| Painting is one of those jobs that can go on forever; | | | | fluff all over the walls. |
| repair the walls, primer the walls, apply two coats of | | | | Remember, it's a party: Keep things light and fun. Get |
| paint, and then run around fixing all the spots you | | | | the music going, as it makes for a more enjoyable |
| missed. Maybe you've just bought a new home or are | | | | atmosphere. You may even have prizes for the |
| trying to get your current house sale ready, a painting | | | | person wearing the least amount of paint at the end. |
| party can help you get this done quickly. Debbie Travis | | | | It's also a good idea to take pictures of the day. |
| has some great tips for organizing a successful party | | | | Food makes a party: If you want people to work, they |
| to get your home painted in no time. | | | | need to be fed. Have some snacks, pop and water |
| Get organized: You've got all those extra bodies at | | | | handy, but it's not always a good idea to open the |
| your disposal, and you want to make the best use of | | | | beer right away. Maybe you could offer them a beer |
| them Start early; have all the pre-painting work | | | | after they finish every coat, and have a big dinner to |
| completed before your team arrives. Make sure the | | | | celebrate. |
| pictures are taken off the walls, fill those nail holes, | | | | Start early: You tend to get a lot more done if you |
| cover the furniture (if necessary), and lay the drop | | | | start early; people are more focused and have more |
| sheets. Taping off the edges of trim, doorknobs and | | | | energy. Have the coffee and muffins ready, while |
| hinges could be done now, but keep in mind that | | | | you're handing out paint and assigning rooms. |
| sometimes it unsticks if left too long. | | | | Decide who will be painting what, and remember that |
| Priming the walls: According to Debbie, you only need | | | | the more meticulous types of personality will be best |
| to prime the walls if: | | | | suited for trim or those fidgety types of jobs. Spread |
| You're covering areas where you've filled in holes. | | | | your workers around so that they don't bump into |
| If you're painting a lighter color over a darker color. | | | | each other; about two people per wall works well. |
| If you're painting over alkyd paint or if you're unsure | | | | If you haven't completed taping around the trim, get the |
| what the base paint is - if you simply cover alkyd paint | | | | gang started on this, and then suggest they begin by |
| with a latex without priming, the paint will scrape off. | | | | cutting in. Basically this means painting around the trim, |
| She offers the tip that if your base is a dark color, it's | | | | door handles, hinges and any other place a roller can't |
| a good idea to tint your primer with it, and you'll use | | | | reach. It's a good idea to complete the walls and ceiling |
| fewer coats. | | | | first, leaving the trim for last. |
| Get plenty of tools: Make certain that no one is | | | | Time to celebrate: Have a place where your guests |
| standing around looking for a brush or a roller by | | | | can get cleaned up before dinner. If the fumes are |
| ensuring you have enough for everyone. Consider the | | | | strong, you may want to plan a BBQ or dinner on the |
| jobs you'll be assigning, if the trim is being painted, you | | | | patio. Let everyone know how much you appreciate |
| may need some small trim brushes as well. Debbie | | | | their help and pass around the pictures taken from the |
| suggests moistening the rollers slightly so you don't get | | | | day. |