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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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PAINTING WOODWORK

Nice Neat Trim

How do I paint wood details neatly, without getting paint where I don't want it?
With the right technique and materials, you can produce straight, neat edges along windows, doors, and moldings. Use an angled brush with natural bristles for alkyd paint or synthetic bristles for latex. Don't skimp on brushes—paint doesn't stick as well to cheap ones. Good-quality paint will cling better to the surface.

Paint trim last, after the walls and ceilings. Create a clean edge by removing old caulk and sanding uneven wood edges. Press painter's masking tape in place with a putty knife to prevent paint from seeping beneath it. Remove the tape before the paint is completely dry. Use a metal paint edger between the carpet and the baseboard to protect the carpet. Never work out of a full gallon can. Pour your paint into a small container and work from that. Don't wipe your brush against the inside of the paint container—this removes too much paint. Lightly slap the brush against the inside of the container to remove excess paint.

Windows can be difficult to paint, especially those divided into small panes. Start at the center and work outward to the frame and trim. Let the paint flow '/n; inch onto the glass to protect the seal between the glass and the putty or wood.

The best tool is patience—you can't rush a good trim job.

Finishing a Crackled Door

I just stripped the paint off my old oak door and found that the surface is covered with tiny cracks. Can I fill the cracks and get a no-sheen finish on the door?
You don't need to fill in the surface cracks, which are caused by dryness. Filling the cracks with putty or wood filler will only make them more noticeable when the door is finished. If you finish the door promptly, there should be no more cracking. The best way to get a no-sheen look is with an oil finish. For an exterior door, use the same kind of transpar-ent penetrating finish that is sold for finishing wood siding and wood garage doors. You can also use varnish, allow it to dry; then rub it out with a very fine steel wool dipped in soapy water to dull the sheen.

Painting Paneling

The paneling in our family room is dark and unattractive. Can I paint it?
Yes, you can paint paneling. First you need to clean it with soap and water and let it dry. Fill any holes with patching compound. Then sand the paneling to smooth the patches and to give the primer a good surface to stick to. Surface preparation is key to this job. Brush away the dust from sanding and wipe the surface with a damp cloth. If the paneling is knotty pine, use a primer-sealer that contains shellac so the knots don't bleed through. Apply an alkyd or latex primer over the paneling and let it dry completely before painting the top coat. When the first coat is dry, apply a second coat.

Avoiding Brush Marks

How can I paint woodwork without getting brush marks?
Brush marks occur when paint dries before it has had a chance to flow out properly. The key to preventing this problem is to use a slow-drying top-quality paint. Look for paint with a drying time of about 24 hours. Whenever possible, paint on a horizontal surface. Remove doors, for example, and lay them flat for painting. For woodwork, always brush in the direction of the grain. This will make any brush marks less noticeable. If your first coat of paint isn't covering completely, don't try to make the coat thicker. Most paint jobs require at least two coats. Let the paint dry and then coat again. In avoiding brush marks, it's also impor-tant to use good-quality brushes.

Door Edge Colors

What colors do I paint the edges of a door when one side matches one room and the other matches the adjoining room?
Paint the edges the same color as the room they typically face. When the door is open at a right angle, the edge with hinges will face into one room—paint that edge to match that room. The other edge will face into the room the door opens into—paint that edge to match that room.

Pickling Wood

How do I get a whitewash-like effect on new wood trim?
To get this two-tone effect, known as pickling, first apply a coat of whatever color wood stain you want on the trim, wiping it on with a sponge.

Let the stain dry; then apply a light coat of white paint over the stain and wipe away the excess while the paint is wet. This will leave paint in the wood grain. Finish with a non-yellowing varnish. You can also achieve this effect by rubbing paste wood filler on the wood instead of white paint.

Refinishing Stair Rails

How do I paint the intricate handrails on my interior staircase?
First prepare the surface by caulking any cracks and holes and sanding rough areas. Use painter's tape and plastic to cover everything you don't want painted, such as the landing, steps, and wall. Then apply an interior primer. If the banister is closer than 5 inches to the wall, use a 2- or 2 1/2-inch slant-edge brush. Otherwise you'll save time by using a paint mitt. After the primer has dried, apply one or two coats of paint the same way.

To give yourself time, use a rela-tively slow-drying primer and paint— an alkyd enamel or a latex paint with an additive that slows drying time. Also select a semigloss or high-gloss paint for greater washability and durability. Make sure there is good ventilation, and take your time.

Reviving a Natural Finish

The varnished woodwork in my home looks dull. How can I give it a little more life?
If your woodwork is in good condi-tion and just needs some brightening, you can revive it by cleaning it and applying new varnish. You'll need two or three sanding sponges of fine to medium grit, a gallon of mineral spirits, all-cotton rags, a tack cloth, brushes, and varnish. Protect the floor and surrounding area with plastic drop cloths.

To start, dip a medium-grit sanding sponge into mineral spirits and clean and scuff the finish; repeat with a fine grit. You want to remove the top layer of finish but not to scrub so hard that you remove the stain. Mineral spirits are toxic; follow all label warnings carefully. Wipe the surface with a clean rag dipped in spirits; let it dry.

After the surface dries fully, spot-stain any areas where the finish has worn through. If you need to mix stains to get a good color match, make sure they are the same type (mix oil stain with oil stain, for example). Also fill any holes with matching-colored wood putty before you varnish. Using a 1 1/2- or 2-inch natural-bristle brush, apply a coat of oil-base varnish and let it dry. Then lightly sand, and wipe the wood with a clean tack cloth before applying a second coat.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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TITLE: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture Store

Home Improvement Category: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself

Shopping Mall: Home Improvement offers do-it-yourself Home Improvement guide and store, Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself Store

Home Improvement Topics: Home Improvement, Home Depot, Home Decor, Home Decorating, Home Remodeling, Home Decor, Home Interior, Home Furniture, Home, Do it Yourself, Doityourself, DIY, Diy Network, Do-it-Yourself