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Useful DIY Tips And Information About Paint And Painting

Here some DIY tips and information about paints and painting that a home handyman will find useful.

Bleeding

The problem is caused in wood by resin seeping from knots that have not been properly sealed. To solve the problem, remove the paint from the damaged area, use a knot sealant to treat the area, and then repaint.

Blistering

Caused by air or water becoming trapped under the paint causing it to bubble up. Blistering occurs on a wooden surface if damp or resin is drawn out of it by heat. To avoid the problem, make sure that wood is thoroughly dry before you paint it.

Crazing

A pattern of tiny cracks on the surface that looks like crazy paving. Crazing is due to painting over a previously painted surface with a paint that is not compatible or painting over a previous coat that was not completely dry.

Different Brushes

When painting a room with more than one colour, use a different brush for each colour. You will save time by not having to clean your brush each time you change colour.

Laying Off

Laying Off - Applying light, finishing, paint strokes to avoid runs.

Matt Finish

A matt finish is a non-glossy, dull surface.

Paint Brushes

You should always clean a paint brush as soon as you have finished using it. Use white spirits or brush cleaner for oil-based paints and clean water for water-based paints.

Paint Runs

These are caused by too much paint being applied. You can help avoid it by not putting too much paint on your brush, especially if the paint is very liquid.

Paints

There are basically just two types of paint used for home decoration - water-based paints and oil-based paints. Water-based paints are used on plaster, wallpaper and ceilings. Oil-based paints are used on wood and metal.

Primer

Primer is the first coat of paint applied to a surface to prevent subsequent coats being absorbed into the surface. The paint used to do this is called primer.

Sugar Soap

Sugar soap can be used to clean and degrease painted surfaces.

Undercoat

Undercoat is a type of paint which is applied to a surface to provide a good key for the top coat. It is a matt coat and will help cover small discrepancies in the surface. If the surface has previously been painted with a strong color, undercoat will help stop it showing through the new top coat.

Universal Sealer

Universal sealer is a clear paint that seals porous surfaces such as chipboard, concrete and plaster before they are painted.