Interior House Painting – Masking Tape – Tips and Tricks
Painting walls is one of the largest tasks when painting the interior of a house. This article will help shed some light on a few tips and tricks to using masking tape to paint great looking walls.
With interior house painting, having nicely painted walls is important. The typical way of painting walls is to first 'cut-in' the edges with a brush and then fill in the center areas by rolling the paint on. For the beginner or average DIY person cutting-in is typically done using tape to mask off the edges of the painted wall; paint is then applied without much accuracy in hopes that when the masking tape is removed the freshly painted wall will have a clean edge. Usually the outcome is less than desirable and the problem can at times be attributed to the tape being applied improperly, luckily there are a few ways to improve the results of tape when used for interior house painting work.
When applying the tape, apply it gently without stretching or over-pulling. This gives the tapes adhesive a better chance to do its job and stick more fully to the surface it's being applied to, reducing the amount of paint that can seep under the edge. Once the tape has been gently applied, press the tape onto the surface using a rag. Occasionally with some uneven or bumpy surfaces the tape can be punctured by the surface irregularity but in most interior house painting applications the surface is relatively smooth so there shouldn't be a problem. The rag helps to disperse the pressure and again allows the adhesive to more fully adhere to the surface and prevent paint seepage.
When painting your wall with a brush, start brushing and spreading the paint next to the tape before painting directly onto the tape. Once you've spread some paint on the wall next to the tape line brush the paint in-line with the tape instead of brushing directly into the tape. This will reduce the likelihood of paint seeping under the tape and/or paint being forced under the tape by the brush.
There are also a couple of tricks to painting with masking tape, these tricks are only really applicable to interior house painting but can really make a difference and will change most peoples opinions of tape I believe. If you have the same color of paint that the tape is protecting, you can paint this color onto the tape before painting your new color. This will fill in any gaps in the tape, so when you apply your new color all the gaps and paint seepage areas have already been filled with the color beneath.
Another trick is to use caulking in a similar fashion as above. Take clear caulking, mix it 4:1 with water and apply this mixture to the tape before applying your finish top-coat. Be sure to let this dry, what this does is similar to the double paint layer, it fills in the gaps and prevents paint from seeping under the tape.
When removing your tape, pull it slowly and at a sharp angle away from the painted surface. It's best to remove the tape when the paint is fresh (after a second coat or if you're only doing one coat) as the paint has yet to dry and create a seal. It's wise to always invest in decent quality products, some tapes have stronger adhesives or are made for specific uses, never be afraid to ask for advice from a home improvement or paint store. Typically you'll find people versed in the ways of interior house painting working at these places, especially a paint store!.
Remember to be safe, read about your products and adhere to all safety and cautionary procedures. I hope these tips help to improve your interior house painting projects!
By: A H Young
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Interior Painting – 5 Color Ideas For Your Painting Project
Have you seen interior walls that are uninviting and dull? Well, say goodbye to those walls because it is now possible to have a welcoming and cozy room each time you arrive from work. You will probably need good color ideas to go about your interior painting.
1. To start with, if you decide to use decorative painting more than one room inside the house, try to get varying tints of the color that you want to paint and that includes the plain color.
2. If one of your rooms have existing fabrics but you really want it to be updated, you can paint the wall with the similar color or shade by using a fresh technique. You should also match the finishes to every room's unique style.
3. For your private retreats such as your bedroom, use a special paint finish because this is the place where you usually spruce up or calm down. Be sure to choose a color that unifies with your furniture; this can enhance the entire decorating look which you can enjoy to the fullest.
4. If you prefer latex paint, well, they provide a tough finish. If you use it together with varnish, you can use it for many applications. It dries quickly, safe, and is odorless.
5. If you go for neutral colors, you can use them as backdrops. Some people prefer to use them alone because these neutral colors generate a harmonious design. And because the color doesn't change suddenly, they create a different impression of space and light.
Don't rush yourself, in fact, try to take time and experiment on different color combinations for your interior painting. Remember, in order to achieve your desired effect or finish, you must purchase the right type and amount of paint.
