A Canvas of Confusion Trivia Quiz

Answer: Primer

"Why didn't you buy any tinted primer"?

Huh?

How many coats of paint do we need? I bought enough paint to cover the square footage of the walls in the room. Well, the problem was that I wanted to go from a dark color to a lighter color. In this situation - apparently - a coat of tinted primer could have reduced the number of coats of paint that it will take to cover the old color. Primer is less expensive than paint, and it does adhere to old paint better than new paint does. In addition, if the wall is new dry wall (mine is not!), primer will not allow the paint to be absorbed into the porus material. So they really make tinted primer? Yes!

Answer: Moulding

"Let's go look at some moulding. That will help cover up some of the joining places on the door frame".

Really? Painting is not enough?

There are many different types of moulding. While some types are decorative, others serve a specific purpose. Baseboard, for example, is moulding that is used to hide the gap between the floor and wall boards. Another type of moulding is used on the head and side jambs that finish up a door frame. Some, mouldings, like wainscotting, are more decorative, and some, like chair rail, do both.

Answer: Ceiling White

"You need to buy some ceiling white for the fifth wall".

Wait a minute. There are not five walls!

Did you know that some people count the ceiling as the fifth wall? While any color on a ceiling will technically work, white is highly recommended because it makes the walls seem higher and really brightens up a room. For a painter it is better to use because ceiling white is made thicker than paint, so there aren't as many drips. And only one coat will be needed in most cases. A helpful hint - It is possible to buy ceiling white that shows a light color until it is dry. That way it is easier to tell if you missed a spot!

Answer: Splatter

"You're splattering the paint".

Well, yes I am. In fact, it is all over me!

So why is this paint splattering? First, it is probably because I am trying to paint too fast. Slowing down with the rolling will help to reduce the number of splatters. Second, I am using a paint tray. Professionals suggest that it is better to use a bucket with a metal grate when using a roller. This helps to remove extra paint that might be sticking to the roller causing the splatter, and more evenly distribute what is there. Last, but not least, I might be using the wrong type of roller. Did you know that most types of paints have printed instructions that tell what type of roller works best? Cheap rollers can contribute to splattering, as well as using one with the wrong nap. Having said all that, I must also remind you to use a good drop cloth when painting. That saved my floor!

Answer: Blistering

"Your last paint is showing signs of blistering".

Er - I didn't do the last painting.

Nevertheless, it is blistering. Blistering can apparently occur a long time after a paint job is completed. There are many causes, including painting in direct sunlight, moisture, dirt, and using oil-based paint over latex. About the only way to get rid of blistering is to sand the trouble spot, decide what needs to be done to fix the area, and repaint. Luckily, we decided that part of the wall hadn't been cleaned well before it was painted the last time, so there was no repair other than the sanding that needed to take place.

Answer: Stripping

"It looks like we may have to do some stripping on this trim".

Some what?

The problem with painting an older house is that it almost always has layers of old paint. Sometimes it just doesn't make sense to paint over those layers because that will just create more problems. In this case, someone has painted the trim and it was flaking off pretty badly. We found a stripping material that was water based, sprayed it on one afternoon, and within 24 hours, we were able to scrape off the paint very easily in sheets. This method sure beat what I read about regarding the use of grinding or applying heat. And - there was no nasty chemical smell!

Answer: Cut In

Why don't you cut in over there by the window?

Okay! What?

Cutting in is typically done with a paint brush in corners and along the ceiling line and trims. It also is done in places where two different colors of paint might meet - like at the ceiling. It doesn't matter if you cut in before or after rolling, but it is recommended that you allow both to dry at the same time before applying another coat of paint. Also, if you need two coats, cut in, roll, cut in, and roll. It turns out much smoother that way. Professionals recommend that it might be a good idea to practice a bit and be sure only put paint on the tip of the brush. I found that this was a job that was better accomplished with patience and deliberation. Don't get into a big rush; you will have a better chance of it looking good when you are finished!

Answer: Solvent

"Why did you buy oil-based paint"?

Because I liked the color? Why?

Well, when cleaning up after using oil-based paint, turpentine must be used. Yuck! I can't stand the smell; I agree that water would be much nicer to use. Let's just throw the brush away! Next time it will be latex paint. While water is much easier to use as a solvent for latex paint, and latex generally dries much faster, oil-based paint is typically more durable, especially on the trim pieces that see more wear and tear than the wall. Lesson learned!

Answer: Masking

"Where is your masking tape?"

My what? No way! I can be careful. It will taken too much time!

Well, let me just say this. I found out that a job worth doing is worth doing the right way. There is just no way that enough care can be taken to make sure that paint doesn't end up somewhere that will break your heart. I did find out, though, that it's a good idea to NOT leave the masking tape on very long once the job is finished. Sometimes paint will bleed through and you want to be able to wipe it off before it dries and hardens. Also, if the tape is left on too long, it may cause the paint to peel when you try to pull it off. Oh, and by the way, masking tape is also called painter's tape.

Answer: Sag

"Watch out for that sag", my friend said.

I had to look around. Was he talking about painting - or something else? "Your drip, the run, you have quite a curtain there", he continued.

Oh! It is very important to make sure that paint is applied evenly and to pay attention to thick patches that could cause sagging as the paint is being applied. These patches are heavy and will run all over the place if you're not careful. Get those patches brushed or rolled out as soon as possible, otherwise it will be necessary to let the paint dry, sand the surface, and try again. One pointer that might help is to make sure your paint is the right consistency. Thin paint has a better chance of staying even - even for a beginner like me! Have you ever heard of the funnel test? If the paint will easily flow through a funnel, it will pass the funnel test.