Painting 101

Are you tired of your dull walls? Craving some color? Or brightness? Can't afford professional painters? Well. Do it your self. Even if the only painting you have ever done was with your fingers, you can paint your walls. Just follow some easy rules and you can transform any room in one afternoon.

Supplies:

There are some essential items you are going to need to get started. Here is a list;

1. The paint 2. paint trays 3. rollers and handles 4. drop cloths 5. paint stirrers 6. paint can opener 7. Rubber hammer 8. Plastic edge guards 9. paint brushes, different sizes 10. a couple rolls of paper towels 11. A head scarf or cap 12. old cloths, including shoes 13. a window fan, for ventilation 14. painter's masking tape 15. step ladder 16. paper mouth mask (optional for allergies or asthma) 17. latex surgical gloves ( available at the drug store, by the case)

Choosing the right tools

1. The paint. For walls and ceilings you will want flat indoor paint. After you choose the color, and it has been mixed, ask to see the end color. Remember, the color will be a bit darker when dry. Keep the color key card, in case you need to get more. For trim, woodwork and/or wainscoting, you will want either semi-gloss or gloss. 2. Trays, rollers, and brushes. The trays come in metal or plastic. The plastic ones tend to be easier to clean. The rollers come in many different sizes and textures. So read the packaging to see if they will give you the effect you want. The brushes also come in different sizes and shapes. If you are simply going to paint a wall, get one large and one small. Don't get the cheap ones! You will end up with bristles on your painted surface. 3. Edge guards. These are indispensable for painting a wall a different color than the ceiling. You put the guard along the wall edge, so you don't get paint on the ceiling. 4. Stirrers. You will need these. Even though the paint store will mix your paint, you will also have to hand stir it before use. If you don't wish to clean and keep the stirrers, get the wooden ones. Most paint stores will give you some, when you buy their paint. If you think you will be doing a lot of painting, purchase some plastic ones. These can be washed and reused.

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