11 Painting Tips and Tricks

Friends invited Husband and I to an apartment painting party to prep the place for a new tenant.  While we painted and before the pizza guy delivered we traded painting tips and tricks. Some you may know, others you may not. Feel free to add your tips in the comments section below!

1. Check for lead. If your home was built or painted prior to 1978 (when the US banned lead paint), it is a good idea to test the surface with a lead testing kit (you can find them here) before sanding or scraping peeling paint. If the test is positive for lead paint check HUD's Field GuideLead Paint Safety at to learn how to do the work safely or consider hiring a pro.

2. Prep it. Preparing the walls for paint is not as fun as diving right in there with a brush, but it will make the project easier in the end. Fill cracks and holes with spackle, let it dry and the sand it smooth with a sanding block, and then wipe the area with a lint free rag. If the walls are dirty, wash them down with water and dish soap,  and let them dry before painting or priming. Scrap and sand peeling or chipping paint. Mask off moldings and any area you do not want to paint  with painters tape. Not sure what type of tape to use? Check out my painter's tape vs masking tape post here.

 Painting the window molding would be a crime against architecture. We masked it off with painters tape to avoid accidents when cutting in around the windows and fireplace.

DIY Dog Tail Coat Rack

 I have dog.

She has lots of stuff.

Most of  Lacey’s stuff is for taking walks. Her leash, towel, et al is in the drawer of a small step stool by the front door.

In theory.

Most days it looks like this.

 Clutter makes me cranky!

All that junk spilling up and over the step stool means I can’t use it to see out of the peephole in the front door.

That. Short.

Husband thinks this is hysterical.

I think it is time Lacey supervises her first DIY project.

How to Organize Dog Leashes

Guest Bedroom Inspiration

I have a May deadline for my craft and guest room project. Why May? Because we have friends coming back to visit us and I am embarrassed they had to sleep in The Room Where Furniture Goes To Die when they visited last summer.

Embarrassment lit the fire under my keester to do something with this room other than be overwhelmed with indecision, slam the door shut so I don't have to look at it, and bury my face in a bowl of freshly popped Amish popcorn.

I'm hitting a roadblock because the smallest bedroom in the house has to function as both my craft room and as a guest bedroom. To jog my brain in the Not Screaming in Panic direction, I am treating this room as two separate spaces. I did a virtual shopping spree with items I like for each room. I did not pay attention to eco friendly materials or price. I picked out a bunch of stuff I like without rhyme or reason. Then I edited my selections. I tossed the items that didn't go together and created a retro mod craft room inspiration board. I followed the same procedure for a guest bedroom.

Washi Paper Easter Egg

Spent more than two seconds on Pinterest (give me a follow please?) and you will find a super cute washi (pronounced wah-shee) tape something or other. I learned about washi when I visited Japan.

My hostess made and gave me a washi paper Easter egg because I spent Easter break in Japan. Fun fact: I had two Easters that year because I flew over the International Date Line on the flight home.

What is Washi?