3 Things to Do Before Putting Your House on the Market

3 Things to Do Before Putting Your House on the Market

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As you get ready to sell your house, the extensive to-do list can get more than a little overwhelming sometimes. You may not know where to begin — is there even an order for these things?

To help you get started, we broke it down for you. Below is a list of easy to follow, step by step instructions on what to do before you put your house up for sale. While some of these tasks may seem surprisingly easy or obvious, (“Hey, I already knew that!”), some require you to break a sweat and really get down to the nitty-gritty. Ready?

1) Sprucing up Curb Appeal

You want to ensure that potential buyers see a home, not a fixer-upper, when they look at your house. Anything from a dreary front lawn to chips in paint can deter someone from considering a purchase. It’s often best to make the house look appealing, like somewhere you would want to not only return to at night but hang out. Small efforts like weeding, mowing the lawn, and planting bright flowers go a long way.

2) Repainting and Retouching

During the course of your time in the house, you may have painted the walls a personal color or a “lived-in” look. Although a certain color may be for you, it can turn off someone else. Trying running some neutral tones over the walls and/or ceiling, then check for any scratches or scuff marks that need fixing. And unless you’re very confident about your painting skills, a professional paint job is more likely to impress.

These repairs include everything from tightening loose door handles — you don’t want your house to come off as falling apart — to making sure the security system is in working order. Keep in mind that rural home security needs to be treated differently than urban security, and update key features if needed.

3) Finding a Good Real Estate Agent

It may be tempting to try to sell your house without professional help (Homie app, anybody?), keeping the profits strictly for yourself, but according to a Keller Williams real estate consultant, Jon Sterling, you need to resist the urge. Sterling says that selling the house direct from owner to buyer generally ends in disaster for one or both, often financially.

That being said, you also shouldn’t hire the first real estate agent you hear of. Go online, ask a friend, or call some contacts, preferably several, before choosing one to discuss the house with. Get a feel for the person and move forward from there.

5 Things You Should Be Aware of When Buying a New Home

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When you are buying your first home, it is an exciting time, but there are several things that you should be aware of. Some problems with the home might not be readily apparent, and some may not matter as much, but they can play a big part in your decision.

How Old is the Roof?

It is essential to know what condition the roof is in and have it professionally inspected before you make an offer. An inspector will look at the home’s rooftop, gutters, and eaves to make sure there are no cracks, loose shingles, or other problems. Also, he will look inside the home’s attic to determine if the roof is structurally sound. If there is a small problem such as loose shingles or a broken gutter, then it is easy to have these problems repaired. However, when the roof has major problems, it can require a lot of money to fix it. The age of the roof will also play into its condition.

What Condition is the Plumbing In?

You can inspect many water pipes and plumbing fixtures on your own before buying a home to determine if the materials are degrading. Bring along a flashlight to look at floors, ceilings, and drywall to see any water stains that indicate that a pipe is leaking. Turn on the water in the kitchen and bathroom fixtures to notice any problems such as loud noises in the pipes or discolored water. If the water pressure isn’t normal, then this can indicate that there is a pipe leaking in a hidden location. You don’t want to buy a home that requires a total pipe replacement.

How Safe is Your Home?

New homebuyers are rarely concerned about home security, but in today’s world, this is something that you absolutely should be thinking about. There are several things to consider about security when you are buying a home, including having strong doors and windows. You will want to have a home that has new locks and exterior lighting to deter potential thieves. You should also look into the crime statistics of the neighborhood. Even with a strong security system, living in a place with a lot of crime is not a good idea.

Is the Foundation Solid?

If a home’s foundation is crumbling, then it can affect the structural integrity of the entire building. A building’s foundation can degrade after many years from normal wear and tear or poor moisture drainage. Additional foundation problems occur after landslides or earthquakes. If a home is slanting because the foundation is degrading, then the building’s other components will begin to crack and degrade.

You Can Change Things

Just because a home looks one way doesn’t mean that it has to stay that way. Don’t be put off by the paint job or the carpeting. These are things that you can fix. Painting a new home can be a great bonding activity for your new family, and it can help you feel like this is your home. Consider letting your children choose the colors or theme for their room.

Buying a home is exciting, but you should make sure that you have all the facts to make the right decision. Don’t be swayed by the unimportant things, but don’t forget to check for problems that could cost you a lot of money in the long run.

