Properly preparing your work area makes painting projects easier, safer and less messy.
1. Remove small items such as pictures, mirrors, lamps, small rugs and unattached floor coverings from the room.
2. Remove furniture when possible. Move items that you cannot remove to the center of the room and cover them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. Clear a working area of at least three feet from each wall.
4. Remove the following from your project area:
- Ceiling hooks
- Doorknobs and drawer pulls
- Door stops
- Mounted light fixtures, if possible
- Outlet covers and switch plates
- Vents and cooling ducts
- Blinds, shades and accessories
Tip: When removing items with screws — switch plates, for example — tape the screws to the back of the object. Place small items such as doorknobs and switch plates in a storage container or zippered plastic bag.
5. Cover the floor with a canvas drop cloth or plastic sheeting. Don't use sheets or newspaper, because paint soaks through them.
6. If you're painting the walls in the room, use blue painter's tape to keep paint off the trim and windows. Masking with tape saves time and leaves clean, straight lines when you're finished. Press the tape down well along the edges to prevent paint from bleeding under tape.
Tip: Remove tape before paint dries completely reduces the chances of lifting the fresh paint film with the tape. If paint has dried, score lightly along the edge of the tape with a utility knife or razor blade before removing.
7. Maintain proper ventilation in the area during painting and while paint is drying. Open doors or windows, as weather permits.
2008 Dutch Boy Group