The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 3 Summer 2012 | Page 42

BigR Mica DIY

Handy

painting
tips

Keeping paint brushes from splaying
To stop paintbrush bristles from
splaying after cleaning, roll a strip of
newspaper around the brush. It will
keep the bristles in line and it doesn’t
slow the drying process as the paper
allows the water to evaporate.

Mixing and storage

If properly mixed, a paint product will
give you the results that you expect.
Properly stored, you will be able to use
the same can of paint over a long period
of time and it will still give you the
finish that you want.

Short of a tray for a roller?

A roasting tray makes a good substitute
but make sure that you cover it well in
cling wrap or you will be the one getting
the roasting.

From pastry to paint

When your kitchen mixer wears out, use
the beater attachment as it makes an
excellent paint mixer when mounted
on a power drill. A word of caution:
don’t remove it from the paint while it
is still rotating as the result could be
interesting.

Extend that reach

Why climb on a ladder when you can
reach way up high by pushing the end
of a broomstick into the handle of a
roller. It’s great for painting the upper
reaches of walls, ceilings and so on.

Painting into corners

When using a roller to paint a wall,
you won’t be able to get right into the
corners or paint accurately along the
skirting or cornice. Use a paintbrush to
paint these areas first, and then use the
roller to get in as close as you can. The
edge is far less noticeable if you use the
paintbrush first and then the roller.

Lumpy pai