Avoiding Repetitive Stress Injury When House Painting

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Anytime you do something over and over again, you can injure yourself. Merriam Webster defines repetitive stress injuries as “Any of various painful musculoskeletal disorders (such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis) caused by cumulative damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or joints (as of the hand or shoulder) from highly repetitive movements —called also repetitive stress injury.” In other words, when you use the same part of the body over and over again with similar motions, you can injure yourself.

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Unique Accent Wall Ideas – Have Fun With It!

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Accents walls don’t have to be just about paint—they can really be anything you want. The keyword here is of course “accent.” This means you want it to standout, make a statement, be that bold and exciting spot that when people walk into the room immediately catches their eye and fills the senses with awe and wonder. Okay, perhaps we’re asking a little too much of an accent wall, but you get the picture…think outside of the box folks! Design is both execution and creativity.

 

Brick wall. So maybe you don’t live in a Soho loft or a vintage building in which exposed brick is commonplace. This is the beauty of brick veneer. Lightweight and easy to work with, it can pretty much go anywhere in the home. So if you’re looking for that cool old warehouse, industrial look, a brick accent wall may be just what you need.

Wood Walls. Incredibly adaptable to any design style or sensibility, wood walls can add texture, depth and certainly warmth to a room. Be creative as far as the pattern and orientation of the wood. Even the type of wood that you choose allows for some variation as far as the overall effect.

Mural. Here is where you can really get a little crazy and have some fun! Have a budding artist in the family? Maybe you want to go Pollock style and “splash” some paint up there. One thing’s for sure, with a custom designed mural or postmodern masterpiece for a wall, guests will definitely have something to talk about.

Fabric. Who knew you could actually dress a wall…Fabrics on walls, to include leather, seem to be a hot trend. It also helps to soften up the overall ambiance of a room while bringing in some new patterns, colors and textural elements.

Corks. Okay, this one is definitely outside of that proverbial box, but we think it’s fun. For that wine tasting room for instance, you may want to express your appreciation for all things Pinot! What better way than an entire accent wall of corks.

Elastromeric paint is here to stay

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The Why and When Elastromeric Paint is best

Living on the Treasure Coast, or in any other coastal town, you have to take into account the sea air, as well as the water density in the air.  While this causes havoc for most folk’s hair, it can also lead to damp issues within our homes.

At Jaworski Painting, being expert exterior house painters, we understand paint, and more importantly, we understand the Florida region.  With many successful projects completed in the Port Saint Lucie area, we are the right painters when it comes to new or refurbishment jobs.

To ensure that our paint jobs for the exterior of your house stand the test of time, we often suggest using Elastromeric paint.  Now, you may be frowning right now, wondering what this sort of paint is, well, no worries, we are here to educate you on this amazing product.

The Benefits of Using Elastromeric Paint

Waterproof Warrior

Elastromeric paint is very carefully engineered to create a barrior between water and the surface of your walls.  Generally, one would apply the paint to non-chalky surfaces, such as concrete or masonry construction.

Outside water, whether from the air, clouds, or garden sprinklers, can cause disasters for the interior of your house.  If your walls are not sealed properly, you could land up with damp issues, or worse yet, constant wet interior walls and floors.

It is best, if at all possible, to have this paint applied when first building, and preferably in dryer weather.

Mildew and Dirt Free

This super paint is both resistant to mildew, as well as dirt, two agents that can cause great health issues, especially in the young.

Hairline Cracks be Gone

Settling cracks, that appear as hairline marks in your walls can be a real eyesore, and have the potential to grow into more.  But, with the Elastromeric paint application, you will not see these lines.  The flexible and nature of the consistency of this paint ensures that all these small cracks are covered up.  It, in fact, seals and protects at the same time.

Expansion Solvent

Houses expand in the winter and summer, and it stands to reason that this will cause the building to bend and shape.  The polymer in Elastromeric paint, called elastomer, has a great elasticity and viscosity.  As your house expands and contracts, so will the paint, meaning less cracks, and the possibility of future structural issues.  It literally moves like rubber.

Long Lasting

While you may not stay in your house until you die or pass it on to a child, it is comforting to know that the exterior will be protected for many years.  In fact, with 2 coats of general acrylic paint, your house walls can be guaranteed for up to 10 years.  With Elastromeric paint, you can expect many more years to be added to that guarantee.

Weather Wise

While the Treasure Coast does not have very extreme weather conditions, it is good to know that Elastromeric paint is sun fading resistant, a real blocker to heat, and cold, and heavy rain driven by wind.  These natural conditions can be very taxing on, not only the structure of a house, but also the paintwork.  But, this awesome paint really has been built for any weather condition.

