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You don't have to be a professional painter to get results like one. Preparation is nearly 90 percent of the job, so when you're ready to start the project, consider these professional tips:

Preparing the surface

Anything in the room not being painted should be removed or covered up, including furniture, light fixtures, vent covers and outlet covers. Apply a good masking tape to protect baseboards, door and window trim, crown molding and any other surfaces not receiving paint. To protect flooring, lay down a canvas or thick-mil plastic drop cloth.

When painting over an existing semi- or full-gloss finish, the surface must be sanded to give the new paint something to adhere to (paint adheres better to rough surfaces than smooth ones). Smooth over cracks and other surface imperfections with spackle and a putty knife, and then sand smooth. Viewing the surface from an angle will reveal any spots that may have been missed.

The entire surface to be painted should be washed with tri sodium phosphate (TSP) or a mixture of water and bleach (or other detergent) in a 2:1 ratio. This should dry completely before working with the surface again. Finally, apply a primer coat such as Ace Stain Halt to round out the prep process.

Choosing a paint

Latex paints are the primary paints used for painting non-metallic surfaces inside the home such as walls and ceilings. Be aware of the differences in finishes:

Flat - Ideal for low-traffic areas; matte coating shows a color's "true hue" and hides imperfections well. Ace Sensations(TM) with Scotchgard(TM) Protector is the flat paint that cleans like a semi-gloss, so you can use it in higher-traffic areas. What's more, it's mold resistant, so it can be used in high-moisture areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, too!

Eggshell - Smooth, washable finish with a very slight sheen; ideal for living rooms, hallways, bedrooms and dens.

Satin - A bit more washable than eggshell with a similar sheen; ideal for most rooms.

Semi-gloss - Smooth and washable medium sheen; ideal for bedrooms, kitchens and children's rooms.

Gloss - The highest shine of any finish, very washable; well-suited for trimwork, doors and windows and areas that receive frequent abuse.

Tools of the trade

If you have all necessary tools "at the ready," you won't have to leave halfway through your project because you forgot a crucial item. For latex paints, synthetic-fiber bristle brushes in a variety of flat and angled tips will take care of the trim and detail work.

A good hard-core roller cover and roller cage will speed the job up and reduce the appearance of brush strokes. Don't forget a good paint tray for that roller, an extra roller cover and a 6-in-1 tool for cleaning up these items when the job is done.

It's good to invest in the highest quality roller covers and brushes. These are worth the extra cost in the money and time you will save down the road. Quality roller covers will resist matting down and will hold more paint without dripping, reducing the amount of paint used and the number of coats required for even coverage. Brushes will also apply paint more smoothly, requiring fewer layers to conceal brushstrokes. Higher quality rollers and brushes resist "shedding" and last longer as well.

Painting is a process

Cutting the edges involves outlining the area to be painted with a 2 1/2" angled-bristle brush and is a crucial step in "framing the canvas." Edges should be cut around doors and windows, above baseboards and at the line where the ceiling meets the wall. From there, a roller can be used for most of the rest of the job.

When painting with a roller, it's important to work in three- to four-foot square sections to make the job more manageable. This also works as a guide for "roller loading" - a roller should not be reloaded until the section has been finished.

Work in a zig-zag pattern: A "W" should be painted on the surface from top to bottom and left to right. From there, the section should be filled with horizontal strokes. To finish off, the section should be smoothed with all-vertical strokes - this will maintain the same "pattern" and help to fuse the smaller sections into one finished surface when the paint is dry. For complete coverage, two coats are almost always recommended.

Credit: Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

A sanding block helps speed up sanding jobs, relieves strain on your hands and makes your sandpaper last longer.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Oil-based – or alkyd-based paints – have chemicals or resins in them that evaporate once the paint dries. This allows them to go on a little thicker and provide a better coverage on the first coat.

Tips for oil-based paint application.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

An exotic getaway is always a treat, so why not create a special haven for yourself right within your own home? Look for an underused area like a dormer, a nook under the stairs, a bump out or even a corner of a room and focus on creating a luxurious area where you can relax and read a good book.

Luxurious fabrics and opulent color combine to create a resplendent hideaway from the world. Golden brown walls and a soft, butter yellow ceiling impart a cocooning warmth that beckons relaxation. Soft lighting, achieved through the imaginative use of a hanging crystal chandelier, pagoda table lamp, and fabric screen to control the amount of natural light entering the space, sets the mood.

Sumptuous fabrics with luxe details such as hand-knotted fringe and embroidered beading can be affordable luxuries for small spaces. A dramatic patterned rug paired with fabric accents in shimmering melon and chartreuse silk complete this niche's lavish look.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

(ARA) - Updating the decor in your home doesn't have to be a long, laborious or expensive process. Instead, get a little instant gratification by using paint to easily refresh areas and items throughout the house. With a little cash and a free weekend, you can makeover your house right now.

Furniture Facelift

Whether it's an old pair of chairs in the attic or a desk that's seen better days, it's easy to breathe new life into pieces of forgotten furniture with a fresh coat of paint. You can add interest and a pop of color to any room. A semi-gloss finish works best when painting furniture because it's easy to clean and hides any imperfections.

How to:

• Make sure the surface is clean, dull and dry.
• Prime with a stain blocking primer to ensure the surface is properly sealed. This will help the paint go on evenly and uniformly.
• With a high-quality mini-roller, like those from Purdy, apply the paint of your choice to achieve the best finish. These tools are versatile, lightweight, and can quickly and easily deliver a perfect finish with smooth rolling action.
• For extra protection, brush on two thin, even coats of water-based polyurethane.

Door Do-Over

Changing the color of an interior door can make a big impact in any room. The key to getting this update right: color selection. Choose color similar to your walls for the door, because you don't want the contrast to be jarring. Be sure to paint the frame too, so the door doesn't seem to float in space, and use a gloss or semi-gloss finish.

How to:

• Remove door and hinges from the wall.
• Make sure the door is clean dull and dry.
• Prime bare, sanded woodwork; there's no need to prime previously painted surfaces if they're in good condition. However, if you are going over an existing oil-based paint with a latex paint, follow the instructions on the paint can on how to prime.
• When applying paint or primer, work from the center of the door outwards in the following order: molding, inside panels, rails, stiles
• Once paint is completely dry, re-hang door using existing hinges.

Step To It

For an unexpected update, paint an area of the house that doesn't usually receive a lot of love - your stair risers. They can get nicked and scuffed easily, so a fresh finish - and color - can really perk up the staircase. If you're unsure of which shade to choose, cut and paint cardboard pieces the same size of the risers and position them on the steps to get an idea of the effect.

How to:

• Dust risers with a broom and cover steps with masking paper; secure with painter's tape.
• Apply latex primer to wooden risers or metal etching primer to metallic ones. Brush horizontally and let dry for at least two hours. Mini rollers are another tool to consider especially over metal.
• Apply gloss, latex paint with a clean brush or mini roller. Let first coat dry two hours, then apply second coat.
• Wait a day for the paint to cure and then add a third coat for the most durable finish.

Remember: Painting is the easiest way to make a dramatic and instant impact on a room. This weekend, get inspired and makeover with these simple and inexpensive projects.

Good roller frames have a compression-type cage, which is also convenient, because their covers can be removed quickly and easily. Also, look for a handle that has a threaded end so you can use an extension pole for painting floors and ceilings.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.