Skip to main content
Partly Cloudy icon
82º

Painting pointers to get you started on your next DIY home improvement project

Consumer Reports recommends starting with good paint, good brush

SAN ANTONIO – Painting can transform a space, which makes it a particularly enticing project for the millions of people sheltering at home. If you haven’t tackled it on your own before, Consumer Reports has some painting pointers.

First, start with a good paint and a good brush. CR recommends Behr Premium Plus from Home Depot, a Best Buy for $31 a gallon.

For latex paint, use a brush with nylon bristles. The bristles should be nice and stiff to spread the paint evenly. Tug at them to make sure they don’t come out; you don’t want to find any in your paint.

Small, angled sash brushes from 1 to 2 and a half inches wide are best for trim. For cutting in around doorways and ceilings, use an angled sash brush that’s 2 and a half inches. The angle allows you to make a sharp line and access corners. And for painting wide, flat surfaces like walls or siding, a flat brush that’s 3 to 4 inches wide will do the best job.

For walls and ceilings, use a roller. CR recommends using a short-nap one, about a quarter-inch deep. They tend to cause less splatter while still providing you with a smooth, thick coat.

You can also tackle outdoor projects like fences and front doors. CR recommends Behr Premium Plus Ultra Exterior from Home Depot and Clark+Kensington Exterior from Ace.

CR says it’s always a good idea to keep leftover paint for future touch-ups. If you’re using the original container, close the lid tightly, tapping it with a hammer. Write the date you used the paint and the room you painted with a permanent marker. Don’t store it in sunlight or near a heat source or anywhere it might freeze.


Loading...

Recommended Videos