So, you can see now why we are a lover of this type of paint for all exterior surfaces.  Port Saint Lucie residents are very familiar with our work ethic and code, and many too are familiar with one of our favorite exterior house paints, Elastromeric.

In addition, the manner in which we manage the entire project, from prep work to finishing touches, is professional and speedy.  We understand that to have workers constantly in your space, even when on the outside of your home, is a real intrusion of privacy.  We pride ourselves on moving in and out in the least amount of time needed to complete a perfect job.

So, stop and consider Elastromeric paint for your exterior house painting project.

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10 Surprising Facts About Paint

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10 Surprising Facts About Paint

Paint is an amazing substance that allows us to do all kinds of things. As you can see in the infographic below, paint is used in a number of ways. From fences to landscaping, to redecorating and more, painting has become synonymous with weekend projects. But given all the information we know about how people use paint, it remains a magical substance that comes in many forms.

There’s paint that acts as a primer and paint in one. There’s paint that helps reduction of dirt and dust build up. There’s paint that has certain textures. And there are all kinds of colors. It can be a bit overwhelming, but we can help you get through the maze of paint options. We thought it would be more fun if we shared some amazing facts about paint so you can appreciate it in a whole new light.

 

1. The color purple was once associated with royalty. At one time only aristocrats could afford the expensive pigment. During Roman times, it took 4 million crushed mollusk shells to create one pound of purple pigment.

2. It takes 570 gallons of paint to cover the exterior of the White House, located in Washington D.C.

3. In 2004, the Chilean artist Marco Evaristti used three fire hoses and 3,000 liters of pigment. He did this to paint the tip of an iceberg in Greenland bright red. Read more about it here on NBC News.

4. Spray paint was invented due to a need. Francis Davis Millet is credited with the invention of spray paint while working under tight deadlines to complete construction for the Chicago World’s Fair.

5. At one point, the most expensive color was ultramarine. It was expensive because it was made from lapis lazuli, which you might find in an ancient illuminated manuscript. Such manuscripts were created using paints made from a mixture of crushed precious stones and a binding agent.

6. Did you know that oil paints don’t dry? Instead they harden due to oxidation. This usually happens in about two weeks, and the paints are then ready to be varnished in roughly six months. But sometimes it can take years for an oil painting to fully harden!

7. Did you know that the earliest known oil paintings were Buddhist murals found in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan caves? They date back to the 7th century CE. Read more about them here on CNN.

8. Remember the color wheel? It’s older than the United States. Sir Isaac Newton created it in 1706. According to the History of Color, he “took the bar of colors created by the passage of light through a prism and transformed it into a segmented circle, where the size of each segment differed according to his calculations of its wavelength and of its corresponding width in the spectrum.”

9. Did you know that paint dries quickest when temperatures are around 70 degrees? Paint will spread more smoothly and absorb faster at these temperatures than in the chilly cold or sweltering heat.

10. Did you know that various paint colors can help the body heal itself? For example, red often helps depressed people regain vigor. And green has been shown to relieve stress.

Bonus Fact – It took Michelangelo only 4 years to paint the famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the 1500s, but it took 20 years to restore it in the late 1900s.

The next time you look at your paint, you may just marvel in its history and the amazing facts that surround it. If you want to learn more about how we can help with your paint job to make it as amazing as these facts, contact us today.

Furniture to Complement Your Paint Job

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Furniture to Complement Your Paint Job

Imagine a situation where you were given carte blanche to create the space of your dreams. In this space you can choose the paint color, type, and texture. You can choose the type of windows, furniture, and accessories or electronics you want to include. You can even pick out rugs, lamps, tables, and more. In this situation, the sky’s the limit. Sound overwhelming? That’s because it is overwhelming. Having to put together an entire room or space can take time, research, and in most cases, money.

But for argument’s sake let’s narrow it down a bit and try to make the choice a little less overwhelming. Let’s imagine the room you have in mind is already painted and has a spattering of furniture, including a basic desk with no drawers, a television on a TV stand, a recliner, a coffee table, and a love seat. In this situation, you’ll want to remove the recliner, love seat, and desk to rearrange the room so that it has a more open feel. Imagine what your options are. Will you get a regular sofa? Will you get a sectional? What color will the furniture be? How will it match your current paint? How will what you buy make the room feel? Not as easy as it sounds, is it?

