Tips & Techniques

OVERVIEW

Painting can be fun and rewarding. There are several keys to ensuring your project is successful and an experience you enjoy. Before we talk about painting tips and techniques, let's review a decision you have to make before purchasing your paint ...

Selecting the Right Sheen

Like color, the sheen (or finish) of your paint is a personal choice. However, there are some guidelines we recommend you consider. First, let's define "sheen" and explain how it is created.

Sheen is the reflectance of light off the paint surface seen by your eye. Sheens such as Flat and Eggshell have low light reflectance, while sheens such as Semi-Gloss and High Gloss have high light reflectance. How is the degree of light reflectance created in paint? If you looked at a painted surface under a high-powered microscope that could see the paint molecules, you would find them getting closer and closer together as the degree of light reflectance increases. In Flat paint the molecules are farther apart, which "traps" the light and keeps it from being reflected. In higher sheens such as Semi-Gloss and High Gloss, the molecules are very tight, which keeps the light out and reflects it. Knowing this helps you decide which sheen is right for your application. For your project, do you want a sheen that absorbs light to create a soothing environment, or do you want a sheen with a tight film that makes it easier to clean?

Flat is ideal for ceilings, master bedrooms and formal living rooms. The minimal light reflectance creates a soothing, comforting environment.

Eggshell has slightly more light reflectance than Flat and is ideal for living spaces and bedrooms.

Satin is the middle sheen that's suitable for almost all applications. This finish is excellent for family rooms, kids' rooms and hallways.

Semi-Gloss is good for areas with more use that may require frequent cleaning such as bathrooms, kitchens and trim.

High Gloss provides an enamel finish that is ideal for applications such as trim, woodwork, cabinets and doors.

These are general recommendations for sheen applications. Your specific project and your personal preference should be your guide for choosing the sheen that's right for you. For your reference, every KILZ® CASUAL COLORS® PAINT label includes a light reflectance indicator for that product. Also, your retailer has a sheen display with painted samples for your reference to help you make this decision.

INTERIOR PAINTNG TIPS

STEP 1: Preparation

The key to a successful paint project is preparation. Most professional painters spend 2/3 of the project time in preparation and 1/3 in painting. If you prepare properly, you will complete the job faster and with better results.

Remove all window coverings, pictures, wall decorations, switchplates and outlet covers. If possible, move furniture and area rugs to a different room; if not possible, move as far away from the walls as possible and cover with drop cloths to protect from paint.
Remove any chipped, cracked or peeling paint, then feather-sand the edges and remove the dust.
Fill any holes or cracks with caulk or spackling compound, then lightly sand to smooth the surface.
Clean the walls and trim to remove dirt, dust and grease. Use a cleaner such as TSP substitute, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly.
Prime any new or repaired surfaces with an interior KILZ® PRIMER. Priming the entire surface will improve the topcoat adhesion, finish and color accuracy.
Use painter's tape to mask off trim and any areas not being painted. Be sure to remove the tape while the paint is wet to prevent accidentally peeling the new paint.

STEP 2: Painting

If you are painting the ceiling, do it first. Start by painting a 3" border around the edge of the ceiling. Then, begin in one corner and paint across the ceiling in 2'-3' sections.
Take a break, step back and admire your work. You've just completed what many people will say is the hardest physical work in painting. Congratulations!
Now let's paint the walls. Paint one wall at a time. Like you did on the ceiling, start by painting a 3" border around the wall.
Begin on one side using the "V" method with a fully loaded roller. Paint a 2' by 2' section at a time, starting by painting a "V", then a horizontal stripe across the "V", and finishing with vertical stripes to fill in the 2' x 2' square. Paint the wall from top to bottom and then move to your left or right and start over.
Always apply paint toward the unpainted area and then back into the just-painted area. DO NOT overspread or "stretch" paint, as this under-application will affect hide, durability and finish. Do not apply excessive pressure when rolling. Remember to stir your paint occasionally.
Do not stop painting in the middle of a wall. Only stop at a natural break such as a door, window or another wall. If the phone rings, let it ring or take a message and return the call when you finish the wall you're painting.
When you finish painting a wall, remove the painter's tape joining the just-painted wall. Carefully pull the tape at an angle away from the painted surface. Before removing the tape, decide if you want to apply a second coat. If you do, wait 4 hours and then apply the next coat.
And finally, the trim. This is typically a different color and sheen, so you’ll need a clean brush or mini-roller. A 1" to 2" angled synthetic bristle brush is ideal for painting woodwork trim and detailed areas. Leave windows open 1 to 2 hours after painting to prevent sticking to newly painted window sills.