By: Tim Lee
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Top 8 Home Security Alarms According to Google(TM) Search
There are lots of different types of home security alarms. There are plenty of debates over which type is the best one, and most likely, the best one for you depends on your exact situation. Still, one might want to know what type of alarm is the most popular. Well, that kind of information is surprisingly difficult to obtain, but what can be obtained is what types of home security alarms are talked about the most on the internet. By doing a Google(TM) search of the following terms, the number of results (essentially the number of web pages) that talk about that term can be found. The more results, the more popular the topic! The top 8 are as follows:
8) Monitored alarms. A monitored alarm would be any kind of home security alarm that is monitored by a home security monitoring company. I know, the definition is quite baffling, and one must wonder how on earth such a definition was created in the first place. And, yes, this is a pretty general term, but one must wonder why it doesn't rank higher on this list since it is so general.
7) Wireless alarms. Obviously (perhaps even MORE obviously than the previous entry), wireless alarms are alarms that aren't directly connected with wires. You can either put an alarm system in that has wires running through a lot of your walls so that each piece of the system can communicate, or it can be wireless so that you don't have to bust up your walls to install it. It's obvious why somebody would want such a home security system, but there are downsides as well. Wireless connections can have questionable reliability, and extra wireless signals coming from the outside can sometimes interfere with the wireless signals connecting the parts of the alarm system. That is what likely keeps this term from ranking higher.
6) Intercoms. Only let someone in if you know them! All guests must verify who they are through the intercom system! Sounds great, but such a device won't keep someone from breaking in all on its own. It requires other devices to work along side it to ensure your personal security at home. Thus the reason this device doesn't reach the top 5.
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5) Hard-wired alarms. The obvious opposite of wireless alarms! Here, reliability is key. Suffer some inconvenience on installation to insure that your alarm system won't be interfered with from extra signals coming from who knows where. A reliable security system makes you feel more secure, which is kinda the point.
4) Keypad security systems. Practically every home security system includes a keypad as it's central control. Does it HAVE to have it? Not necessarily, but it does provide an easy and secure way of arming and disarming your alarm system since it requires knowing a code to do so. Perhaps its integration into so many types of security systems is what has allowed keypad security systems to secure the number 4 position. Get it? Oh, puns, how awful and yet amusing you are.
3) Sensory detectors. Here we go, this is a really good one! Sensory detectors can range from detecting motion, light, heat, moisture, or more! Most homes don't need some of these types of detectors, but motion detectors can be extremely useful for detecting an intruder, provided that your pet won't set it off. A lot of home security systems have sensory detectors, but not all of them do, and that keeps them out of the number one and two spots.
2) Panic buttons! Coming in a very strong second place with nearly double the number of results on a google search that sensory detectors has, panic buttons seem to intrigue the general public. Are they really employed all that often? Honestly, probably not, but they are an intriguing security device designed to protect your personal safety while you are at home as opposed to protecting your home and other assets while you are away. Intrigue seems to be the reason for their claim to the number 2 spot.
And the grand #1!) Security cameras! With literally 50 times as many results as panic buttons, it seems that everybody is talking about security cameras. The invasive nature of them is probably keeping them out of homes, but security cameras are one of the few devices that can be used to allow the police to catch someone who has broken into your house AFTER they have already "gotten away". This is probably the ultimate device for protecting your personal assets while you are away, especially if it's a hidden camera.
Honorable mention) Unmonitored alarms. It seems that people don't feel secure without knowing that someone is actually monitoring their security system. That's really not too much of a stretch, but it still reaches nearly 100,000 results through Google(TM). Perhaps that's more of a testament to their search engine as opposed to the term itself.
Well, there you have it. The most talked about security device on the web is the potent security camera. What is the most popular according to what is actually installed in homes? My guess would be a standard, hard-wired, keypad security system, but getting detailed and accurate numbers for proving that relies a lot on what information the security companies are willing to give out. Furthermore, it is possible that someone talked about the same topic but used different words to do so, and that could have skewed the results. Therefore, maybe the information isn't all that useful for the person looking for the best security system, but it certainly is interesting!
For more information on all of these types of alarms, try this list of types of alarms at Total Home Security.
By: Steve R McDowell
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Home Security – Auto Dialer Intruder Alarm Review
Home security is big business both for security and alarm companies and of course the bad guys. Burglary is one of the few categories of crime that seems to be constantly on the rise. WHY? The answer is simple. Homeowners and apartment dwellers make it so darn easy.
