Most Common Painting Questions

Through research, Quick Solutions^® has discovered do-it-yourselfers most-common painting questions. We hope you will find this resource to be useful before you begin your next painting project.

What is the best way to clean tools after using oil-base and water-base paints?

Pad Maintenance

1. Remove pad from tool and clean immediately after use.
   
   Cleaning oil-base paints, varnishes, lacquers and shellacs from your pad
   Closely follow the manufacturer's instructions to select the proper cleaning solvent (mineral spirits or paint thinner for paint and varnish, denatured alcohol for shellac, etc.) Pour the solvent into a container and dip the pad into the solvent. Work thinner through the pad, dipping up and down in container several times. 
   
   Cleaning water-base (latex) paints from your pad
   Warm water and mild soap suds are the best cleaning solution for water-base paints. Prepare soapy water and pour into a clean container.  Dip the pad into the mixture, working the soap through the pad. Follow with a clear water rinse. Repeat the process if necessary. Always use a clean container with clean soapy water and follow with a clear water rinse. For stubborn water-base paints, try mineral spirits or lacquer thinner, followed by warm soapy water and a clean water rinse.

2. Store pads back in their container frame as this helps them retain their shape.

What is the best way to clean a roller cover?

Roller Cover Maintenance

1. Using a putty knife or a 6 in 1 tool, scrape the excess paint into the roller pan.

2. Next, remove roller sleeve/cover from frame immediately after using. Do not allow the paint to begin drying on the roller.

3. Clean roller covers immediately after use. Never leave the sleeve or cover soaking in water or solvent.

   Cleaning oil-base paints, varnishes, lacquers and shellacs from your roller cover
   Closely follow manufacturer's instructions in selecting the proper cleaning solvent (mineral spirits or paint thinner for paint and varnish, denatured alcohol for shellac, etc.) Pour the solvent into a container and dip the roller cover into the solvent. Repeat this process using a clean container and fresh solvent until the roller cover is clean.

   Cleaning water-base paints from your roller covers
   Wash with soap and warm water and rinse until clean. Repeat the process if necessary. Always use a clean container with clean soapy water and follow with a clear water rinse. If needed, use a putty knife to help scrap off the paint. For stubborn water-base paints, try mineral spirits or lacquer thinner, followed by warm soapy water and a clean water rinse.

4. Dry and store your roller covers with care. String roller covers on rope or dowels to aid in drying the sleeves. Don't stand roller on its end or lay it on its nap. Dry thoroughly before storing in dust-free cabinets or boxes.

Painting Tips

Can I paint over stain? The exterior of our house is coated with stain and I want to paint over it. What are the steps to do this?

You should have no problem getting paint to hold over stain. Be sure that the surfaces to paint are clean, that the stain is totally dry and that there are no loose chips on the surface. Prime the house with a pigmented stain sealer to prevent "flashes" or "hotspots" coming through the paint.

At what temperature can you begin to paint? Is it the same for oil and acrylic stains?

Once the temperature drops below about 55 degrees Fahrenheit paint becomes a little harder to work with. It is also easier to get sags in paint because of the slower dry times. Temperatures for latex and oil paints differ, as do stains and paints. Please read the label on the can of finish and follow the manufacturers' recommendations.

How Do I "Cut In"?

"Cutting in" is a process of applying paint at all corners where ceilings meet walls or where walls intersect. Also, paint is applied next to all molding, trim, and baseboards. Cutting in is easy if you use a quality paint trimmer and edger, and follow these simple rules:

• Fully load the pad with paint being careful to remove excess paint. (If you edger has wheels, be sure to keep the wheels free of paint.)
• Place pad 1" below ceiling line or 1" away from windows, baseboard or time. Slide up until guide wheels are in firm contact with the surface. Apply light pressure to control edger. Paint in long, easy strokes.

If you are not comfortable cutting in, you can always use special painters tape to ensure you get a straight line.