Touchup Paint Kit August 2
Fresh paint is transforming. Spotless walls make the whole house look cleaner. But then life happens. Walls are smudged. Baseboards attract scuffs. Doorjambs get nicked. Suddenly your walls have developed a vaguely antiqued look.
The secret to the everlasting fresh paint job is to do a little fast and frequent maintenance. I find that any task made easy and convenient will get a lot more of my attention.
#1 chore: get rid of the gallon-sized bucket. Transfer leftover paint into clean re-purposed glass jars (condiment-sized is great). By reducing the amount of air that comes in contact with the surface of the paint you’re stalling the aging process.
Once the paint is in jars get a label on it… fast! Include the room name if you have a list of paint info elsewhere. If you’re just getting started with organizing your home’s palette I advise more specific labeling, including the name of the paint, the sheen and the date.
Make a kit with your colors in the newly labeled bottles, a few foam brushes, and perhaps one artist brush. Brown paper bags make great mini-tarps, and they’re free. It’s also good to include some blue painter’s tape and a copy of your paint schematic.
Put your newly assembled paint kit in a small box or basket and stow it near your housekeeping tools and products. That way when you see a little problem you can attack it before it becomes a big one!
kathy Aug 2
Ken, you have the best ideas!
Robin Aug 3
Great tips!! After watching this, I can’t tell you how many really stupid mistakes I’ve made trying to “touch up.” I missed the live version on AM Northwest, but caught it on their website. It’s a little tricky to find… click on PANTING! Nothing like a typo for a cheap giggle.
abby yemm Jun 10
ken,
we love your ideas and blog! and love that you work with our sister site too (portland picks!) great ideas- both functional and applicable for all walks of life.
best,
abby yemm
managing editor
chicagopicks.com
Yllib Aug 1
Ken,
My walls are in need of some touch up paint.
I really enjoyed this post.
thanks for the tips!
Jim B Aug 22
these are great tips on paint..thanks for the info
paint colors Jan 12
Great tips.. I can now have my walls repainted and follow the instructions you have include here. Keep it up!
www deangraziosi com Jan 19
Great tip about taking the excess paint and moving it into a glass jar, it will also make it easier to see when your going through all the different paint you have.
Do it Yourself Home Renovation Feb 11
Thank you so much for sharing your tips with with us. Iam waiting to do it on my own. How long after applying touchup paint should I wait to wash?
Lisa