Spot-painting repairs

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Learn the basic maintenance and repair projects every homeowner needs to know.
The complete photo guide to home improvement you find on ehowdiy.com.
Also household solution simple and effective products are fun and economical. We think you will be happily surprised with the results, and much more...

All in one place for the first time, parents can find answers to the many questions that come up all through a childhood.



« Back To Painting And Decorating Projects	PAGE 1 OF 1

Spot-painting repairs

HOME

Before You Paint
Painting is one of those activities that seems easy when you’re watching someone else is do it. Hitting a golf ball seems easy, but few of us can hit a ball as well as Tiger Woods. So what turns the weekend golfer into a pro? You won’t find the answer here. But you will learn the secret to a pro-quality paint job—and that secret is surface preparation. Take the time and exert the effort to clean and repair all surfaces, see below and opposite, to achieve a first-class paint job.

Step 1. Fill nailholes and small dents with lightweight joint compound. Leave a slight mound—the compound shrinks as it dries.

Step 2. Use 150-grit sandpaper to sand down the dry joint com pound until it is flush with the wail surface.

Step 3. Because joint compound absorbs paint differently than drywall, prime the patched area before topcoating.

Step 4. Roll paint onto the patch, and work the topcoat across the area. Keep a wet edge on the paint to avoid leaving ridges.

Step 5. Smooth out the edges of the new paint with light, lifting strokes. To cover, you may need to repeat this process.

Sealing Over Stains

Remove surf ace stains as best as you can with a detergent/water solution or an appropriate solvent/ spot remover. To prevent remaining discoloration from bleeding through, seal the area with a stain-killing primer, such as pigmented white shellac. These sealers dry fast and won’t slow you down. Similarly, coat knots in paneling or trim so that resins from the wood won’t bleed through the final coat of paint.

Pigmented white shellac has tremendous hiding power. It also makes a good primer on metal.

SMART TIP

GETTING RID OF MOLD AND MILDEW

Mold feeds on moisture and eventually forms gray-green spots that bleed through paint. Damp areas are susceptible to mold formation. Get rid of mold before painting using a solution of household bleach and water with a non-ammonia detergent. (Never mix ammonia and bleach.) Soap or detergent solution alone won’t kill mold.

Allow it to soak into the mold for 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.

You can test existing paint for lead using a simple kit. Following instructions, scrape the surface; apply the activator; and wipe.

The activator makes a liquid sample on the swab that you then apply to the test card to find out the lead- content reading.

Testing for Lead Paint
Many house paints made before 1978 contain lead, which is a threat to children and can cause permanent brain damage, behavioral problems, and other serious health problems. If you live in a pre-1978 home, obtain free information on testing and safety precautions and for guidelines on whether the paint should be left alone, covered, or removed at www.epa.gov/lead.

| Household Solutions | Home Decorating, Interior Design Articles |

DIY HOME IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS