This week, I've spent some time painting a bedroom. I plan to sleep there tonight, though it will not be a finished room.
There will be furniture to paint, walls to decorate, etc, but my painting will be done. Hooray!
This is the 4th time this room has been painted in ten years. First, it was yellow, for my daughter. Then she wanted it pink. Then, when Mason went to college, she moved into the front bedroom.
When both Ethan and Mason moved back home for a while later, pink would not work. I painted it this color - somewhere between camel and tobacco green. It went with comforters I found for 2 twin beds. It's been this way for several years. Meanwhile, the boys moved out, and later Mason moved back.
Mason just moved out again, and I have been making plans to move into this room, so my current larger bedroom could be an art room. First, the dark paint had to go. My tastes have changed with the styles somewhat, and these days, I'm craving light, neutral spaces.
For this bedroom, I've chosen a lighter, beige-greige. I wanted something very neutral, just dark enough to contrast with the white glossy oil-based trim. I mixed this paint myself, using a gallon of Olympic white flat, a gallon of Valspar Antique white (Vanilla) and some mini sample pots of tans and taupes.
This job required 2 coats plus a third touch up. As I was painting, I figured out a few things this time around...
First - I really hate cutting in around the ceiling. Ladder work has become increasingly difficult the older I get. My knees don't like it at all. I wish I had a tip for making this easier!
Second - I am a lazy painter. I really hate cleaning brushes and rollers. I usually buy cheap ones and throw them away.
Tip #1:
To keep my brush and roller work-ready. I wrap them in plastic grocery bags - squeezing air out and twisting them closed.
I tried leaving them in water, and though they don't dry out, you have a MESS when you begin painting, and your paint is watery. Paint-water droplets go everywhere.
I have tried leaving them in the paint, but paint seeps into places it's not really supposed to be (like inside the roller), and it drips quite a bit.
The bag method is GREAT. Disposable and virtually mess-free, it works for overnight storage, but not for extended periods.
For oil based paints, wrap them and put them in the freezer! Yes - you're making paint brush-cicles. They'll thaw quickly and are still pliable when you're ready to paint again - even for extended periods.
Tip #2:
Storing touch up paint in water bottles!
This is a new experiment. I thought of it yesterday as I was considering how to store leftover paint for future touch-ups.
I've tried leaving paint in the original cans - and often, it dries out. I've tried storing it in wide-mouth canning jars, but paint gets around the rims, and the lids are hard to get off and it's almost impossible to get a tight seal again. Plus, they're breakable.
Yesterday, I had a little epiphany while taking a water break. I thought the bottles might work because they are clear so you can see the color, they are non-breakable, the lids can be easily wiped down after pouring out paint into a larger container. They take up less space than the big cans, too. Honestly, I can't see how they won't work well. I wonder why I didn't think of it before?
Now, only two more trips up the ladder today, I think. Yes, I'm counting them...
Word for the Day:
Romans 4:8
blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
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12 comments:
Looking great! I know it's a lot of work but it will be wonderful when you finish. A new bedroom and a studio, too! Brilliant tip about the water bottle...I'm going to do that right now. I hate the chalk paint cans with a passion. I pour them into tea bottles for large amounts, but filling several smaller water bottles sure would be easy for all sorts of reason.
Thanks smart lady!
Can't wait to see how you decorate your new room. Love the color you mixed. Great idea with the water bottles!
I have a paint brush in a plastic sandwich bag...while I'm typing this! (it's diy chalk paint too)
I like the bottle idea for touch up paint.
I have found that the big containers my folger's coffee comes in, is great for paint 'saving'. It's air tight, not breakable and stackable! (for easy storage)
Hope you get to sleep in your room tonight and there are no V.O.C's to make you sick or give a head ache.
I still haven't painted with my Ooops! Linen yet.
Hope to get to that soon!
I'm happy you have a new room...and have envy at the same time. (in a good way) Pat
I enjoyed your painting journey. Hope you sleep well tonight. Cutting in is my favorite part of painting - the trick is a great angle brush. I had a favorite one for over ten years until the dog ate the bristles off. Yes, I, too, have a couple of brushes in the freezer!
Wow! I like the new color! Mixing colors yourself-- I'm impressed. I've frozen brushes before, too. I like the idea of putting the paint in the bottles.
I do keep my used latex brushes in a bag and fridge for up to a couple of days, but I have never tried the bottle. Most of our "old" pain has indeed dried up or thicken up
Yay! A newly painted room. Doesn't that just make you feel good? So glad you have that finished so you can play with decorating! It'll be fun to see what you do with a brand new empty canvas.
Liz
Thanks for the tips, my friend! Keep us posted on the water bottle one. So easy, and we all have empty water bottles laying around.
Take care,
Loi
great tips, revi:) the older i get the less fun painting is for me--(i did use the walmart paint for my shed this week) way cheaper and it looks great--tfs that tip, too)
I have done the ladder thing for years, but I never figured out a good way to have paint on hand for touch ups. Thanks for the tip.
Revi,
I use the plastic bag method too. IT helps those of us that cant get it all done in one chunk of time. I'm a lazy painter and I hate cleaning the roller and brushes.
I bought some paint the other day and the color is too light. You've inspired me. I'm going to go get a quart of something to darken it. I've been afraid to do it but you
are fearless :) Thank you for sharing. I'm excited to see your new studio!!
Clara from Redeemed Junk and Stuff
One way I like to leave my paint in the can is to store it upside down. It creates a great seal so no air gets in. There are a few things I do first to make sure this works. When I open it up and before I pour, I put nail holes inside the rim so the paint goes back inside the can. Then before I close it I clean that rim really well before hammering on the lid lightly. Then I flip and store. It works great every time.
But i love the bottle idea for seeing you color and the air tightness for small batches of leftover paint.
your so smart!!
Kim@reposhture
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