Handyman Guide > Mixing Paint and Surface Preparation

Be wary of the all-purpose paints that, according to the advertisements, can be used on practically any material. It is wise to get the opinion of a professional painter before trying any paints other than those which have proven their worth over many years.



Before applying a ready-mixed paint, read over the manufacturer's directions printed on the label of the container. These directions are provided so that the best possible results can be obtained. The manufacturer is just as anxious as you for the paint job to be a success, and these directions have been carefully prepared to make it possible for you to get the most out of the paint. Make it a practice to use each brand of paint according to the instructions furnished with it.

It is necessary to stir a can of ready-mixed paint before it can be used, because the white lead and oil tend to separate in the container. The lead sinks to the bottom of the can and the oil floats above it.

The lead and oil must be thoroughly mixed before the paint can be used. Pour off the oil from the top of the can into a clean container. Stir the lead at the bottom with a clean stick into a smooth paste free of lumps. Pour the oil back into the paste" stirring as you do so. When all the oil is mixed with the lead, pour the entire contents into a second container and repeat this operation several times. Should there be any lumps in the paint at this stage, pour the paint through two thicknesses of clean cheesecloth.

When mixing several cans of paint for one job, it is best to mix them all together in one large container. There is sometimes a slight variation in color or shade between the several paints, and by putting them together you insure a uniform color for the entire job.

Replace the top on a can of paint as soon as you are finished. This will prevent evaporation, and the paint will be ready for some future use.

SURFACE PREPARATION

Paint can only be applied to a clean surface. Grease and dirt should be completely removed by washing the surface with water and a non-soapy cleaner, as soap leaves a thin film on the surface to interfere with the action of the paint. A cloth soaked in turpentine can be used to wipe off a surface before painting.

If the surface has been previously painted, and the paint is still in good condition, cleaning is all that is necessary before applying the new coat. If the old paint has cracked or blistered, scrape or sand it off.

Moisture will spoil any painted surface. The surface must be absolutely dry, with no possibility of moisture seeping through from the opposite side and penetrating beneath the paint. After a rain, no outside painting should be done for several days, so that the wood will dry completely. It is equally important not to do any outside painting in the early morning when there is dew on the surface or late in the afternoon or early evening when the dew is gathering. Temperature must be considered as well. Do not attempt to paint if the temperature is less than 50 degrees F., as the cold will cause the paint to thicken and not flow properly. It is a waste of time and money to paint when conditions are not favorable.

Continue to Flaws in Painting and Removing Paint



Tools and Materials

Hammers - Handsaws - Screwdrivers - Chisels - Brace and Bit - Hand Drill - Brad Awl - Planes - Files - Measuring Tools - Rules - Squares - Marking Gauge - Levels - Pincers - Nail Set - Drawknife - Cabinet Scraper - Small Tool Kit - Putty Knife - Pliers - Wrenches - Paint Scraper - Sharpening Tools - Nails - Wood Screws - Corrugated Fasteners - Mending Plates - Bolts - Abrasives - Woodworking Glue - Splices and Joints.

The Workshop
Equipping the Workshop - Heating - Fire Precautions - The Workbench - Saw Bucks - Tool Rack.

Home Construction
Elements of the House - Building Materials - Lumber - Molding - Kinds of Wood and their Characteristics - Plywood Wallboard - Roofing Materials - Concrete - Mixing Concrete - Cement Mortar - Concrete Forms - Concrete Blocks - Cinder Blocks - Bricklaying - Fieldstone - Anchoring in Masonry - Soldering.

Furniture
Upholstered Furniture - Furniture Upkeep - Removing Stains - Removing Dents - Leather Upholstery - Cane Seats - Furniture Repairs - How to Repair Breaks - Levelling furniture - Remodeling Furniture - Polishes and Polishing - French Polishing - Painting Furniture - Sticking Drawers - Metal Furniture.

Painting
Paint Brushes - Storing Brushes - Varnish - Water Paint and Plastic Paint - Types of Paint - Paint Thinners - Mixing Paints - Preparing the Surface - Painting Flaws - Removing Paint - Exterior Painting - Painting New Wood - Repainting - Metal - Interior Painting - Calcimine - Painting Woodwork - Old Wood Trim - Staining - Fillers - Varnishing - Bleaching - Enameling - Painting Radiators - Painting Concrete - Shingles - Stoves and Stove Pipes - Whitewash.

Heating
Home Heating Systems - Chimneys - Coal Furnaces - Fuels - Burning Wood - Furnace Dampers - Starting a Coal Fire - Removal of Ashes - Coal Stokers - Oil Burners - Kerosene Heaters - Thermostats - Boiler Dampers - Fuel Economy - Warm Air System - Steam System - Vacuum System - Hot Water System - Radiators - Boilers - Maintaining the System - Insulating the System - Home Insulation - Storm Windows - Weather Stripping - Insulating Your Home - Blanket and Rigid Insulation - Unfinished Attic and Exterior Walls - Winterizing a Cabin - Preparing the foundation - Winterproofing a Cottage - Fireplaces - Reducing Condensation - Humidity.

Plumbing
The Plumbing System - Fresh water supply - Low Water Pressure - Hot Water System - Hot Water Heaters - Hot Water Tanks - Dirty Hot Water - The Sewage System - Sewage Disposal - Cesspools - Septic Tanks - Clearing Sewer Pipes - Clearing Drains - Plumbing Traps - Toilet Traps - Noisy Plumbing - Leaks in Water Tanks - Frozen Pipes - Clogged Water Pipes - Hard Water - Faucets - Shower Mixing Valves - Leaky Flush Tanks - Flush Valves - Removing Toilet Bowl - Leaky Pipes - Draining the Plumbing - Sealing Traps - Draining the Heating System - Types of Pipe - Insulating Pipes - Water Corrosion - Cleaning Fixtures.

Electricity
Definition of Terms - Ohm's Law - Alternating and Direct Current - Sources of Electrical Power - The Electrical System - Overloading the Circuit - Rewiring - Reading a Meter - Precautions - Fuses - Types of Cord - Splicing Wires - Replacing Plugs and Switches - Home Lighting - Electric Motors - Signaling System - Transformers - Burglar Alarms - Repairing the System - How to Install a Bell System.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter about how to start a handyman business. Get tips for finding clients, managing work and more.

More articles about starting a handyman business:

How to Start a Handyman Business

Handyman Business Cards

Handyman Clients: How to Find the Best Ones

Are You Cut Out to Be a Handyman?

Tools for a Handyman Business

Payment Options for Handymen

How To Advertise a Handyman Business



Customer Service Tips for Handymen

Choosing a Name for a Handyman Business

Record Keeping Basics for Handymen

Being a Handyman Versus Having a Handyman Business or a Franchise

Getting a Website for Your Handyman Business

Getting Paid Upfront: Deposit Policies for Handymen

How Much To Charge Per Hour

Should You Charge by the Hour, or by the Job?

Insurance for Handymen

Handyman Business Book Reviews

The Handyman Guide: How to Fix and Build 1000s of Things Around the House