Take Your Time And Do It Right

Fathers tell their sons: Prep work should take twice as long as the actual painting when you decide to take on any interior or exterior painting job. There's nothing that can replace this vital requirement of home improvement.

Once you move forward with painting, and before you make multiple trips to the hardware store, go through your prep checklist and ensure you have the following:

• Sturdy drop cloths - Remember, you get what you pay for
• Newsprint - It has multiple uses, from protecting windows to absorbing excess paint
• Brushes and rollers - The sizes and styles will depend on the surface you'll be painting
• Roller pans and containers - These tend to be relatively cheap, so buy several, and don't worry about lining it with plastic wrap. You're dealing with paint, after all
• Rags - Old washcloths and dishcloths usually do a pretty job, as to socks. There's really no reason to purchase rags
• Tape - You can never have enough of this. Multiple widths and thicknesses exist. Bottom line: Go big, spend the extra dollar or two. You'll be glad you did
• Gloves - From disposable to thick yellow reusables, personal preference is important here. Cheap latex leaves your hands stinky
• Miscellaneous - While this list could go on and on, it can and should be narrowed down to a hammer, screwdriver(s), masking tape, spackle, putty knife, broom (the handle can double as a paint roller extender), and paint pan

Before You Put Paint On A Brush...

Once you've made the necessary purchases and donned your favorite painting outfit and hat, stop! It's not time to paint yet. No two jobs are the same, but one thing is certain: You have to clean first. Everything, from the walls to the ceilings to the baseboards and everything in between. You also need to remove smoke alarms, switch plates, and outlet plates.

And then there are those nails, screws, and holes from the photos hanging in the room and hallway. These holes don't need to be filled if you plan to hang the frames in exactly the same spot. An old painting contractor tip is to break off a toothpick or two in the hole, which sticks out just enough to be visible. Be careful if you do this; older sheetrock breaks easily. If this does happen, you might consider contacting a company like Yeras Painting LLC, which offers sheetrock repair services.