Expert Advice on Home Improvement TV Host of Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel
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Video, Painting Published 03/28/2008 by Joe Truini
It can be frustrating to run out of caulking when you’re almost through with the job. What you may not realize is that there’s usually a little more caulking left in the tube that the plunger on the caulking gun can’t quite push out.
Painting, Ask Danny Published 03/27/2008 by Danny Lipford
Is it always necessary to prime before you paint over a previous paint job? -Cedric
Cedric,
Unless the surface is unfinished or you’re switching between types of paint—such as oil based woodwork being covered by latex paint—you don’t have to prime before painting again. If the surface is dirty or greasy, clean it thoroughly before painting. If it is glossy, it’s a good idea to dull it first with sandpaper or a liquid deglosser.
For more information on priming, see our article A Homeowner’s Guide to Paint Primer.
Painting, Ask Danny Published 03/11/2008 by Danny Lipford
Is there a product that will cover up the knot holes in knotty pine should I decide to paint the wood a light color? - Judy
Judy,
Large knots, like those found in knotty pine, can pose a problem when painting, since the resin in them has a tendency to bleed back through the finished surface. To prevent this, spot prime any knots first with an oil based or pigmented shellac primer that is designed to prevent bleeding. If there are a lot of knots, prime the entire surface to give it a more even texture. If the boards have been varnished, lightly sand them and wipe off any dust before priming so the primer will adhere well. More information on primers is available on our website at A Homeowner’s Guide to Paint Primer.
Good luck with your project,
Painting, Repairs and Installation, Interior, Ask Danny Published 02/13/2008 by Danny Lipford
Yolunda asks, “I patched a big hole in my wall with drywall and put spackling over the drywall. Was this wrong?” While similar in nature, spackling is usually used to fill nail holes and other minor imperfections while joint compound is the best choice for finishing drywall.
Painting, Green Living, Quick Picks Published 02/13/2008 by Ben Erickson
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional paints and stains, you might want to check out Weather-Bos™. Their nontoxic, low VOC finishes are made from natural oils and resins that penetrate deeply into wood, masonry, and other materials. This not only provides protection from the elements, but from mold and mildew as well. Tom, a painting contractor in Montana, wrote to say that he highly recommends Weather-Bos™ finishes and considers them the best products he’s ever used.
Heating and Cooling, Painting, Interior Published 12/27/2007 by Joe Cuhaj
Whether it’s sealing around the tub, keeping a winter chill at bay, or hiding unsightly cracks in crown molding, caulking plays an important and often overlooked role in your home. Used to bridge gaps where materials meet, caulking performs the essential function of keeping water and outside air where they belong, which can prevent mold and rot from forming in your walls and save money on energy bills. In addition, caulking can make your house look better and paint jobs last longer. While today’s high-tech caulk is very durable, it won’t last forever. When it begins to fail, repair the joint as soon as possible to prevent damage to your home.
Painting Published 11/21/2007 by Jerri Farris
Primers are specially formulated paint products that are used to prepare surfaces for the finish coat of paint. Their most important job is to adhere to the substrate while creating a uniform surface that is ready to receive paint. Primers also act to seal pores in wood and other permeable materials as well as to prevent stains, knots, and wood tannins from bleeding through. When properly applied, primers can make your paint job last longer and look better.
Video, Painting Published 10/26/2007 by Danny Lipford
After the walls have been rolled and the paint has dried, it’s time to tackle the trim. Using an angled trim brush and straight edge guide, work your way carefully around the room. Avoid drips and try to keep a straight line where the trim meets the wall.
Video, Painting Published 10/25/2007 by Danny Lipford
Trim around the windows, doors, baseboard, and ceiling before rolling the walls. A high quality roller cover makes the work go faster and can result in a big difference in the finished job. While lambskin covers cost twice as much as those made from synthetic fibers, they hold more paint and are worth the extra cost. Choose a roller cover with ½” to ¾” nap, since they hold more paint than smooth covers.
Video, Painting Published 10/24/2007 by Danny Lipford
Painting is one of the most popular do-it-yourself projects for homeowners. While we all want to see how the color we picked will look on the walls, it’s important to remember that the key to a good paint job starts long before you open the first can of paint. If the room isn’t prepared properly, the results may be less than you had hoped for and could lead to problems that are hard to repair.
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