Paint & Wallpaper

(ARA) - We've all seen the do-it-yourself paint job gone wrong, with thin spots, drips and streaks. Paint, however, isn't usually the culprit of a bad paint job. But cutting corners while prepping a space is.

By following the right steps prior to painting, and using the right painting tools, you'll be sure to have a refreshed space that looks like it was painted by a professional.

Assess the situation
A major factor to consider when starting a new project is the condition of the walls and cleanliness of the surfaces you want to paint. Item number one on the pre-painting checklist is to inspect the wall. Any loose paint, holes or cracks should be fixed before priming, and especially before painting.

If your old paint is peeling, it prevents your new coat of primer, and eventually your new color, from adhering to the wall, resulting in cracks and continued peeling. Don't sabotage your makeover before it even begins. Scrape away old paint until all the loose material is gone.

To get the job done like a professional, you'll need a quality scraper, like those from Purdy, makers of professional quality painting tools.These scrapers have been engineered with input and direction from professionals to ensure a product that delivers a superior performance. The high-quality line of scrapers, including the 2 1/2-inch carbide scraper, features ergonomically designed handles to make prep work less cumbersome and more comfortable.

Clean, patch and prime
After you're done scraping, you need to clean the wall. Any dirt left on the wall can create problems, causing the paint to peel or in some cases, slide right off. Using a good grease-cutting detergent will remove most of this unwanted material from the surface.

Once the wall is properly cleaned, the next step is to patch any flaws before priming and painting. And most importantly, when patching any surface, make sure to use the proper patching materials and tools. Be sure to match the repairing material to the surface and assess the amount of damage. Use wood filler to patch wood imperfections and spackling for drywall.

And remember, quality tools count
The quality of the tools used is going to affect the final finish. Just like brushes or roller covers, a cheap prep tool can bring down the quality of your entire project. Brushes that shed or rollers that leave lint should be avoided, as they'll ruin the look of your finished products. Scrapers made of cheap metal will leave rust marks on your walls, ruining all your hard work and doing as much damage as good. You'll be sure to get the desired results when using high-quality tools. Plus, a set of good painting tools will last longer and perform better over a longer period of time, saving you money and time. Purdy has a number of products to help you complete any part of the painting process, from start to finish.

A chain is only as good as its weakest link, and the same is true when undertaking a painting project. By forgetting to do any of the steps in the pre-painting process, you're putting your entire project at risk to fail. Instead, ensure your success with a little forethought and elbow grease, and you'll have a perfect finish each time. For more painting advice and information on quality painting tools, visit www.purdycorp.com or call Purdy directly at (800) 547-0780.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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