We love painting. To us, painting goes beyond just refinishing kitchen cabinets or painting a room or space and leaving. For us, painting is part of establishing a greater aura that influences how the room will look and feel. When we consult with you, we take into account your goal for the job. In many cases, we do work for those who are flipping houses, selling houses, moving into a new house, or completely repainting a space for any number of reasons. One of the more frequently asked questions we get is how to pick out furniture to make the new space not only work with the paint color and texture chosen, but to feel or look a certain way as well. With that in mind, we wanted to suggest a few tips to use when picking out furniture to help enhance your space and make it work with your new paint job.

 

 

Purpose
We want to be clear that we are not recommending any furniture company over another. Where you buy will be dictated by many choices, including your budget. In this situation, we refer to LazyBoy because they have a wide range of options that help us make our point. You see, when you’re looking to buy furniture for your space one of the first things you need to figure out is why. Is your space for decoration, random use, or everyday use? Are you looking to create a man cave, home office, or baby’s play room? Knowing this will help you narrow down your furniture choices. If you look at LazyBoy’s site, you’ll realize that the options are endless. You can choose sectional sofas and remove and add parts. You can accessorize lamps, rugs, end tables, and more. You can choose your fabric color and texture. And you can even choose power features that will blow your mind. Knowing why you want to furnish a space will help you narrow down your options and have a clearer goal in mind. From here, you can match the furniture you choose to your existing paint job or pick the paint based on the furniture you choose.

Which Comes First?

Which comes first, the furniture or the paint? That is completely up to you. Some people choose to paint first and match the furniture to it. Some people go with a neutral color so any pieces of furniture will work. Others choose to pick the furniture first and match the paint accordingly to either compliment the furniture or contrast it. You have to decide which way you want to go, and there is no right or wrong choice. It is a matter of preference. Certain factors will dictate this too. Depending on your budget, the size of the space, and the purpose for it, you may just choose to keep the paint neutral, pick the furniture that serves your purpose, and paint last. In the end, you or your potential buyers need to love the space, so it’s your call. But we are here to help if you need it.

Take it Slow

Depending on why you need to furnish, you may need to move at different speeds. However, no matter what the case is, you should take your time. Rushing to find furniture and get it set up can lead to buying the wrong size or type of furniture, shoddy furniture, or furniture that does not match your purpose or paint scheme. Thus, take your time to do the research, visit some stores, and piece things together, even if it takes years. To get it right is priceless. To rush and throw good money away is reckless.

 

Use a Pro

We put this tip last because it is the best. Some people hear “hire an interior designer” and think it’s just too expensive. But this could not be further from the truth. Some stores like LazyBoy have full-time interior designers that will come into your home, learn about what you need, take measurements, and then meet with you in the store a few days later to show you your options. They will take your paint choices into consideration, whether you painted already or are about to. Plus, they show you a 3D mockup of what your space will look like from an aerial and eye level point of view. They can exchange pieces of furniture to show you different options as well. To find an interior designer, check your local furniture store or read this.

Make the Investment

While some pieces of furniture are for accent or decoration only, and a minimal budget is okay, some pieces deserve the financial investment. This holds especially true when it comes to pieces that will be used on a regular basis, such as couches, recliners, kitchen furniture, and beds. The more you pay for furniture, in general, the better quality construction and durability you will get. This keeps your furniture in great shape for a long time and from consequently ruining any part of your paint job by staying away from the walls.

 

Other Furniture Buying Suggestions:

● Mark visuals on the floor where furniture will go to get a better idea of what it will look like
● Make sure measurements are correct, including the doorway, to ensure the furniture can get in your house
● Use the room’s natural design to pick furniture. A fireplace in a living room, for example, may call for more rustic furniture
● Consider stain-resistant fabrics
● Ensure your pieces complement each other
● Consider your theme (modern, casual, etc.)
● Start with the basics that will go in that room and add accessories from there

Picking the right furniture is critical to complementing your paint job and creating the best possible space for your needs. When picking your furniture, you want to consider many factors. You want to hone in on your use for the room, such as whether you will match the paint to the furniture or the furniture to the paint, take your time, use an interior decorator, know how much you are willing to invest in your furniture, and know what your other considerations are. Taking all of this into account will help you get the best return on your investment and a room that complements your paint job to help it all come together magnificently.

