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When you get ready to sell your home, a professional-looking
paint job will enhance prospective buyers’ perceived value of
your home like nothing else.
Professional Paint Job
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Getting
Started -
If you’ve never painted before, starting out can be somewhat
intimidating. But consider that preparation can be almost as
important as experience to complete a high-quality paint job.
Take the time to do the minor things that will make a major
impression. |
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Before painting, tighten loose woodwork with
finishing nails, fill holes with putty and patch cracks in
plaster. Also remove hardware such as door stops, electrical
outlet covers and door knobs, mask the windows and cover your
floors and furnishings.
Walls should be clean, smooth and dry. Wash off all dirt and
grease with a powdered household cleaner and water. Rinse
thoroughly. Remove loose paint and dull glossy surfaces by
sanding. Spot paint patched areas before painting. |
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The Right Tools
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Brushes, which come in various shapes, contours and bristles,
have many purposes and are suited to almost any surface. Brushes
with China bristles are designed for oil-based products,
varnishes and stains; 100 percent nylon bristles and
polyester/nylon brushes are ideal for latex paints and other
water-based finishes. |
Designed for shakes and shingles, pads are also good on
smooth surfaces. They apply paint faster than a brush and can be
cleaned or replaced.
Known for fast application and smooth finishes, rollers are
best on flat surfaces. The surface texture dictates nap length:
the smoother the surface, the shorter the nap. |
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Trimming The
Tough Spots -
When painting walls, use a trim brush to paint a 2-inch strip at
the ceiling line where walls meet and around woodwork. Use a
roller to paint walls. Roll into strips as much as possible
because a roller leaves a different texture than a brush. Paint
a room in top-to-bottom sequence: ceilings, walls, doors,
woodwork and baseboards.
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Finishing The
Job -
Cleanup is as important as preparation. Prospective buyers will
notice splatters and messy drips. Mineral spirits or soapy water
will help you remove splatters. To give your room a professional
glow, scrape window panes with a razor.
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Exterior Painting Sequence
Paint the siding.
Paint the trim, railings, porches, steps and foundation.
Paint shutters, screens, storm windows and all other
removable surfaces. Regardless of the surface, always start
at the top and paint downward.
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