Tips, help and info

Tip: Rollers

Paint rollers are actually two separate pieces – the roller handle (or frame, or cage) and the roller sleeve (or cover, or various other names).  To keep it simple I just call them the roller handle and the roller, and today I’ll just talk about the roller. Rollers do come in various lengths, but the ...

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Ceiling first, then trim, then walls…

Something that still surprises me that I see when I’m re-painting a room that was previously painted by a do-it-yourselfer is this:  A professional painting contractor will always overlap the surface he is painting at least a bit onto the adjacent surface. What this means is:  Start with the ceiling (if you are skipping the ...

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The #1 rule to consider when choosing your new colour

It’s simple really. Be certain that your new colour looks good with everything you are not changing. Unless you plan on replacing the furniture, the flooring, the window coverings – your new colour needs to go well with everything else in the room.  There is nothing at all wrong with dreaming about your “new look” – ...

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Tip: Choosing the right sheen and type of paint

All paint manufacturers sell different lines of paint, from the value priced product to the more expensive premium lines.  There are many stores selling paint here in Toronto and they cater to both contractors and the do-it-yourselfer. Most often with residential painting it is recommended to use a matte finish on the ceilings, eggshell on ...

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Tip: Latex VS Oil

Latex = Water based.  …  Oil = Oil based. Oil based paints (also called alkyd) are being phased out.  This has been going on for years, but it’s become more noticeable more recently.  You can still buy it, but be aware that there is a reason for it’s scarcity.  Its toxic and nasty for the ...

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