----- Original Message ----- From: "Spring" <[email protected] ~*~ Prevent overspray with small projects Use a large cardboard box as a spray booth by turning it on its side and placing the objects inside. You knew there was a reason for keeping those computer boxes! ~*~ Brush-on paints Ü Stop the mess before it happens! Don't use a full can of paint. Instead, pour some of the paint into an empty container to a depth where the brush can touch the bottom without wetting more than half the length of the bristles. Ü If you plan on re-using your wet brush within an hour of painting, don't clean it. Instead, wrap it in plastic and stow it in the freezer. Pull it out to thaw about 20 minutes before you're ready to paint again. Ü Skin will form on any paint if you leave it long enough. One way you can avoid the mess and hassle of removing the skin is to store the can upside down. When it's turned right side up, the skin will be at the bottom. To avoid a really messy situation, be sure to hammer the lid back on tightly before you turn it upside down. ~*~ Spray paint Ü The key to a successful spay painting is a smooth, even application. For the best coverage, move the can back and forth (like a waltz), overlapping each pass by about one-third. Ü Always start and finish with your spray can off of the object you are painting. Ü Keep the can parallel to the surface of your object. If you hold the can at an angle, the paint will be uneven. Ü Avoid arcing motions while spraying, which will cause uneven coating. Ü If you're wearing gloves, be sure to watch your trigger finger. It's easy to let it get in the way of the paint, which will cause drips. ~*~ Clean UP Ü Don't throw away that leftover paint! There's always a picture frame, light switch, basket, planter, -- even an ordinary rock - that could use a bit of color. But, if you can't find anything to paint right now, be sure to replace the lid tightly and store the paint far away from extreme heat, cold or flame sources and out of reach of children and pets. Ü Just want to throw your excess paint away? You can find a place that accepts household hazardous waste or wait for the paint to completely dry before you throw it out. To be kind to mother nature, look for waste management companies that recycle paint. ~*~ Stenciling 1. Prepare and prime the surface to be painted according to can directions. 2. Apply base coat and allow to dry. 3. Hold stencil firmly against surface or, to be safe, attach stencil to surface with masking tape. 4. Dip stencil brush into paint can and wipe off excess paint. 5. Apply the brush to the stencil using a dabbing motion until entire stencil is filled in. 6. Using a steady hand, remove stencil being careful not to smear the freshly applied paint. 7. Wipe stencil clean with a cloth after each application. 8. Repeat steps 3 - 6 until desired look is achieved. Ü Make sure stencil is clean before applying to surface. Ü If you make a mistake, reapply base coat over the area to be corrected, let dry, and reapply stencil. Ü Practice on paper or cardboard before applying to actual surface. ~*~ Sponge Painting 1. Prepare and prime the surface to be painted according to can directions. 2. Apply a base coat and allow to dry. 3. Dip a natural sponge into water to expand it. Squeeze out any excess moisture leaving the sponge damp. 4. Pour a small amount of paint used for the next coat into a shallow container. 5. Put on your painting gloves and dip the sponge sparingly into the paint and blot excess paint from the sponge with a paper towel. 6. This is the fun part! Apply the sponge paint randomly to the surface, varying the angle of the sponge. 7. Rinse the sponge in clean water occasionally to assure clear prints. 8. Repeat steps 4 - 6 until desired area is covered. ~*~ Rag Painting Roll, dip and dab a little fun onto your walls. 1. Prepare and prime the surface to be painted according to can directions. 2. Apply a base coat and allow to dry. 3. Roll lint-free rags into sausage shapes about 6" long. (Use linen, chamois leather, or burlap to provide different effects.) 4. Pour desired color into paint tray and apply to surface with a roller. 5. This is where we get dirty, so pull out those painting gloves. While topcoat is still wet, roll your sausage rag against the wall from the bottom up. 6. Overlapping slightly, continue until you've reached the end of the painted area. Change rags as needed. 7. Repeat steps 4 - 6 until the entire surface is complete.[]Practice on a large piece of cardboard before applying to actual surface. Ü If working on a large surface, you may want to work in sections because the second coat of paint must be wet while you rag roll. Ü Applying more pressure will remove more paint. Ü Patchiness is less noticeable when you use lighter colors. Ü Any excessive drips can be corrected by rolling over them with the rag. ~*~ Antiquing 1. Prepare and prime the surface to be painted according to can directions. 2. Apply a base coat and allow to dry completely. 3. Apply topcoat, but before it's completely dry, use a wet rag and wipe the surface just enough to smear the topcoat. Wipe in linear motions: top to bottom, side to side, or corner to corner. 4. While the topcoat is still wet, brush the surface with a steel brush in the same linear motion used in Step 3. []Practice on a similar surface before applying to the actual surface. Ü Work in small sections to prevent the paint from drying. Ü Use a lint-free rag in Step 3 for best results. Ü Use a toothbrush in areas you can't reach with the steel brush. ~~*~~*~~ A Mormon acquaintance once pushed Mark Twain into an argument on the issue of polygamy. After long and tedious expositions justifying the practice, the Mormon demanded that Twain cite any passage of scripture expressly forbidding polygamy. "Nothing easier," Twain said. "No man can serve two masters." ~~*~~*~~ Sally Jo