1 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

which will eventually break down the paintwork applied if not dealt with. Following this treatment, a primer gets the wood surface ready to take an undercoat. The undercoat serves as a really good base for topcoat, and here using a colored undercoat where you are likely to use dark colored finishing coats helps the topcoat to cover well. Topcoat comes in satin and gloss finishes, and here, the gloss is a better option for outdoors since it can take the harsh light from the sun better than the satin finishes, which are primarily intended for indoor work.

Other quick fixes.

Spilt paint can be removed. If it is water based, wash out straight away. Even carpet will clean though it would have been better to use a dust sheet to prevent this. Gloss and oil based paint spills are harder to remove, and I found that the best removing agent (though do test a little piece of material or carpet that won't show) is the fluid sold for washing brushes.

Paint on windows is something we all do sometimes. To remove that layer of paint that shouldn't be there, use a specially designed scraper that takes the paint in a straight line, leaving your windows looking super.

Peeling paint.

If you want a quick fix for peeling areas, scrape off the peeled paint, apply a filler so that the surface is perfectly flat, and rub down the surface. There will always be a reason why paint peels, and try and determine why it is peeling. To give water based paints a better adhesion, paint over the peeled area with an oil based undercoat, and then the water based paint, as the undercoat will give extra protection.

Damp stains.

When you have had a problem with damp stains on a ceiling, it is irritating that the stain comes through every coat of water based paint that you use. Even trying is a waste of time. Being sure that you have found the source of the stains and fixed it, coat the area with oil based undercoat, and then topcoat it with the normal water based paint.

To avoid fade areas behind pictures.

If you want to avoid that horrible fade behind pictures, attach a small batten of wood to top and bottom of the back of the picture. A strong glue isn't needed and even balsa wood will do. What this achieves is to hold the picture away from the wall sufficiently for air to pass. It actually looks very professional too because it creates a shaded area all around the picture as if mounted in an art gallery.

These are just some ideas, though I hope they help someone in need of a few tips.

Learn more about this author, Rachelle de Bretagne.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How to fix common house paint problems?
We want to hear your view. Write now!