat hangers, poked through the cardboard, to hold and rotate the objects as you’re painting them. Not only will your shop be neater, but your paint projects will now be thumbprint free.
Sometimes, masking tape that's been sitting on a shelf for years won’t pull off the roll without tearing. Freshen it by microwaving it for 10 seconds. Heat softens the adhesive for easy release
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January 13, 8:58 PM [GMT -5]
Great tips. Thanks.
August 18, 7:43 AM [GMT -5]
These are practical and simple ideas. Thanks.
November 27, 4:26 PM [GMT -5]
Love this site!!!
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