Dear Reena: I wanted to paint my living/dining room which currently has oil base on it. When I went to get my paint I asked what I would have to do to prepare the walls for latex paint. I was told I had two choices: Go with a primer and then two coats of paint or sand the wall lightly to take the gloss off and then go with a paint that has the primer built in.
Because it was a large area I went with the latter and did all the right stuff including washing the wall after.
I was told not to skimp on the paint and not to go back and rework any missed area as it dries very quickly.
The paint went on beautifully, however, when I went to do the second coat I saw that in places there were areas where the paint had dripped and then stopped midway.
It was very noticeable and so discouraging. I had to scrape it off, patch and redo. I was so frustrated that I stopped painting after one wall.
Have you ever come across this before and if so what should I do differently when I get up the courage to finish the rest? Janet
Dear Janet: I can feel your frustration because I have found myself in similar situations.
Paint quality is often the culprit between a happy paint project and a screaming on the inside moment.
If the paint is thin it will run down the wall. If the paint is not adhering to the wall, it will also run.
Paint experts often recommend preparing walls with a trisodium phosphate wash to remove greasy residue caused by cooking and dust before you start to paint.
Since you followed the advice given to you by the retailer, why not bring the paint back and talk to them about the issue that you are having?
When paint projects work the way they are supposed to, they can be a therapeutic, fun experience.
Don't hesitate to consult with the paint specialist at the store where you bought the paint (remember to bring your receipt). ? Fabulous Tip of the Week
Here's an easy way to get rid of fruit flies. After you have finished off a bottle of red wine, leave it open on the counter or wherever fruit flies are a nuisance. In the morning you will see fruit flies lying on the bottom of the bottle.
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