 

Wild Ideas for Decorating Your Bathroom

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Wild Ideas for Decorating Your Bathroom

Did you realize that the bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms in your house! In fact, according to Infographics Archive, we spend over 2 ½ years of our life in the bathroom. This includes showering, shaving, brushing our teeth, cleaning the bathroom, doing makeup, putting on ointments such as moisturizer, reading, getting dressed, talking on the phone, and watching TV, just to name a few. That doesn’t include time actually using the bathroom! With all that time spent in the bathroom, why not make it a fun place to spend that time. We have some ideas and tips for you on how to make your bathroom more enjoyable.

Make it Fun

Ever go to the bathroom of a bar or restaurant and see the sports section of the local paper hanging up or wallpaper you have to read? That certainly makes time spent in the restroom more fun. Find some wallpaper that has comics on it, put up some paintings where you have to find that hidden object, or hang up a book or two to read while you are brushing your teeth. Try to make it fun!

Proper Ventilation

This should be obvious, but we thought it was worth the mention. Ensure when you have proper ventilation. This is not just important because of the smell that follows a good bathroom visit, but when you use chemicals to clean and aerosol sprays, those fumes need a place to go. Proper ventilation ensures this happens.

Use Durable Paint

Your bathroom takes a beating. You bang up against things, chemicals get on the wall, moisture occurs, and so much more happens in the bathroom. Ensure you use durable paint, especially around glass, ledges, and windows. This is because you may have candles burning on the window sill, blinds going up and down, and windows opening and closing. You want to ensure the paint you use will last. Consider using a durable semi gloss or gloss trim paint that can handle the beating. Plus, consider paint that reduces dust and grime build up.

Light it Up

When you wake up, it is a good idea to expose yourself to bright light. And since the bathroom is probably one of the first places you go, having the right light will matter. Plus, it plays a large role in the way the walls and ceilings look. This is because the light levels and shadows in the bathroom are constantly changing. Consider using natural light if you can. If you cannot, consider fixtures that will provide nice bright light. Be aware that this may expose issues in the texture of the wall, but those can be easy touch-up fixes.

Accessorize and Go Nuts

Nothing says bathroom like lots of small reading material. Consider keeping some books with 101 ideas or comics to have nearby. Also consider candles, towel racks, storage devices, and other little touches that can make a bathroom pop. Consider things all the way down to how your trashcan, toothbrush holders, and wall color all match and work with each other. It’s the little details that make the difference!

Going to the bathroom can be fun again when you create a bathroom worth going to. This involves some humor, creativity, and considerations, but it can be done. We have seen some bathrooms we love. And we encourage you to go wild, even if it means doing something similar to the image at the top of this article. If you want to see how we can make your bathroom great, contact us today!

Staging Your Home To Sell It Quickly

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Staging Your Home To Sell It Quickly

Perhaps you have lived in your home for a long time and are moving. Or perhaps, you are flipping a house to sell. Or, perhaps you are handling the estate of a loved one. No matter what the reason for selling your home is, the process can take a short amount of time or longer. That depends on a number of factors, including market conditions and if you are doing it alone. According to The Balance, in an in-demand market, it can take 10 – 21 days on average to sell a home. Among the many tactics used to sell a home, including where and how you list it, staging your home can make all the difference between a short sale and a long sale timeframe.

While you may think your home looks great the way it is, it is not how it looks to you that matters. How the home looks to the buyer is what matters because that is who your target market is. Therefore, it is in your best interest to make your home look as good as possible for your potential buyers. And this is exactly what staging does. When selling a home, it is hard to let go of the sentimental value and time spent in the home or working on it, but you have to in order to get the price you want. While there are many home staging secrets, we think these are the best of the best to help you sell your home as fast as possible.

De Clutter

This is the hard part. You have most likely accumulated a number of items over the years. None of that matters now. When you hire someone to come in and stage your home, about half of your furniture will likely go. The less furniture you have, the more open the house will feel, which makes it look bigger too. Help the stager and yourself by taking a hard look at what you and do not need, and start dwindling down your clutter.

Organize Your Furniture

There is a misconception that pushing furniture against the wall is a great way to create open space. However, the opposite is true. You will want to group your furniture so it is away from the walls and allows for a nice flow of traffic. Repositioning sofas and chairs in conversational groups makes the space feel larger and opens it up. It will make it seem easier to use as well.

Cross House Reorganizing

Just because you bought an item for one room does not mean it has to stay there. When getting ready to sell, you can move furniture to where it may work best. For example, a nice desk by a window with a cute lamp on it may look great while an armchair in another room by the window with a side table may look even better. Play around with your furniture and accessories to see what goes best where.

