We asked for real-world painting pointers – and got hundreds of great tips from our Field Editors.
Here are our top 5 favourites:
NO MORE SPLASHY PAINT CAN LIDS
Ever hammer down a paint can lid only to have paint splatter everywhere? You can prevent that by grabbing a 5-in-1 tool and using the pointy end to punch a few holes through the groove of the can’s rim (be sure to rotate the tool left and right a little to widen the holes). The holes allow excess paint to drain back into the can. The lid will cover the holes and make an airtight seal. If you don’t have a 5-in-1 tool handy, you can punch some holes with a hammer and nail. — Lawrence Gusman
PRESERVE A BRUSH WITH A GLOVE
I like to wear disposable nitrile gloves when I’m painting. They not only keep my hands clean but also keep my brush from drying out whenever I take a break. I simply grab the bristles with my gloved hand and then pull the glove over the wet bristles. A twist tie around the handle keeps the air out. — Ned Pillay
A BROOM HANDLE REACHES NEW HEIGHTS
You can spend R200 to R500 on an adjustable extension pole for rolling paint in high places. But if adjustability isn’t important or you just want to save a few bucks, try a normal broom handle. Most fit perfectly on a paint roller. — Dave Cebisa.
SLAP IT ON, THEN SMOOTH IT OUT
When painting trim or other woodwork with a brush, I’ve found it’s best to load my brush with paint and then lay it on heavily in small sections using short, quick strokes – just to get enough paint on the trim to work with. I then blend the paint into the section I painted before and smooth it all out using long finishing strokes in one direction. — Greg Scholl
BRUSH BRISTLE SAVER
Without something to hold them in place, paintbrush bristles will curl or splay as they dry. The best way to store them is in the cardboard wrappers that they came in. They’re not just packaging; they maintain the shape of the bristles as the brush dries after cleaning. If you’ve already thrown your brush wrappers away, use paper and a rubber band instead. — Andy Benke.
BONUS TIP: Cardboard protects floors best. I don’t like drop cloths. They’re usually too big, slippery, clumsy and just downright messy – especially when I need to move them around while they’re still covered in wet paint. That’s why I prefer cardboard. I set it tight to the wall and slide it with my foot as I work my way around the room. — Beckie Boggs
