Painting Tips, Interior

Step 1 Organizing your project

Tools and Supplies List

• brushes
• bucket/bucket grid
• caulking/caulking gun
• drop cloth
• ladder
• masking paper
• painter's tape
• paint tray/liners
• extension pole
• patching material
• protective apparel
• putty knife
• rags
• roller frame/covers
• sandpaper
• scraper 
• screwdriver
• scrub brush
• sponges

Paint Estimate
(based on a one coat application. Please note that additional paint may be required depending on your specific surface, texture, architectural design and color selected.)

Small Room 
Walls...........1 Gal.
Trim.............1 Qt.
Doors..........1 Qt.
Ceiling.........1 Qt.

Medium Room
Walls...........2 Gal.
Trim.............1 Gal.
Doors..........1 Qt.
Ceiling.........1 Gal.
 Step
Large Room
Walls...........3 Gal.
Trim.............1 Gal.
Doors..........1 Qt.
Ceiling.........2 Gal.

Step 2, Proper Preparation

Preparation is the Key to Excellent Results

• Create a workspace-Remove items from the project area such as rugs and furniture.  If removal of furniture is not possible, then place items in the center of the room and protect with plastic sheeting. 
• Remove what you can-Remove items such as outlet covers, doorknobs, pictures, hooks and nails. When removing items that have screws, tape the screws onto the back of the object.
• Protect what's left-cover floors and any items not removed (light fixtures, hinges, etc.) with protective coverings (drop cloths, plastic sheeting, masking paper, painters tape, etc.)

Repair Imperfections-cracks and peeling paint

• scrape or sand the imperfection
• apply the patching material to the affected area
• sand the finished area, blending evenly with the surface

Gaps and Seams

• remove any dust and debris
• apply caulking into the gap or seam
• allow to dry

Small holes

• apply the patching material to the affected area
• sand the finished area, blending evenly with the surface

Sanding

• scuff sand all glossy surfaces to provide proper adhesion
• remove any dust with a lightly water-dampened rag

Cleaning the project surface

• apply a cleaning solution with a sponge onto a lightly water-dampened surface
• rinse and allow to dry

Mildew cleaning

• mix 1-part multi-surface cleaner and mildew stain remover to 3-parts water.
• apply the solution with a sponge onto a lightly water-dampened surface
• rinse and allow to dry

Step 3, Applying Primer and Paint room surfaces in this order:

Priming

• Prime all uncoated surfaces, patched and repaired areas, stained areas and over existing oil-based paint. Be sure to apply a tinted primer when making a dramatic color change.
• to determine if a paint coating is oil-based, apply rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth. Rub the cloth on the surface in a circular motion.
• If alcohol cleans the surface without softening the existing coating, the paint is oil-base3" area. If the paint softens and the color transfers onto the cloth, the coating is water-based. 

Paint room surfaces in this order:

1. ceiling
2. walls
3. window
4. doors
5. trim (include baseboard, door trim and window trim)
6. floors

TIP - use high quality nylon/polyester brushes for latex finishes

Painting Walls, Ceilings and floors

• Starting in the top corner of the project area, cut in a 3-4 inch wide area around the perimeter with a brush
• smooth out the cu-in area by lightly brushing the tip of the bristles over the newly painted area, to create a feathered edge
• place a loaded roller approximately 3-4 inches away from the area you've just cut-in
• working a 3'x3' area, roll a "W" onto the surface. This will help to place an even distribution of paint onto the wall.
• continue rolling from the top edge of the surface to the bottom
• using the "W" technique, repeat until the wall is completely covered. 
• ceilings and floors can also be painted using the instructions above

Painting trim areas

• starting at a corner, brush the paint onto the trim area
• re-load the brush approximately every 4-6 inches. 
• repeat steps until all the trim area is complete

Clean up

• for water based products clean with soap and water
• for oil-based products clean with mineral spirits
• carefully remove all protective coverings from the project area
• re-attach items such as door knobs and switch plates
• clean the outside edge/interior rim of the paint can and replace lid.
• store leftover products in a dry location, avoiding extreme temperatures

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How To Install Cabinets

 

• Tools & Materials
• Hammer
• Stud Finder
• Ladder
• 4' Level
• 2x4's and Plywood Triangles for T-brace
• Carpet Scraps for Padding on T-brace
• Keyhole Saw
• Shims
• Tape Measure
• 6" C-clamps
• Wood Screws
• Chalk Line
• Drill & Bits

Notes
Double and triple chick all measurements.
Cabinets should be level and plumb to insure doors and drawers will operate properly.
For wall cabinets use a measurement of 84" from the floor to the top of the wall cabinet.
To ease installation remove doors and drawers.

