The Many Types of Construction Contractor

Drops of paint on your flooring or furniture and visible drips of paint on the surface you're painting are both issues you want to avoid whilst you are painting. Commercial painters have lots of tricks to help them avoid these troublesome issues, and you can adopt some of their habits. Try these ideas:

1. Use Spray Paint Sparingly

Spray paint can be useful for painting large areas quickly, but when you paint quickly, you're more likely to face drips and drops. Ideally, you should only use spray paint if you are experienced and confident with it. Otherwise, find the time to work slowly with a brush or roller—it's worth it in the long run.

2. Don't Overload the Brush or Roller

Whether you're using a brush or roller, you should be careful not to overload it. Yes, it can be time-consuming to have to dip your paint applicator over and over, especially if you're working on a ladder and have to climb up and down. However, it's worth the trouble if you don't want drips.

3. Tap the Brush and Roll the Roller

With brushes, you should tap the brush before using it. Tap it on the side of the paint can. That encourages the paint to fill the inside of the bristles and not just coat the outside. Similarly, with rollers, you should roll them up and down in the tray to remove excess paint. If you pull the brush or roller away from the bucket of pain and you see drips come off, you have too much paint. Tap or roll again.

6. Be Careful With Rollers

If you're using a roller, try not to push it too hard on the tray or on the wall. Excessive pressure compresses the roller, and that makes it harder for the paint to stick to it. That, in turn, can lead to unwanted drips.

4. Have a Spot to Place Your Brush

Eventually, you will need to put your brush down. Make sure that you have a convenient place to put it where it isn't likely to get knocked into or dropped. A spoon holder is perfect for small brushes, and a metal cake pan can work for rollers.

5. Tape Down Drop Cloths

Drop cloths are essential for protecting items for drops. To ensure errant drops don't sneak past the barriers, you may want to tape them in place. You can buy cloths like commercial painters use, or you can use old sheets or shower curtains.

7. Have a Drip Cloth

Finally, make sure you have a drip cloth on hand. If you see a drip, wipe it up immediately. If it dries before you catch it, you will have to scrape it off which can be challenging.

Contact a local commercial painter for more information and assistance.