Repurpose Rooms

Have a room that is meant to store junk? Have a room that belonged to one of your children that is half office and half their old things? You will want to take rooms like these and turn them into something that will add value. And it does not have to be anything special. You can throw down some nice mats and some exercise equipment to make one room an exercise and meditation room, for example.

Light it Up

We grossly under light our homes, but a well-lit home can feel warm and cozy. You want 100 wattages of light for every 50 square feet of space. Also, make sure you have multiple sources of lighting. In fact, you want at least three: ambient (general or overhead), task (under cabinet or pendant), and accent (table and wall).

Some other ideas for staging to sell:

● Paint adjacent rooms the same color to make them look bigger
● Paint with natural colors to make it more appealing
● Do not be afraid of dark paint in the bathroom, dining room, or bedroom as they make it more intimate
● Hang your art in varying positions rather than a straight line to make it noticeable
● Mix the right accessories to make a room more appealing

We love painting, but we love seeing your home sell fast too. Call us today to see how we can help get you in touch with the right stager or we can paint to help you sell fast!

How to Clean Your Painting Tools Properly

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How to Clean Your Painting Tools Properly

So you went through all the hard work of researching your painting project, picking the paint, prepping your area, and then painting it. Now it’s time for the part that usually causes people to run for the hills: the clean up! You have to pick up any coverings, close the paint lids tight, vacuum, and clean the brushes and other painting tools you used. And you know if you don’t clean them as soon as possible, the paint will just dry on the tools and make it harder to clean later. We know the feeling because we do this every day. That is why we wanted to give you a quick tutorial on how to properly clean your most common painting tools. Below are some quick step-by-step instructions outlined by Cleanipedia.
Paint Brush

Paint brushes — they’re fun to use but not fun to clean. Unlike in elementary school, you can’t just drop your brushes into a cup of water and then clean them with a paper towel. Below are the proper steps to follow when cleaning different types of paint brushes.

Non-oil based paints are easiest to remove, so we’ll start with them.

1. Rinse the brushes thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Using an empty jar or other suitable container, make a mixture of dish soap and hot water. As always, keep all cleaning materials well away from your eyes and mouth.
3. Soak the brushes in the mixture for a few minutes. If there’s any stubborn residue, gently massage the bristles with your fingers to remove it.
4. Rinse the brushes again.
5. Reshape the brushes by hand while they’re still wet, and then leave them to air dry.

Use the same procedure above for oil-based paint. However, before soaking the brushes in the warm, soapy water mixture, you should do the following:

1. Fill your container with a small amount of white spirit. Don’t use too much, just enough to cover the bristles.
2. Gently push the brushes into the white spirit and twirl them around. Make sure all the bristles are exposed.
3. Follow the list above from here on out.

Acrylic paint brushes require specific treatment:

1. Start by rinsing them with cold water until the majority of paint is removed and the water runs clear.
2. Next, gently massage your special brush conditioner or conditioning hand soap into the bristles of each brush.
3. Rinse them thoroughly and reshape them manually.
4. Leave them to air dry.

Paint Rollers

These are fun to use and they can cover a wide swath. But when not cleaned properly, they can become damaged and paint unevenly. Below are a few steps to clean them well.

1. Remove excess wet paint by wiping it off onto a newspaper.
2. Fill your empty bucket with warm, soapy water.
3. Remove your roller from its mounting and place it into the bucket.
4. Squeeze it out repeatedly with your hands until the water starts running clear.
5. Once it’s clean, remount the roller and spin it quickly to remove the excess water.
6. Allow the roller to air dry.

Paint Tray

This messy task is the worst. That is why we included some fun pictures to make it easier. The steps below will help you get your tray clean enough to eat dinner off of.

1. As soon as you finish painting, return any unused paint to its original container, unless it has been contaminated. Use a brush to feed the paint back into the tub, and then replace the lid.

2. Run cold water over the tray and rinse away the worst of the paint.

3. Then, with cold water still running over the tray, use a scrubbing brush to remove any stubborn paint. You’ll find that by using a circular motion, the residue comes off quite easily.

4. Give the tray a final rinse once all the paint has been removed, and dry it with an old rag. Then store it away for later use.

Now that you know how to clean the most basic tools, you can paint with confidence. They key is to clean with as much care as you do when painting and to follow the steps carefully so your tools last a lifetime. If you don’t want to deal with the mess, or if you just have a question about cleaning your painting tools, call us today!