STEP 3: Clean Up

You're almost finished and ready to invite your friends over to admire your great paint job. The paint will dry to the touch in about 2 hours, depending on the temperature and relative humidity. It will take longer in cooler temperatures and higher humidity.

Thoroughly replace the lid on all paint containers.
For latex paints and primers - wipe excess paint from brushes and roller covers, rinse thoroughly with warm soapy water and then clean water; allow to air dry. If you will be using the same brush and the same paint the next day, you can store your uncleaned brush in a plastic bag in your freezer.
For oil-based paints and primers - use mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean brushes and roller covers.

Remove drop cloths, replace window coverings, pictures, wall decorations, switchplates and outlet covers.
Reposition furniture and rugs; close windows.

IMPORTANT: Do not dispose of unused paint or primer down a drain. For disposal of empty containers and unused product, contact your household refuse collection service. Never store drop cloths or cleaning rags in an enclosed container.

STEP 4: Admire and Enjoy!

EXTERIOR PAINTING TIPS

STEP 1: Preparation

Cover all plants, landscaping and other areas with a drop cloth.
Remove any chipped, cracked or peeling paint with a wire brush; feather-sand the edges. Remove and replace loose or dry putty with a premium quality paintable acrylic caulk.
Fill any holes or cracks with caulk or patching compound, then lightly sand to smooth the surface.
Clean the surfaces to remove dirt, dust, grease and mildew. For dirt and dust, use a cleaner such as TSP substitute, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly. For mildew removal, use a cleaner specifically labeled to remove mildew, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly.
Prime any new or repaired surfaces with an exterior KILZ® PRIMER. Priming the entire surface will improve the topcoat adhesion, finish and color accuracy.
Use painter's tape to mask off doors, windows, trim and any areas not being painted. Be sure to remove the tape while the paint is wet to prevent accidentally peeling the new paint.

STEP 2: Painting

OK. Now we're ready to paint. If your project will require more than one can of the same color, mix the cans together to ensure you have uniform color. Remember to stir often and keep your brush or roller wet with paint. The number one mistake made by non-professional painters is not having enough paint on your brush or roller. The ideal painting temperature is between 50ºF and 90ºF with low humidity and no rain expected for 24 hours. Avoid painting in direct sun if possible.

Begin painting at the highest point on the house; apply paint in the direction of the siding. Paint from the top down to the bottom, then move to the left or right and begin at the top again.
Always apply paint toward the unpainted area and then back into the just-painted area. DO NOT overspread or "stretch" paint, as this under-application will affect hide, durability and finish. Do not apply excessive pressure when brushing or rolling. Remember to stir your paint occasionally.
Do not stop painting in the middle of a section. Only stop at a natural break such as a door, window or another wall. If the phone rings, let it ring or take a message and return the call when you finish the section you're painting.
Paint windows, trim, frames and woodwork in line as you move across a section.
When you finish painting a section, remove the painter’s tape joining the just-painted section. Carefully pull the tape at an angle away from the painted surface. Before removing the tape, decide if you want to apply a second coat. If you do, wait 4 hours and then apply the next coat.

STEP 3: Clean Up

Replace the lid on all paint containers.
For latex paints and primers - wipe excess paint from brushes and roller covers, rinse thoroughly with warm soapy water and then clean water; allow to air dry. If you will be using the same brush and the same paint the next day, you can store your uncleaned brush in a plastic bag in your freezer.
For oil-based paints and primers - use mineral spirits or paint thinner to clean brushes and roller covers.

Remove drop cloths from plants, landscape and other areas.

STEP 4: Admire and Enjoy!