There are several ways to get the paint on what ever you are painting. Brush and roller are the most common. Spraying is fast and easy, but requires a lot of preparation. Foam 'brushes' are good for some applications but not all.

On any new drywall it is best to use a PVA primer. Remember that primers are made for sealing off the surface not for coverage. Let dry at least 8 hours and then apply your finish coat.

On pre-painted surfaces, it isn't always necessary to prime. Though, if you are going over a very dark color with a light color it is best to prime first. Two coats of a finish doesn't always work.

If you are painting new wood, it should always be primed. There are some primers that are for interior use only and there are some that work best outside. Those can be used either inside or outside. An interior should only be used inside.

There are some woods that do not hold paint well. Cedar and redwood have acids that have a tendency to peal the paint off of them in a few years. These two woods are best left to their natural coloration.

Occasionally a latex paint will dry leaving small bubbles in the finish. This happens more when sprayed than when rolled. No paint manufacturer I have ever talked to could explain why this happens, but to eliminate it I simply add a capful of liquid dish soap to a gallon of paint and this has always solved the problem.

If you are looking for a glass smooth finish on doors of trim, it is hard to get with a latex paint. You almost always have to use an oil base paint. This requires 6-10 hours of dry time between coats and usually requires a light sanding between coats. Spraying an oil based product will give the best results, but spraying is not always an option.

 

Roger Anghis, MKD Builders, Inc.
www.mkdbuilders.net

 

 

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