October: brisk, bright, busy in Monmouth County NJ
I find every October when it starts to get brisk and the air is crisp and earthy I need to start a project. This year I decided to concentrate on the 2nd bedroom. We are anticipating a visitor from overseas so I want it to be welcoming.
I live in an original 1929 modular ranch bungalow and the rooms are not very big so you have to be minimal with furnishing etc.; which I have a difficult time with. We inherited my husband's family maple 4 poster bed without the canopy (too bad) and mahogany dressers that were repainted sometime with gold distress look. These are really nice pieces and worth working on. Teh room we painted in Home Depot paint Linen which has a yellow cream cast and we have cream carpeting.
I had a friend a friend of ours paint the bed headboard and footboard with Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee. OMG! what a difference! Now when we put the bed together and dressed it up the room looks like a little bed and breakfast bedroom. We now want to sleep in this room that's how good it looks!
I have come across some interesting handy hints as I am doing this project and thought to share with you.
- When you have finished a painting project, write on a masking tape the date and how many gallons of paint were needed for the job. Stick the tape on the back of a light sitch plate. Also to get the exact shade next time include the color formula sticker from the paint can. When the room is due for a fresh coat, you'll be ready to go!
How many times have I miseried over what to paint first in a room.
- Paint the trim first, then the ceiling and walls. That's because it is easier and faster to tape off the trim than to tape off the walls. When painting the trim you do not have to be extra neat. Just concentrate on getting a smooth finish on the trim. Don't worry if the paint gets on the walls, you'll cover it when painting the walls. Once the trim is completely painted and dry at least 24 hours, tape it off with painter's tap then paint the ceiling then the walls and it will be gone
- For mess proof painting I use the cartons(case) that come from buying bulk water or cat food. I put the paint can inside and open it and leave the lid in there too, this way I don't accidentently step on the lid and track paint and believe me I have done it quite a few times.
- Cardboard box as a spray booth for small items. Right now when it gets cold the wind also picks up so using an aeresol spray paint is difficult and messy. I have started to use a any largish(?) carton and poke thorugh a dry cleaner style hanger as my holder I hang whatever I need painted, spray it and no mess!
- My last tip I jsut learned now is storing paint cans upside down. By doing this the wieght of the paint will form an airtight seal around the rim. Of course make sure you have closed the lid tight so when placing it upside down it doesn't open on you or leak. When you're ready to use it again turn the can upright and shake it real hard to get all the solids off the lid and presto the paint is like new.
As I continue with this autumn/winter project I will post whatever else I learn. Right now I will start working on the dresser. I want to change the look of the dresser.
Til later will let you know the progress.
