Why was Tuesday not a great day? Mainly because I was painting the trim in my bathroom. I am a terrible interior painter and I get so frustrated when my DIY projects look super-DIY instead of professional.
That's why I need your help...how do you paint trim to make it look good? My trim was left with visible brush strokes (ugh!!!) and I can't paint a straight line to save my life. So, despite taping the bathroom like crazy, I can never get the nice, crisp lines that I want. Do I need to use a special brush? Should I use an angled brush? How do you not get paint on the floor? I used Behr semi-gloss paint, but maybe I should have used an oil-based paint to leave that nice super-shiny, smooth finish?
It didn't help that I was exhausted. No, not just from crashing from my sugar high. My six-year old spent the night in the ER after not being able to breathe in the middle of the night. She is much better now. She has the croup mixed with asthma and all of the coughing sent her into a bronchial spasm. It was very frightening!
Lesson learned: do not attempt house projects on no sleep! I would have been better off cuddling on the couch with my daughter and watching a movie with her. Instead, I let her watch a movie on my laptop in my bed. When I came in to check on her, there was gum all over the computer. In fact, my hand is sticking to the computer while I type this. Surprisingly, she has "no idea" how the gum got on the computer.
Here's a little peek at what I've been busy working on this week. It involves my new favorite color, gray.
I'll have the full reveal for you next week.
Hi, Suzy! OMG, I'm so sorry about your daughter, how scary! I'm glad she's ok now...geesh, what a night for you:(
ReplyDeleteThe bathroom is looking great, I love grey too. Sorry, wish I had some great advice for you on painting trim, but I've always thought it was a pain in the butt. I do think Frog tape makes a difference, it worked much better for us (taping off our hardwood floors to repaint the baseboard molding) than the blue tape. Can't wait to see the rest of the room!
Thanks for the tip about the PB jute/chenille rug:)
I had an email all ready to send you and then my computer blew up (not really but it froze on me). Anyway, really sorry that you had a horrible night/day - RSV is really scary and I speak from experience there. I would definitely recommend using an angled brush on the trim - I think it would make your life a lot easier. I hate doing the trim too but with the angled brush I think it would be smoother sailing. Love the grey I see in that sneak peek - hooray for grey!
ReplyDeleteHope your daughter is feeling better...love that "she had no idea" where the gum on the computer came from!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe only way that I know of to reduce the brush lines is to use oil based paint, which is a tricky wicket. Looking forward to your reveal!
Cathy
I think I'd just own the strokes--the picture you posted looked great! We're having to paint very dark trim and having to do about 6 coats to make it neat. Few people will get close enough to notice the strokes and those who do, well, perhaps they need a fulfilling hobby! Flaws are always more noticeable to the homeowner.
ReplyDeleteSuzy, I'm so sorry about your little one, but I'm glad to know she's doing better.
ReplyDeleteThe angled brush (i like Purdy) does mae a big difference (like, sometimes i don't even use tape). Also, you could try mixing in a paint conditioner like Flotral (i might have just butchered that name). You can find it at any hardware store. It slows down the drying time so you can brush the paint on really well. Also, if you use the frog tape, take it off while the paint is still wet. that will keep it from peeling off and you can touch up while the paint is still wet, instead of having to go BACK!
hope that helps!
We're in the process of painting the trim in our entire house so I feel your pain (we’re using the exact same paint too). I've found that using lots of paint on the brush will reduce the brush strokes and also working fast so the paint stays very wet helps (as soon as it gets tacky at all the brush strokes start showing). I've taped with every brand of painter's tape and am not satisfied. I just go back and apply the tiniest line of caulk to the edge to hide where the paint has bled under the tape.
ReplyDeletethe bathroom is looking so good!
ReplyDeleteand i am painting trim not- the paint strokes don't bother me so much, but if you want them out i would recommend using a foam brush- they are nice and smooth, BUT you will need more coats because they don't put on as much paint.
I'll be praying for you daughter! What a scary night!
ReplyDeleteI actually don't think your trim looks too bad. I use Frog Tape instead of Scotch Blue. I think it gives a MUCH crisper line. Are you using a high quality brush that's made for the type of paint you're using? It makes a huge difference in the brush strokes. Also on places that I can, I quickly go over the top with a roller which smooths out the brush strokes.
I am sorry about your traumatic experience and hope your daughter is fully recovered. Angled brush does make a difference and some brushstrokes are fine. I have yet to paint the trim in my living room which I painted in Feb!
ReplyDeleteBathrooms require a coat of water-based primer before painting the walls with your chosen color. This primer helps seal moisture away from the drywall, which could lead to serious problems with mildew.
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