Art Lovers discussion

This is a bit different for this thread and even this group. I am working on this thread little by little and I just read this yesterday in Better Homes and Gardens September 2018 magazine. It's interesting and could be useful for any of us thinking of redesigning our abode or office anytime soon (and doesn't already know the basics on how to do it). And no, it's not about painting a painting.

How to Paint it Yourself

Cabinets, front doors, and floors are three of the most transformative paint jobs you can do (besides walls). Here's how to get them right:

4 Key Steps

The unvarnished truth: Patience and attention to detail are the main skills you need to get a professional-looking paint job.

Clean it
Dust, dirt, hair, fuzz, and even barely visible grime can get swept up into paint, keep it from adhering properly, and muck up the finish. Clean surfaces with soapy water, then rinse well and let dry. (any residue will prevent paint from sticking). If the surface is greasy (pretty common in kitchens) or has mildew, clean with a mix of 4 ounces trisodium phosphate (TSP), 1 quart liquid bleach, and 4 quarts water.

Sand it
Sanding smooths nicks and scratches, plus dulls texture and shine, which is extra important to help paint stick to slick surfaces like a metal front door or polished wood floors. Use a power sander to quickly sand flat surfaces. For small or contour areas, just grab a sheet of 120-220 grit sandpaper, After sanding, vacuum with a brush attachment and wipe down surfaces with a tack cloth.

Prime it
Pros agree that applying a separate primer is worth the effort for surfaces that get a lot of wear-and-tear like cabinets, floors, and doors. Primer blocks out moisture, covers stains, and makes paint stick. It's especially helpful when painting a light color over a dark one or if you're painting a floor that has been stained. On wood, apply it with a brucs or roller in the same direction as the grain.

Paint it
Apply paint in thin coats. Allow at least an hour of dry time between coats for water-base paints like acrylic and latex--more if the weather is humid, the color is dark, or the finish is high-shine. When using an alkyd paint, let each coat dry overnight.

Cabinets

--How long will it take?
Painting cabinets is usually a three-to five-day project. Be prepared to remove all hardware, doors, and drawers. Then sand (if wood), clean, paint, paint again, let dry, and finally reinstall everything.

--Any special tools?
Painter's Pyramid Stands are little plastic triangles that raise doors a couple inches to make painting fronts and backs easier.

--What paint do I use?
Alkyd paint yields a more professional a durable finish, but it takes longer to dry. If you prefer latex paint, opt for a satin or semigloss finish for faster drying, they also make wiping up cooking messes and spills easier.

--Sanity-saver
Label each door and drawer with masking tape. Store the hardware and hinges for each in separate labeled baggies.

Front Doors


--When should I paint?
Take conditions into account. A dry day between 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degree Celsius) and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) is ideal paint-drying weather. Start early in the morning so the door dries in time to rehang it before dark.

--What's the prep?
Removing and reinstalling the door is the main challenge, but it's recommended. If you must leave the door up, remove as much hardward as possible or cover it with painters tape, and use a doorstop to keep the door in place during prep and painting.

--What paint do I use?
Try an exterior paint which can reduce fading, mold, and flaking. A semigloss finish can prevent scuffs and marks. A quart is usually enough for a standard door.

Floors


--How long will it take?
At least two days. You'll need to sand, clean, prime, and apply at least two coats. Remember to let each coat dry at least an hour; areas with restricted airflow may need longer.

--What's the prep?
Painting wood floors requires less sanding than refinishing them. For a single room (under 120 square feet), you can use a handheld power sander to scuff glossy surfaces. Wear a mask while sanding. Remove dust with a damp mop or cloth.

--What paint do I use?
Use a long-handled roller (and a brush for corners) to apply primer and at least two coats of floor paint, which dries fast and has scuff-resistant properties.

--Good to know
Floor paint can be tinted to any shade just like wall paint.