Consumer Reports' secrets to the perfect paint job

Ahead of the spring remodeling season, Consumer Reports has released its latest review of interior paints. We tested all the big names, including Behr, Benjamin Moore, and Valspar, as well as regional brands Pittsburgh Paints and California. And we welcomed back Martha Stewart, who returns to the paint aisle (at Home Depot) after a several-year hiatus. Choosing a top-quality paint is the first step to a perfect paint job. Our Ratings of nearly 70 models are broken down by finish: satin/eggshell (best for most applications), flat/matte (ideal for low-traffic areas), and semigloss (targeting trim, doors, and shelves). We recommend five or six models in each category at a range of price points. Note that even a top-rated paint may be lacking in one performance area, so it's important to weigh all of our test results. Once you figure out the best paint, execution is key. Painting is the closest thing in remodeling to instant gratification, but it does take a bit of time and attention. Just slapping the paint on the walls is sure to mar the finish (and possibly your floors and furniture as well). Here's what to do instead: Ready the room. Either remove furniture or pull it to the center of the space. Drape drop cloths over valuable items; canvas cloths can be reused but cost more than plastic ones. Protect floors with cardboard or brown paper, taping it in place to prevent slips and spills. Prep the surface. The goal is to establish a clean, stable, and smooth surface onto which the new paint can adhere. That will likely involve scraping away cracked or loose paint; dulling glossy areas with fine grit (#220) sandpaper; caulking cracks around doors and windows and where walls meet ceiling; removing dirt, grime, and hand prints with a household detergent solution; and wiping away any remaining dust or particles. Safety note: If your home was built before 1978, refer to the EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule. Choose the right tools. You might like the sound of natural-brisle brushes, but their hollow fibers tend to clump as they absorb latex-based interior paints. Synthetic-bristle brushes with a tapered end deliver cleaner, more consistent brush strokes. Dampen the bristles before use so they load the paint evenly. As for rollers, choose a synthetic-fiber, seamless roll with a short nap, no more than 1/4-inch. Apply it right. If you're painting over a properly-prepped surface you can probably skip the primer, especially if you choose a self-priming paint that scores well in our Ratings. Exposed wood or plaster, as well as heavily-soiled surfaces, should be treated with a stain-blocking primer. For the finish coat, start by cutting in a 2-inch strip around windows, doors, corners, and edges. Then fill in the fields with a roller. Follow a W-shaped pattern, which will distribute paint evenly and prevent drips and lap marks from marring the surface. ?Daniel DiClerico

Source: http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2011/02/consumer-reports-reviews-of-interior-paints-.html

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