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Questions: 

What is the best way to prepare a room for painting?
What should be used to fill small holes and cracks in plaster?
How should larger cracks and holes in plaster be repaired?
How should mildew be removed?
Can partially used cans of paint be kept and used at a later date?
How do I prepare a concrete floor for painting?
Is a pure bristle brush better than a synthetic bristle brush?
How can I paint behind radiators and ductwork?
How can I paint baseboard with out getting paint on the carpet?
My gutters have peeled. How do I paint them?
How should I prepare my deck or fence for finishing?
What type of coating is best for wood decks and fences?

Answers:
The paint job will be easier if a few simple things are done first:
1. Remove small pieces of furniture.
2. Cover remaining pieces with drop cloths or newspapers.
3. Cover floor with drop cloth or newspaper
3. Remove switch plates, doorknobs, drapery brackets, it takes less time to remove these items than to paint around them.top

Use latex-tube spackling compound to fill small holes and cracks. Fast drying ready mixed types are available at the D.L. Richie Pant n' Decorating Center. top

Using a knife or beer can opener, deepen the large cracks until firm plaster is reached and undercut the edges so that the cracks are wider at the bottom than at the surface. Soak the edges of the cracks with water and then fill them with patching plaster, using a flexible knife. always use a flexible knife for filling and a stiff knife for glazing. top

Wash the surface with a solution containing approximately 2 ounces of liquid detergent and 16 ounces of household chlorine bleach added to 1 gallon of water. Rinse clean and allow the surface to dry before repainting. top

Before using paint that has been stored for a while, remove any skins, rust, or other foreign matter, mix thoroughly to a smooth consistency, and strain through cheesecloth or a nylon stocking.  Always test old paints to check for drying and uniformity. top

Basement and garage floors are likely to have heavy deposits of dirt and/or grease. Use heavy duty cleaner and rinse thoroughly. If painting new concrete, it is recommended that a muriatic acid wash be used.  Mix one part concentrated muriatic acid with 5 parts of water. Handle carefully! Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses. Flood the area, let bubble, and rinse with clear water. Let floor dry thoroughly (48 hours) and paint. At D.L. Richie Paint n' Decorating Center we have every thing you will need to do this job properly. top

Only for fine enamel or varnish work. Synthetic bristle brushes are good for all types of paints. Never use a natural bristle brush in a waterborne or latex paint; Always use a synthetic fiber brush such as nylon or polyester brush. Synthetic fiber brushes wear longer than bristle brushes. top

There is a small roller that's about an inch in diameter that you can use to get in hard to reach areas such as behind radiators. top

Use a triangular metal paint shield and force it between the carpet and base board.  While holding at an angle with one hand, use your free hand to brush the paint onto the surface.  Wipe the shield frequently so you won't have a paint build up.  top

Many gutters are galvanized metal and require special preparation and painting to reduce the possibility of peeling.  You must first remove all loose paint using either a wire brush , power sander, or a paint and varnish remover.  Its a good idea to let the metal weather for  few months, then clean it with a heavy duty cleaner and rinse well. Apply a prime coat of Devoe Mirrolac Galvanized Metal primer, let dry for 24 hours and apply a finish coat of alkyd house paint or latex house paint. For latex finishes , Devoe Mirrolac-WB waterborne Primer can also be used. Both of these products are available at D.L. Richie Paint n' Decorating Center. top

All wood when exposed to the weather and UV sunlight will deteriorate.  Often, the wood will turn to a light gray followed by a deeper gray as time passes.  To reverse this process, use a wood cleaner or restorer.  This will clean the wood and bring it back to a more natural look.  At this point , finish or sealer should be applied to protect the newly cleaned surface. top

The best coating for a deck is a non-film-forming product such as a semi-transparent stain or penetrating finish. These finishes allow the grain of the wood to show, while still offering protection.  Devoe's All Weather Natural Wood Finish is ideal for wood decks. Fences are also a good substrate for non film forming coatings, but may also be coated with solid color stains which hide the grain but allow the texture of the wood to show.  The use of paint and solid colors stains should be avoided on wood decks.top