Podcast: Cardinal Corner
Episode Title: Mastering Home Painting: Expert Tips from Dennis Moneymaker
Host: Jack Lombardi
Guest: Dennis Moneymaker, Store Manager at Greenbrier Location, Cardinal Home Center

Episode Summary

Discover essential painting tips and tricks that will elevate your home painting projects. Dennis shares insider advice on selecting the perfect paint colors to create the desired mood in each room, prepping surfaces for a flawless finish, and the importance of using primer in specific situations. Learn how investing in high-quality paint can save you time and effort, and get lesser-known hacks to minimize drips, streaks, and brush marks.

Key Topics Covered

Choosing the Right Paint Colors:

  • Consider the amount of natural light in the room.
  • Decide between cooler colors (grays, blues) and warmer colors (yellows, oranges, reds).
  • Match paint colors with furniture and drapes to create a cohesive look.
  • Use neutral colors for versatility.
  • Tip: Painting is a cost-effective way to refresh a room compared to replacing furniture.
  • Explore all 3,500 Benjamin Moore Colors

Prepping Walls and Surfaces:

  • Check for blemishes, cracks, peeling paint, and holes.
  • Use spackling to fill holes and sand walls for a smooth surface.
  • Importance of thorough prep work to achieve a professional finish.
  • Recommended tools: pole sander and 100-grit sandpaper.

Importance of Primer:

  • Use primer on raw sheetrock, smoke-damaged, nicotine-damaged, or water-damaged walls.
  • Primers prevent stains from bleeding through.
  • For color changes, high-quality paint with built-in primer can save time.
  • Benjamin Moore paints often include primers, reducing the need for separate priming.

Speeding Up the Painting Process:

  • Invest in high-quality paint like Benjamin Moore Aura for better coverage and fewer coats.
  • Aura paint often covers in one coat, saving time and effort.

Minimizing Paint Drips, Streaks, and Brush Marks:

  • Avoid “dry rolling” by ensuring rollers and brushes have enough paint.
  • Aim for a smooth rolling sound rather than a dry, scratchy noise.
  • Key to success: full but not overloaded rollers and brushes.

Maintaining Painted or Stained Floors:

  • Handle painted floors with care to avoid scratches.
  • Use furniture sliders when moving heavy items.
  • Keep floors clean to extend their lifespan.
  • For exterior floors, remove snow and ice promptly to prevent moisture damage.
  • Regular maintenance and touch-ups are necessary.

Finishing Touches:

  • For stained surfaces, brush on the stain and wipe off excess for an even finish.
  • Allow stain to dry for 24-36 hours before applying urethane.
  • Apply three coats of urethane, sanding lightly between coats.
  • Ensure no bumps or blemishes for a flawless finish.

Detailed Insights

  • Choosing Paint Colors: Consider lighting and existing furnishings when selecting colors. Cooler tones (blues, grays) create a calm ambiance, while warmer hues (yellows, reds) add vibrancy.
  • Surface Preparation: Prioritize sanding and priming for a smooth finish. Address cracks, blemishes, and stains before painting to ensure a flawless end result.
  • Primer’s Role: Use primer on raw surfaces or to cover stains like nicotine or water damage. Opt for paints with integrated primer for efficiency.
  • Quality Paints: Invest in high-quality paints like Benjamin Moore’s Aura for superior coverage and fewer coats, speeding up the painting process without sacrificing quality.
  • Application Techniques: Avoid common pitfalls like drips and streaks by ensuring brushes and rollers are adequately loaded with paint for smooth application.
  • Surface Maintenance: Protect painted or stained surfaces from scratches and weather damage with preventive measures and regular maintenance.

Conclusion

This episode equips homeowners with the knowledge to tackle painting projects confidently, ensuring beautiful, long-lasting results in every room of the house. Dennis sets you up with the tips and tricks to make your next painting project a breeze. From application tips to using the right products, Cardinal Home Center’s team can get you on your way to completing a great paint project.

Tags

Home improvement, Painting tips, Interior design, Home maintenance, DIY projects

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