Top 9 tips for painting

Fresh coat of paint can make big difference at minimal cost

SAN ANTONIO – If you are looking to shake up a room’s décor, a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference without draining your bank account.

Consumer Reports paint expert Rico De Paz offers a few tips to help make the process of painting an easier one. He said people with more experience can stick with just a brush, but beginners should spend the extra $3 for an edger.

To avoid drops, De Paz said, use the roller instead of dipping the edger.

He also said to remember the four S’s

  • Saturate the roller
  • Smear the paint on the wall
  • Spread it out
  • Smooth it over

De Paz said people should also avoid the common mistake of not putting enough paint on the roller.

“You should saturate the roller to the point where the paint is almost dripping off,” he said. “If you don’t do that, you are going to have to put on a second coat.”

Another tip, De Paz said, is to paint in sections of 2 feet by 2 feet, applying the paint on the wall in an X, V or W pattern. That makes it easier to spread out over the entire section.

Lastly, if possible, De Paz recommends using a paint and primer in one.