Sandman Painting

• Assess the amount of time needed to complete the job and include extra time for trouble-shooting
• Estimate materials and equipment needed to do the job properly
• Familiarize yourself with the products you require and availability
• Ensure all needed tools and materials are available before job start (refer to the recommended tools list below)
• Calculate costs from start to finish
• Make all your colour selections before job start
• Keep your receipts
• Take 'before' pictures

Recommended Tools For Your Average Painting Project

• Roll of all-purpose plastic - clear
• Dropsheets - enough to cover your entire floor if you're painting ceilings
• Drywall plaster - various sizes available; contingent on job size
• Plastering tools - drywall/putty scrapers, sanding blocks/sandpaper, plaster hock
• Screwdrivers to remove switch/plug covers, light fixtures, shelving, bars, door handles etc.
• Hammer
• Standard roller frame
• Paint tray
• 2 half inch latex roller sleeves, lint-free
• Variable length paint pole - contingent upon ceiling and wall heights
• Two, 2 1/2 inch angle slash latex brushes 
• Painter's tape
• Step ladder/Extension ladder - contingent on ceiling and wall heights
• Paint can opener
• Paint razor scraper
• Paint rags
• Latex caulking and gun
• Portable lights to ensure maximum visibility
• Solvents for alkyd paint clean-up
• Garbage bags
• Vacuum (filtered and bagged)
• Window cleaner
  

• Using poor quality material leads to future headaches - you get what you pay for!
• Using poor quality tools that breakdown and perform poorly add time and money to the job - always use the proper tools
• Ensure you have all materials and supplies before you start the job
• Don't guess - consult a professional if you're not sure about what tools and/or materials to use
• Set up a central paint station for paint materials, tools and supplies using a dropsheet to protect against surface damage
• Keep cotton rags handy for easy clean-up and mishaps
• Take the time to do proper surface preparation as it is essential for a professional looking finish
• Allow 6-8 hours of drying time after wallpaper stripping and washing off the glue
• Before plastering and repairs, baseboard and trimwork can be removed at this point if you are upgrading
• Do all of your drywall and plastering repairs, nail-pops, chips, cracks and holes - 1 to 3 coats of plaster may be required to obtain a proper smooth finish
• After plaster is dry and sanded, ensure the surface is smooth before applying primer
• Start with the ceiling and work your way down to the baseboard
• Once primer is dry apply caulking to baseboards, small gaps, counter sinkholes, cracks, corners and anomalies
• After caulking is completely cured, a second coat of primer may be needed
• Once second coat of primer is dry a light sanding of the primer is necessary to ensure a smooth finish coat
• Finish coats of paint come in a variety of sheens - be sure to use the sheen that best suits the surface being painted - remember to start with ceilings and work your way down!
• It is most common to use flat paint on ceilings and crown molding
• It is most common to use eggshell paint on walls unless your painting kitchen or bathroom walls
• It is most common to use semi-gloss paint on trim, baseboard and doors

• Tackle one task at a time
• Have a back-up plan
• Get a helper for big jobs
• Work smart and safe
• Check each step of your work and don't cut corners
• Maintain accuracy and consistency
• Have plastic sheets on hand to protect furniture and valuables  

• Make sure to use the right cleaning agents to finish the job ex. water for latex paints, solvent for oil paints
• Thinners and solvents should be used in a well-ventilated area 
• Keep garbage bags handy for quick clean-up
• Use only a filtered/bagged vacuum to remove sanding and drywall dust
• Keep leftover paint and wallpaper materials for future touch-ups
• Clean out empty paint cans and recycle where available
• Careful use of a razor scraper is handy for removing paint from glass, tiles, countertops and other smooth surfaces
• Clean your tools well after every use
• Take 'after' pictures of your completed job
• Scented candles (vanilla) when lit will help to diminish new paint smells