High percentages of titanium dioxide pigment, rather than cheaper calcium carbonate, provide better coverage with fewer coats. Paint: Quality dependson the type and amount of pigment. Invest in the Best Photo by Don Penny/Time Inc. Tape exposed outlets and switches, window panes, HVAC vents, and any other areas you want to keep paint-free. (Treat plaster with a solution of 1 pint vinegar and 1 gallon of water.) Protect window and door hardware by removing or covering with tape.ĭust with a tack cloth. Wrap chandeliers and sconces in plastic sheeting. Remove window treatments, wall-hung art, area rugs, outlet and switch-plate covers.

Coat the tape with joint compound, let dry, and sand-recoat and sand two more times. For hairline cracks, widen with a utility knife before covering with fiber-mesh tape. How to Handle Holes and Cracks Photo by Brian Wilderįill holes with drywall compound. 3-inch straight brush: Best for large expanses, such as wainscoting and doors. 2½-inch angled brush: Best for window and door casing, cabinetry, and cutting in.ģ. 1-inch angled brush: Best for details, such as moldings and window muntins.Ģ. Rough roller, ¾-inch nap: Best for flat or eggshell on highly textured stucco or masonry walls.ġ. Semi-smooth roller, ⅜-inch nap: Best for semigloss, flat, or eggshell on lightly textured plaster or wood-paneled walls.ģ. Smooth roller, ¼-inch nap: Best for semigloss or gloss on smooth drywall or plaster walls.Ģ. Pick The Right Tool for the Job Photo by Ted Morrisonġ.

Digital StudioĮxpect to pay about $197 to paint the average 12-by-12-foot room. What it Costs Photo by Don Penny/Time Inc. They are also extra flat to cut glare from lights.Įntry, stairway, and family room: Durable, easy-to-clean 100 percent acrylic latex in an eggshell sheen will stand up to high traffic and fingerprints. Kitchen and bath: Choose a moisture- and peel-resistant satin or semigloss with mildewcides.Ĭeiling: Paints labeled for ceilings are thicker and less splatter-prone than wall paint.

This old house what is inpaint