5 Tips for a Good Paint Job

1. Prep the walls.
You wouldn't put make-up on a muddy face, would you? Stripping wallpaper, filling holes, sanding rough spots, and wiping down with a tack cloth will insure a better finish every time. Preparation is the most tedious part of the whole project, but this is what separates the sloppy from the sleek.

2. Use primer when color is drastically different.
A good primer is almost always worth the money and time. I recommend Kilz brand. One coat of primer and one coat of paint often are better than two coats of paint.

3. Buy the right paint for the job.
If it's a kitchen or bath, buy kitchen and bath paint. Research, ask professionals, and ask the person assisting you at the paint counter. In my humble opinion, for walls, I love eggshell finish in most brands. It is usually able to be wiped clean. Eggshell reflects some light, but still does not highlight every imperfection like semi-gloss or gloss. It also does not absorb oils and stains like a flat finish.

4. Get a good quality angled brush for cutting in.
I learned this lesson the hard way. After cutting in (painting the edges of) five spaces with cheap, straight-edged brushes, I felt I was just bad at the whole painting thing. My mom recommended a Purdy brand angled brush. Wallah! I felt like a pro! I've since discovered that other brands are wonderful as well. I like the 1 1/2 inch angled brush best. For me, a proper brush eliminated the need for taping off. If you are new to painting, I would still recommend painters tape, but the right brushes make a much cleaner edge.

5. Buy two shades lighter than what you think you want.
Have you ever gone into a home and thought to yourself, "Good grief! Did the owner color match their paint to a box of magic markers?"
More often than not, the intentions were a subtler hue. When you paint four walls in one shade, the result is more intensity. I have never heard a homeowner say, "I thought this would turn out brighter, but I'll have to settle for this washed-out look, I guess."
In this realm,"Less is more." Thanks for the quote again, Robert Browning.

Happy New Blog!

With the new year comes new goals, new resolution, and new ideas.

Let's start with a new book! I recommend Lose 200 Pounds This Weekend by Don Aslett.

Most of us just received a plethora of wonderful gifts in the past month. Now we suffer from affluenza. Affluenza is an overwhelming sense of dissatisfaction amidst bountiful provision. While we desire to "count our blessings," we dread the upkeep of our possessions. Being thankful becomes difficult because we have too much. Let's be honest, all of this accumulation just doesn't bring affirmation.

While taking a huge pile to the local Goodwill may not nip the bud of American consumerism, it may be a great start to the new year. Why not? We have so much to gain by losing some of the stuff.

Read the book. It's fun and motivating. When you finish, pass the book on to someone else who wants it.