Courtesy : Nippon Paints

Preparing the right tools will save you the time and hassle of having to scramble for tools in the middle of your paint job.
Some of essential items you will need are:

1. Sandpaper: for smoothing out uneven surfaces prior to painting.
2. Sanding block: to keep the sandpaper.
3. Scraper: to remove peeling paint from the surface.
4. Turpentine: to wipe off oil-based paints easily.
5. Clean rags: to wipe up splattered paint.
6. Masking tape: to block off objects like light switches, sockets from being painted.
7. Covers: old newspapers or canvasses can be used to cover the floor and furniture.
8. Brushes and rollers: choose the right type according to your purpose and surface. As a rule, it is good to have a large brush or roller, and at least one or two small brushes for tight corners.
9. If you are planning to do some advanced paint techniques, make sure you have the correct tools to pull off the job, for e.g. pencil liners, dragging brushes, shaped-stamp.
10. Paint tray: to mix paints and contain your roller.
11. Sticks: to mix and stir paints with.
12. Appropriate filler: to fill cracks or holes in the walls.
13. Filling knife: to fill the cracks.
14. Sponge and squeegee mop: to wash down walls and ceilings respectively.
15. Container: to soak brushes, rollers, etc. and to hold other odds and ends.
16. Extension pole: to reach higher areas.
17. Ladder: if painting high up is necessary.
18. Protective gear: like face masks, caps, gloves, etc.
19. Comfortable old clothes: items that you are willing to part with because painting can be a messy business.

[source : http://www.nipponpaint.com/paint_elibrary/painting_tips.html]

Painting your own house may not be as daunting a task as you think it is. With the right tools and techniques, a paint job can be enjoyable and rewarding. What’s more, your finished work will be something you will be proud to call your own. Here are some quick tips for a fuss-free paint job.

To pull off a paint job with flying colours, you will need to do the proper research and planning. The most common reasons why paint jobs face problems are inadequate preparation of the surface, using the wrong type of paint, buying insufficient paint, not giving enough time for the project, and not using the right tools.

Here are a few important tips that will help you get your paint job done as easily as possible with maximum impact and minimum hassle.

Use the right paints

Before you start painting, you should not forget about applying the right coats underneath. Sealers, primers and undercoats will bring out the full beauty of your paint job, while ensuring durability and long-lasting protection.

Image Courtesy : nipponpaint.com

Sealers: This helps to prevent underlying as well as subsequent coats from reacting with each other, while ensuring adhesion to the surface.

Primer: Primers function to bind subsequent coats to the surface, while inhibiting deterioration of the paint system as a result of rust, weathering or other forms of corrosion.

Undercoats: This intermediate coat prepares the surface for the finishing coat while giving opacity and film build to the paint system.

After this is done, you’ll also need to choose your paint carefully according to the surface you want to paint.

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After you have bought a second hand house or simply when you move into a house as a tenant , we all want to have the house repainted. White-washed as people like to call it. The same applies to own houses as well a few years down the line.

Repainting is required periodically not only to maintain the aesthetics but also to protect the walls. Especially if you have small kids at home who explore their drawing skills on the walls, repainting is all that more important.

Deciding the type of paint is very important. I remember when we whitewashed our house a few years back, we decided to go for oil paint even if was more expensive. The argument in favour of going for oil paint was that stains could be washed off it. However, to our dismay, after the painting was done, the paint was reflecting light like crazy. A matte finish would have been much better even in oil paint.

Repainting is harder than painting your home first time for a lot many reasons. You have to move your furniture around, scrub off the old paint and the painters may not be patient enough to remove the fittings, something that should never be overlooked. What happens is , incompetent painters paint on top of your switchboards, lamp fittings,..etc.

Choosing the colour is also equally important. Never over experiment. You’ve got to live in it later. Choosing a different colour from your existing paint color takes more coats and hence costs more.

Choosing the right painter is also equally important. There are professionals to choose from. If you are up to it, you could also try your hand at it. Do remember to read up on painting and have someone who has already done it supervise it. If you make a mess of it, you can always call for professional help. 

Here is a choice of colours from Asian paints website.

Colour Palette

Whether it is a new home or an old one, it certainly needs a paint job. The frequency depends on the occupant’s interest and is driven by a variety of factors such as:

a) Age of paint

b) Wearing effects

c) Planned renovation

d) Makeover of the home

Image Courtesy : john-curran.com

What are the areas in ones home that can be painted?

- Exteriors : These paint jobs use a different type of paint which is resistant to weathering effects.

- Interiors : They have a more visual appeal compared to exterior paints. Quite a few variety of paints are available just for this one category.

- Doors, Windows & Furniture : These items need a special type of paint which not only makes it good looking but also gives it added protection from moisture, termites, fire and the like. If you are planning to paint the wooded items, you could choose from special paints to do the job.

- Metal Paints : This is an additional category of paints which give metallic surfaces an added protection from weathering elements and corrosion.

Types of paints available

• Distemper - This is perhaps the most economical type of painting available in the Indian market today. It can be classified as a “Whitewash” job. This term is probably deep rooted in our vocabulary as home owners whitewash their homes prior to renting it out and occupants insist on a periodic whitewash from the home owners ! The major constituents of distemper are chalk, lime, water and some coloring agents if necessary. Distemper is a water based paint

• Emulsions - This type of paint is also water based and provides a rich and Matt finish to interior walls. The differentiating factor of emulsion paints is its acrylic quality. Its composition imparts excellent durability to the painted surface and gives the walls a just painted look. It washable and most stains can be removed easily by wiping with a cloth dipped in a mild soap solution. The paint film is also fungus and mildew resistant.

• Solvent based paints - Lustre paints, Enamel paints and oil paints all come under the category of solvent based paints. They cannot be pre-mixed with water. Oil based paints take a longer time to dry and often produce strong odors which are irritating and sometimes even toxic in nature. The advantage with these paints is that they really last long and produce rich and desiring effects on the wall.

We will cover more on paints in our the future articles. If you have recently painted your home, do share your experiences with us via comments.