Choosing the right Tools (Paint Series continued)

Hi there
So far in our paint series we have learned about types of paint finishes, how to pick a color and lots of other general info. Today we are talking about the tools for creating a professional looking painted room. Here are the things I think are essential.
Drop Cloths...
A good quality canvas cloth works great and will protect better than plastic which tends to slip and slide
Good brushes...
Resist the temptation to go for the cheapest and instead go for quality when choosing a paintbrush. Look for bristles that don't clump and will remain flexible.  Purdy is the preferred brand in our home cost a bit more but worth it.
Sherwin williams has  a great video on how to choose the right brush here 


Tape....
 I prefer the frog tape when I do tape If you can find the orange I like it even better than the green. 
Just be sure when taping that you seal the tape edges by pressing down firmly to prevent any leakage.
Roller, covers and roller trays (liners for the trays)...
Again don't skimp here make sure the nap is the right nap for the paint and job you are doing. (read the package suggestions)
I often buy extra rollers I hate cleaning the rollers out, so I like to just toss them and use a new one next time (I know Lazy huh : ))
A small cup with a handle (like an old mug) for that fine line work
Ladder/ stool
A paint stir attachment for the drill to mix the paint thoroughly 
Whips it up much faster than a stir stick
Spackle/putty knife 
For filling all the nail holes etc
Rags for clean up
Lots of patience


While I know this seems like basic information,  there are a lot of gals out there who have never ever painted a room before.


Having everything you need at your finger tips simplifies the process and keeps you organized.
There is nothing more frustrating than starting a project and then having to stop every few minutes to "look" for something .
Later this week, the prep process and tips for choosing the right amount of paint.

Paint series #4 choosing color continued

If the tips from yesterday are still leaving you apprehensive about picking color, here are a few more things to help you. Take your favorite samples home and tape to the wall in various places around the room. check to see what the lighting at different times of the day does to the color. Even the natural lighting in the room, carpet, furnishings etc. can make it look very different than you thought in the store. Another option, if you need to, is get the "sample" made  up and come home and paint a large square of the color in a spot where you will be able to see it at all times of the day. Sherwin Williams has a great selection of "to go" samples to try at home.

I normally don't do this, but I know it can be very helpful if you have trouble visualizing what it can look like on a whole wall. Last but not least, find a friend that has an eye for color and ask for help. But do remember that it is only paint and can be changed fairly easy. 

By the way if you have picked a color and want to paint this weekend Sherwin Williams is having a sale this weekend. (no, they did not pay me to say this) 
















And valspar has this on their facebook page too

A sneak peek

 Here is a sneak peek at the dining room with the new tile. Let me say I am loving it!! We had the "ugly blue" carpet that you have heard me talk about previously in here and  it was a pain to keep clean.  The tile as many of you know was part of the surprise Hubby had for me when we got home from vacation last month.

You know how, when you get something new, it makes all of the things that need work look even worse.
I have been wanting to paint these ivory walls forever, and since we are replacing the molding and window trim what better time to do it, so ....

I emptied out the room, My carpenter friend is working on the trims and moldings, and hubby and I will be painting this weekend.

Goodbye white walls hello beautiful Sheraton Green (by Sherwin Williams)

I know it seems a bit dark but this room gets a ton of light from both the front windows and the back one too.  besides it's only paint : ) More pictures when we get the this project finished and things back on the walls. Hope you get to do something fun this weekend too!