Home Repair and Paint Guide

...  This is a job that anyone can do with a little patience. ... Use a tile cleaner or mix a small amount of ammonia in water. ... Use a water based paint that contains urethane resin. ... You can purchase paint that is specifically designed for tiles from paint supply and home improvement centers. ... They come in a wide variety of designs and are very easy to use. ... You can use any type of brush, but there are special stencil brushes available that make the job easier. ... Apply the stencil to one area at at time. ... Gently apply the paint from the outside of the stencil inwards. ... For a speckled effect, hold the brush perpendicular to the wall and dab the paint into the pattern. ... Once a stencil becomes loaded with paint, discard it and use a fresh one. ... Be sure to measure accurately before starting so everything lines up properly. ... Painting and stenciling countertops can completely change the look of your kitchen with very little money. ... Use the correct paint and it will last for many years. ... Make sure the area to be painted is clean and free of all grease and wax ...

... The results can be very rewarding if you keep a few simple tips in-mind during the project. ... There is simply no substitute for quality. ... Exterior latex is the way to go. ... Small drops on places like a sidewalk can be washed away with a garden hose. ... Don’t skip this step. ... Pay particular attention to compatible primers and the amount of time you must wait before you apply a second coat. ... Apply the paint to a clean, dry surface that is free of all dirt and oils. ... Use the type of primer recommended by the paint manufacturer to cover repair areas. ... Paint needs a little time to penetrate the surface (on fresh wood) and flow to a level film. ... And if too much pressure is applied, water will penetrate the surface and cause the new paint to fail in a very short period of time. ... Let the surfaces dry thouroughly before proceeding. ... Even more important is covering the primer as soon as possible with the paint. ... If you wait too long, the paint may not adhere correctly because it will no longer be able to bond chemically with the primer ...

... Before starting, the tile must be perfectly clean. ... Use a good tile cleaner (available at most home supply stores) and really scrub the tiles. ... It’s also a good idea to wipe the tiles with an old towel after they are dry to remove any film that might be left behind by the cleaner. ... Tile is smooth and shiny, and that’s not a good surface for adhesion. ... There are some areas where it’s not a good idea to paint tile. Do not apply it where it gets wet on a regular basis, such as the inside a tub or shower area. The bathroom floor should be fine because wet spots are not usually allowed to sit for long periods.  If you are going to paint the grout with the same color as the rest of the floor, the job will be much easier. ... This is slow and difficult to do, but will give good results as long as the tape is pressed down tight and you are careful while applying the paint. ... If using a roller, go with with a low nap to keep bubbles and texture to a minimum. A sprayer will also work, but you will have to protect areas from over spray ...