Painting & Finishing Questions Answered

­Over the last several years, the HIR staff has been asked and has answered a multitude of questions regarding home improvement, maintenance and around-the-house repairs. Here’s a look back at a few of the different painting and finishing topics and tips we’ve covered for our readers.

How do I whitewash a brick fireplace?

First step is to brush away any loose grit. Clean the brick with dish soap, water and a rag, then rinse it well. Use painter's tape to mask the brick from surrounding surfaces. Cover the floor with a drop cloth. For a light, semi-transparent finish, mix equal parts white latex paint and water in a bucket, and blend it well. Brush the whitewash first onto the grout lines first, then onto the brick face. Wipe off excess whitewash with a clean cloth as you go. Remove the painter's tape while the paint is still wet, then allow the paint to dry overnight.

Does thinning paint affect the quality of its finish?

answer: Most paints are ready to go right out of the can with no reduction necessary. Some products can be reduced to some degree, and the instructions on the container should indicate the maximum reduction allowed (if any) and the correct type of reducer. Reducing paint product past the recommended levels will not give you the same performance characteristics or finish quality. Always use the solvent or mixing agent

recommended by the manufacturer.

What’s the best way to stain a concrete floor?

Etching stain is an acid-based product that can change a basic gray, concrete slab into a colored finished floor. Applied as a liquid to a damp concrete floor using a garden sprayer, the stain chemically reacts with minerals in the concrete to create a permanent finish. Coating the stain with a clear sealer will enhance the look and help resist stains.

It is critical to first make sure the floor is clean before staining. Make sure to remove all residue of grease, oil, paint, wax or sealants. Scrubbing the surface with trisodium phosphate (TSP) or baking soda will promote even absorption of the stain and a strong bond with the sealer. Apply water to the concrete and note any areas where water beads on the surface. Clean these areas again until water can be absorbed into the concrete. For heavily soiled surfaces, consider using a cleaner-etcher-degreaser such as Bond-Lok from Quikrete.

Because the etching stain contains acid, be sure to exercise all necessary safety precautions, including the use of a respirator that filters hydrochloric acid. Remove excess etching residue with water, a scrub brush and a wet/dry vac. Allow the stain to dry completely before applying the clear coat.

Is oil paint the best choice for painting metal?

Choose paint specifically designed for use on metal surfaces, which will provide better protection against corrosion and wear than oil paint. Look for paints that contain

protective properties such as rust inhibitors, water repellency, or UV light resistance. Make sure to thoroughly prep the metal surface before painting. Clean the metal to remove

any dirt, grease, rust, or contaminants. Use a wire brush, sandpaper, or scuffing pad to remove any corrosion or old paint. Make sure the metal is completely dry before applying primer and paint. It’s a good idea to apply metal-surface primer after you’ve cleaned and prepared the surface. This will promote better paint adhesion and a more uniform finish.