A lot of folks don't get a security system because of the cost, not of the system itself because that is a loss leader, but the monthly charge which can be north of $30.00
Residential burglars work mostly during the day and when a residence is more likely to be unoccupied. They tend to work alone to avoid confrontation and violence. They are deterred by minimal precautionary measures-alarm signs etc.
The Auto Dialer Intruder Alarm is an inexpensive way to protect your home or business at the most vulnerable time-when no one is there.
Here's how it works. The auto dialer uses a passive infrared system that monitors motion in a designated area. When armed the motion detector watches the area. When motion is detected a 105 db alarm goes off and the unit calls up to 5 pre-selected phone numbers in order until someone answers.
The 105 db alarm is usually enough to get the bad guys away.
The auto dialer can also be used in a "chime" mode to alert you to customers entering your store for example or guests coming into your back yard.
The unit is AC operated with a nine volt battery backup incase of power outages. It features a panic key, adjustable sensor head, programmable security code and entry delay timing. An arming switch is located on the side of the unit. It also has a 14 digit display with date and time. The unit should be mounted 5-6 feet above floor level.
When you are looking for a motion activated alarm and auto dialer to get help when you are not in your home or business this is the device for you.
By: Jack Krohn
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Get an AUTO DIALER INTRUDER ALARM and make your home more secure.
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Interior Paint Problems
Covering Stains, Grease, Graffiti, and Problem Surfaces.
Most folks find out about stains and problem surfaces after it is too late -- during, or after they are done, painting. Repeated coats of paint won't cover properly because the problem areas bleed through the new paint.
Special Problem Areas
Old paint, oil or lead based
Grease, oil, mold, or mildew
Graffiti, ball point ink, permanent markers, paint
Bad plaster, crumbling or water damaged
Old oil and lead base paints often used special pigments that bleed through new latex paints. Light colors might not bleed at all while some darker colors cannot be covered even with several coats of paint. You can test a small area, let it dry for 24 hours, and check for coverage.
To seal the old paint, you need to use a special primer. Normally, it will be an oil base primer especially made to cover oil base paint before painting with latex paint. Be sure to get one designed for this purpose. Be sure to follow the directions for drying time before applying the first coat of paint.
Grease, oil, mold, or mildew should be cleaned with a household cleaner first. Next, clean with a solution made for use before painting, such as Soilax. You can purchase it at a paint or hardware store. After the soiled areas are dry, paint them will a special primer designed for hiding these kind of spots.
Porters--Stay-Kill--primer works well. You can prime the entire surface, or just cover up the soiled areas. Be sure to follow the directions for drying time before applying the first coat of paint.
Graffiti, ball point ink, permanent markers, and paint can be covered with a special primer designed for hiding these kinds of spots. Porters Stay-Kill primer works well. You need to cover the soiled areas. Be sure to follow the directions for drying time before applying a second coat of primer or the first coat of paint.
Bad plaster, crumbling or water damaged needs to be cleaned first. Use a scrub brush and water to remove all the loose plaster. If there's extensive damage, you should repair the damaged plaster, too. Water damage causes some of the chemicals in plaster to bleed through new paint. It's a good idea to use a primer like Porters Stay-Kill before painting. Be sure to follow the directions for drying time before applying a second coat of primer or the first coat of paint.
Painting tips
Buy good quality paint. Porters are one of the brands that are good, however, other name brands are good, too, and have similar types of primers and paints.
In kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas, use a "latex enamel" paint which is more waterproof and can be cleaned easily.
Allow plenty of drying time for a primer, and between each coat of paint. Getting in a hurry might end up with a poor finish, or require an additional coat of paint.
If you're trying to get by with just one coat of paint, don't apply it to heavy. If a second coat is needed, you will have wasted paint.
If you plan to use two coats of paint, don't put the first coat on too thin. Two even coats will look better and last longer.
Be sure you have plenty of ventilation. If you're painting your home, plan to does it during warm weather so you can leave the windows open during, and for several days after, painting?
By: Mario Sanchez
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How-to information on painting and other aspects of home improvement.. Includes do-it-yourself guide, and links.
Read more interior painting problem on:
DIY Home Improvement Information
http://www.painterclick.com/interior_painting_problems.htm
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