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Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to transform it and create a distinct personality. To ensure your project goes as smoothly as possible, the experts at General Paint have gathered five deadly mistakes that are sure to kill your paint job. Painting miStakeS to aVoid #1 not aSking for guidanCe Many painting mishaps are easily preventable if you consult an expert prior to starting your project. paint store employees can help determine the best paint line and products to use for your specific project, while offering advice about preparation and the painting process. #2 not ProPerly PreParing your SurfaCe Before painting a room, wipe down the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust, debris and cobwebs. Also patch any nail holes and sand areas with bumps or patches. By creating a clean, blemish-free surface, you are creating an ideal foundation for your paint. #3 USING LOW-QUALITY aPPliCation toolS #4 not aPPlying tHe ProPer amount of Paint over-applying paint can cause paint drips or puddles on the wall. Underapplying, or over-rolling, may require the wall to be repainted, as the underlying coat of paint may remain visible. high-quality paints will deliver the best results, with a typical gallon covering 350-400 square feet. #5 remoVing Painter’S taPe too early from WallS and trim If you remove the tape before the paint has fully dried, the paint could run or bleed, resulting in an uneven edge. Allow the paint to dry completely, and then separate the paint from the tape using a precision knife. Follow the edge of the tape against the wall to separate it from the paint. quality paintbrushes and rollers provide better coverage, help reduce streaks and runs, and may eliminate unnecessary additional coats. purchase a sturdy roller frame and roller cover that is compatible with the paint product you’re using. Investing in higher-quality tools may also enable you to use less paint. Did you know? When painting a bathroom, you can cover your toilet tank with Glad Press N’ Seal. The sealing action will ensure that the plastic will not move during your project. When you are done painting, simply remove the plastic wrap. HANDY TRICKS Here are a couple tips and tricks to help simplify your painting projects. SHUR-LINE Pour & Store www.homedepot.ca 74 CANADIANHOMETRENDS.COM Try these fantastic messfree lids. Simply affix the lid to a gallon and pour the paint into your tray without leaving a mess. When you are done, screw the top back on and your paint can is sealed and ready for its next use. Painter’s Mate Green www.paintersmategreen.com When painting furniture, wrap your new roller in Painter’s Mate Green tape then remove it. Repeat 2-3 times. This will help eliminate extra fibres when rolling paint on your furniture.