Two Painting Tips You Probably Won't Find Anywhere Else

This is the 4th time this room has been painted in ten years. First, it was yellow, for my daughter. Then she wanted it pink. Then, when Mason went to college, she moved into the front bedroom.

When both Ethan and Mason moved back home for a while later, pink would not work. I painted it this color - somewhere between camel and tobacco green. It went with comforters I found for 2 twin beds. It's been this way for several years. Meanwhile, the boys moved out, and later Mason moved back.

Mason just moved out again, and I have been making plans to move into this room, so my current larger bedroom could be an art room. First, the dark paint had to go. My tastes have changed with the styles somewhat, and these days, I'm craving light, neutral spaces.

For this bedroom, I've chosen a lighter, beige-greige. I wanted something very neutral, just dark enough to contrast with the white glossy oil-based trim. I mixed this paint myself, using a gallon of Olympic white flat, a gallon of Valspar Antique white (Vanilla) and some mini sample pots of tans and taupes.


This job required 2 coats plus a third touch up. As I was painting, I figured out a few things this time around...

First - I really hate cutting in around the ceiling. Ladder work has become increasingly difficult the older I get. My knees don't like it at all. I wish I had a tip for making this easier!

Second - I am a lazy painter. I really hate cleaning brushes and rollers. I usually buy cheap ones and throw them away.

Tip #1:

To keep my brush and roller work-ready. I wrap them in plastic grocery bags - squeezing air out and twisting them closed.


I tried leaving them in water, and though they don't dry out, you have a MESS when you begin painting, and your paint is watery. Paint-water droplets go everywhere.

I have tried leaving them in the paint, but paint seeps into places it's not really supposed to be (like inside the roller), and it drips quite a bit.

The bag method is GREAT. Disposable and virtually mess-free, it works for overnight storage, but not for extended periods.

For oil based paints, wrap them and put them in the freezer! Yes - you're making paint brush-cicles. They'll thaw quickly and are still pliable when you're ready to paint again - even for extended periods.

Tip #2:

Storing touch up paint in water bottles!
This is a new experiment. I thought of it yesterday as I was considering how to store leftover paint for future touch-ups.

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