Blind Corner Wall Cabinet
36"-39" wall space
The blind corner wall cabinet may be pulled up to 3" from the corner and a filler strip should be used with the cabinet next to it. Attach the filler strip in the same manner as joining the cabinet stiles. Hang the cabinet in the same way as other wall cabinet.

Diagonal Wall Cabinet
24" wall space
This on each wall for installation. Set in place with cabinets on each side of it. Attach cabinets to the walls. Level and plumb  cabinet requires 24" of space from each wall. Filler strips are not necessary with this cabinet.

 Blind Corner Base Cabinet
36"-39" wall space
The blind corner base may be pulled up to 3" from the corner and a filler strip is used with the cabinet next to it to allow for proper door and drawer operation. Attach the cabinet in the same manner as other base cabinets.

Lazy Susan Base Cabinet
36" wall space
Allow 36" on each wall for installation. Set it in place with cabinets on each side of it. Attach cabinets to the walls. Level and plumb the Lazy Susan Base and attach to the stiles of the adjoining cabinets. To support the counter top use 1"x2" wood strips.

Beginning
After you have planned your cabinet system locate the wall studs in the area you are going to install your cabinets and mark them using a chalk line. Next mark a level line for the top of the wall cabinets and the base cabinets. Begin installation with the corner cabinets firs. Install the wall cabinets before the base cabinets because this will allow free use of your ladder and T-brace.

Wall Cabinets

1. Make a T-brace tall enough to support a wall cabinet at the height that you marked on the wall. While you and a helper steady the cabinet on top of the T-brace, level it and check that the top stays even with your guideline. 
2. Drill pilot holes through the mounting rails at the stud locations you have marked. Then drive wood screws in leaving them loose enough to allow for adjustment. Next use a level to see if the cabinet front is plumb. If it is not you can use shims to bring the cabinet into plumb. After making sure the cabinet is level and plumb fasten the top and bottom screws securely.
3. Place the next cabinet into position using the T-brace. Use C-clamps to clamp the stiles of the 2 cabinets together and countersink 2 wood screws into the stiles. Make sure the cabinet is level and plumb. Then screw the cabinet to the wall through the mounting rails and into the studs. Repeat the steps with the remaining wall cabinets. Make sure they are level, plum and that all screws have been tightened.

 Base Cabinets

1. Place the first cabinet into position according to your plan. Use your level to see if the cabinet is both level and plumb. If it is not use shims on the floor to bring the cabinet level and shims between the cabinet and the wall to bring the cabinet plumb. A wooden block can be used to avoid damage to the floor or wall when driving shims. (Drill pilot holes through the mounting rails at the stud locations you have marked. Then drive wood screws in leaving them loose enough to allow for adjustment. After making sure the cabinet is still level and plumb fasten the top and bottom screws securely.)
2. Place the next cabinet into position and level it so that it lines up with the first cabinet and with your guidelines marked on the wall. Use C-clamps to clamp the stiles of the 2 cabinets together and countersink 2 wood screws into the stiles. Make sure the cabinet is level and plumb as you did before. Then screw the cabinet to the wall through the mounting rails and into the studs. Repeat these steps with the remaining base cabinets. 
3. If you are not using a special corner cabinet, use filler strips at the corner to allow enough space for doors and drawers to operate smoothly. Join the filler strips in the same manner as you do the stiles of the cabinets. To support counter top, attach 1"x2" wood strips to the wall along your guidelines so they are level with your cabinets. 
4. After all cabinets are in place make sure they are still level and plumb. if necessary adjust your shims, then make sure all mounting screws have been tightened. At this point use you keyhole saw to trim the shims even with the cabinet. 
5. Place your counter top into position and make sure it is held tightly against the wall to insure the best fit. Then anchor the counter to the cabinets using the corner braces provided on each cabinet. Be careful not to screw too far or use screws that are too long because you may damage the counter top. 

Finishing
Unfinished Cabinets

• Fill screw holes made in the face frame stiles with wood putty then sand the surface.
• Attach veneered and panels to exposed sides of cabinets with glue or nails. Some trimming may be needed.
• Attach doors and insert drawers into cabinets.
• Attach Toe Kick trim with glue or nails.
• Add Shoe mouldings and Scribe moulding to conceal gaps and shims along floor and walls.
• Sand cabinets and prep for stain. Use a tack cloth to thoroughly wipe the surface and remove dust and any excess glue. A surface that is improperly prepared will not stain correctly.
• Stain cabinets to match your decor. 

 Finished Cabinets

• Attach doors and insert drawers into cabinets.
• Attach Toe Kick trim with glue or nails.
• Add Shoe mouldings and Scribe moulding to conceal gaps and shims along floor and walls.
• Finished Crown moulding can be attached to wall cabinets with nails.