I love this time of year when we start thinking about spring cleaning and reorganizing our homes.
If you are in a renovation mode you may have some upcoming painting projects. Here are some DIY tips.
Paint chip ring
This idea is truly invaluable if you are doing a renovation. Fit a key ring with round key tags then paint the new colours on one side and the name of the paint on the other for when you need to consult your chosen colour palette. These rings are great for co-ordinating new wallpaper colours and furniture pieces.
Small artist brushes
These little brushes are fantastic for getting into forgotten areas and those places that are hard to reach for the standard paintbrush. It’s always best to remove items such as doorknobs, outlet covers and other small items from your walls before painting. These brushes are great to touch up areas that are nicked or scratched.
Petroleum jelly
It’s an old staple around most homes an d a versatile product for many purposes. Use petroleum jelly to cover areas that you do not want painted. The paint will not stick to it, and when you’re done just give it a quick wipe.
Vinegar
If you are planning to reuse your paintbrush many times over then consider cleaning it with an eco-friendly product such as vinegar. Simply heat white distilled vinegar in a saucepan until warm and
then pour it into a jar. Add your paintbrushes and let them soak.
Lint rollers and tack cloths
Lint rollers are great for removing the fuzz off paint rollers. Tack cloths are used to remove the little bits of fuzz and dust after you have sanded a piece of furniture or wood trim. The cloth is sticky and dust will adhere to it as you wipe. Look for them in hardware stores and paint supply outlets.
Primer
It is a good idea to prime before you paint. Primers assist the paint in sticking to the surface. Whether it’s on your walls or on a piece of furniture, primers are the way to go. Sanding your furniture before priming is always recommended as well.
Barb Lunter has a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. She also runs Blu Dog Staging & Redesign. bludogstagingandredesign.com
