DIY Projects - Applying paint using paint brushes

The paint brush is the most versatile and most widely used tool for applying paint. Even if you use a roller or paint pad to apply paint to the main areas, you will still need a brush to paint the edges. An ideal size brush to paint the edges is 50mm (2"). If you are painting a small area it is often easier to use a paint brush for the whole job. An ideal brush size would be 75-100mm (3-4").

Before using a new paint brush, get rid of any loose bristles by flicking it across the palm of your hand. Wash under a cold tap any previously used brushes to remove any dust or other dirt and shake them to remove any excess water. If you are using a solvent based paint then allow them to fully dry before using.

Tie a piece of string across the top of the paint kettle between the handle supports. Use this to scrape off any excess paint. You can also use the string to rest the brush on.

The correct order for painting a room is ceiling, walls and finally woodwork. Aim to complete an entire section in one go, a half finished wall or ceiling will leave a drying mark which will be visible through the finished surface.

If there is more than one window start at the largest. On the other walls start on the right, if right handed and on the left, if left handed.

Load the brush with paint to about a third of the bristle depth, always brush away from a wet edge rather than into it, this ensures the paint thins out and stops lines forming where areas of paint meet.

DIY Projects - Applying paint using paint pads

Paint pads are suitable for emulsion and solvent based paints, they make it easy to apply the paint smoothly and evenly without the risk of brush marks. They tend to apply less paint than a brush or roller so an additional coat may be needed. For the best results use the pads with a special paint tray that loads the correct amount of paint or some have built-in rollers, these also make sure the correct amount of paint is applied to the pad.

Pads come in different shapes and sizes, some specifically designed for certain areas. There is an edging pad that contains wheels to run along adjacent walls or ceilings and small pads for painting narrow areas such as mouldings on doors, or window frames.

Before using new pads rub them over your hand to remove any loose pile. It is also a good idea to rinse it in clean water and allow it to dry before use.

Keep old pads, they'll come in handy for sizing walls.

	Fill the tray with paint and load the pad by rolling it backwards and forwards across the ridged roller.
	Start off by doing the edges using a small pad or a special edging pad as shown. These are designed for painting right up to an internal angle and contain small wheels to guide the pad along the adjacent wall or ceiling. Make sure the wheels stay in contact with that surface.
	When the edges of the wall are done use a larger pad to do the rest of the wall. As normal start at a window and using vertical parallel strokes do about a 1 square metre at a time. Finish off by going back over the area and sweep over any marks. Make sure that the sole of the pad stays in contact with the wall. If you are using gloss paint finish off with vertical upward strokes.

Paint dries quickly and can harden on the pile, this can ruin the pad. As soon as you have finished using emulsion paints, rinse the pad in clean water rubbing lightly, to remove the paint from the pile. Remove solvent based paint by washing the pad in white spirit or brush cleaner and then in warm soapy water.

DIY Projects - Applying paint using paint rollers

Rollers really come into there own when you have a large wall or ceiling to paint. Choose the correct type for the job and you should achieve a finish as good as a brush or pad. Rollers are normally associated with emulsion paint but can be used for solvent based paints.

Foam Rollers

These are the cheapest but only really suitable for emulsion. Don't overload it as paint tends to drip easily from foam.

You can use a foam roller to apply wallpaper paste, when applying the paste directly on to the wall.

Synthetic or Mohair Rollers

These are usually more expensive than foam but give a better finish. They are suitable for all types of paint and can produce a really smooth finish when using gloss.

Synthetic and mohair rollers come in a variety of pile lengths and thickness. If painting a smooth surface choose a short pile, where as when painting an uneven or textured surface choose a long pile.

First paint a band around the edge of the wall or ceiling where the roller won't be able to cover, usually a 50mm (2") brush is suitable. Brush out the edge of the paint to feather it so a join is not seen. Only paint a band around the wall or ceiling you are about to paint, don't be tempted to do all the walls and ceiling as you have more chance of seeing a joint, if the band of paint has dried.

To save cleaning the rolling tray after use line it with kitchen foil before use.

	Fill the paint tray and load the roller by rolling half the pile through the paint, then moving up the slope roll on the ramp several times to spread the paint evenly over the pile and remove any surplus.
	Paint walls using zig zag or crisscross strokes in all directions to cover the area. Continue until the roller runs dry. Do not allow the roller to spin at the end of a stroke otherwise you'll end up splattering paint on the floor and adjacent walls.
	To get a thorough even coverage run back across the area with parallel strokes. If using a gloss paint finish with vertical parallel strokes.
	To cover ceilings it is best if you can build a platform. Two stepladders and a scaffold board or similar will make a good platform. Work away from the window and cover in bands about 1m wide. Some rollers have a hole in the handle for an extension pole. Although it is less easy to control the roller it means a platform is not necessary.

An elevated platform can be hired for decorating ceilings. This makes the job easier and safer.