Five Ways to Take the Pain Out of Painting

PHILADELPHIA, March 17, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For some people, exterior painting's a pleasure, but for others, it's a pain. If you find the project to be less fun than funk, here are five simple ways to take the pain out of your painting: 

1.  Simplify the color selection process. "Selecting an exterior color scheme doesn't have to be a white-knuckle experience," says Debbie Zimmer, spokesperson for the Paint Quality Institute. "You'll seldom go wrong by applying a dark shade of paint to exterior walls, and using white, or very light, contrasting paint on your trim." Want something a little more interesting? Simply adopt one of the color-coordinated palettes you see in paint company brochures, advises Zimmer. These are created by design professionals with a keen sense of color. Be smart, and ride those coattails. 

2.  Speed up the work with power equipment. According to Zimmer, good surface preparation is important for every exterior paint job, but it doesn't have to be done by hand. The machine age is well upon us, so rent a power-washer! It will quickly remove any loose or peeling paint, as well as dirt, grime, and mildew. You might even consider renting a power-sprayer to apply your paint more quickly.

3.  Use a combination primer and paint. Getting a good paint job used to require a coat of primer and one or more coats of paint. Today, you can find coatings that function as both primer and paint in a single can, says Zimmer, who suggests that these combination coatings can greatly reduce the time and effort required to finish an exterior painting project. Spend a little up-front time seeking out one of these painter-friendly coatings, and you'll save lots more time (and work) later in the job.

4.  Invest in the best quality paint. With due deference to Charles Schwab, top quality 100% acrylic latex paints may be the best investment out there. Not only do these paints look smoother and more even when applied, but they're also tremendously durable compared to bargain-priced coatings. According to Zimmer, top quality 100% acrylic latex exterior paints typically last 10 years or more, compared to four years or so for run-of-the-mill paints. Think about that return on investment when you go to buy paint. 

5.  Paint in moderate weather conditions. While today's top quality coatings can be applied in a wide range of temperatures, there's no need to make exterior painting an endurance contest. "Mild weather and moderate temperatures are best for both you and your paint – making for more pleasant working conditions, and better conditions for the paint to form the strongest, most protective film," says Zimmer. High winds? Put the power-sprayer and ladder away. No need to compromise your safety, or the integrity of paint film that can dry too quickly in windy conditions.    

As you can see, it doesn't take strong medicine to take the pain out of painting – just some common sense and careful planning. Apply equal parts of both and you'll be well on your way to more pleasurable exterior painting.

For more advice about exterior or interior painting, visit the website of the Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com, or its blog at blog.paintquality.com.

Deborah Zimmer

The Paint Quality Institute
Dow Coating Materials

dzimmer@dow.com
Office: 215-592-2169
Mobile: 215-962-5551

About the Paint Quality Institute (SM)

The Paint Quality Institute (SM) was formed by Rohm and Haas Company (now a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company ("Dow")) in 1989 to educate people on the advantages of using quality interior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality Institute's goal is to provide information on the virtues of quality paint as well as color trends and decorating with paint through a variety of vehicles, including television appearances, newspaper and magazine articles, and instructional literature. Please be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute at www.paintquality.com or its blog at blog.paintquality.com.

About Dow

Dow combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element" to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company connects chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, renewable energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's diversified industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 160 countries and in high growth sectors such as electronics, water, energy, coatings and agriculture. In 2009, Dow had annual sales of $45 billion and employed approximately 52,000 people worldwide. The Company's more than 5,000 products are manufactured at 214 sites in 37 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

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