Paint Like the Pros Do

Use a 5 gallon bucket rather than a roller tray. There's less chance of spilling or putting your foot in it. It also allows you to mix more than one gallon together for larger jobs, guaranteeing an overall identical shade. Hang a roller screen in the bucket. They're cheap.

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Use the edge of a screwdriver blade to scrape off a tiny path of ceiling texture at the ceiling/wall junction. This will give you a crisp line when you cut in the top of the wall or the edge of the ceiling.

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Sanding chair rail or crown molding? Use sanding sponges rather than sandpaper. Conform to the curve!

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When you're rolling paint, be sure to hold the pole so that the open side of the roller (not the side where the handle connects to the roller) is, on the wet paint side of the wall. This will minimize "roller marks" and can cut your labor by 30%!

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Make sure to use high-quality blue painter's tape, not masking tape. Or, you'll be sorry.

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Wear safety glasses when rolling the ceiling. Splatter happens.

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When buying white paint for the ceiling, seek out the special paint that contains a disappearing dye. This will prevent missing a spot which you only notice after the paint has dried. Who wants to drag out the painting gear all over again?

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Using these tip will make your painting experience less painful and more enjoyable. And faster!

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