Modern times Pale colors have proved highly desirable because they reflect light and increase the impression of space. Soft matt emulsions give the effect of traditional distemper without its drawbacks while undercoat, sealed by varnish, has an attractive velvety appearance for those who want an alternative to gloss. Paint can also be applied over textured wallpapers.
ABOVE Tea rose and cream give warmth to this Victorian living room without destroying its period atmosphere. PaZe colors are useful where natural light is limited but cool tones would have been inappropriate here. The Cream was chosen in place of brilliant white to pick out the details of the high relief frieze and filigree window screen - a perfect partner for the rose-beige walls.
RIGHT & ABOVE Break with convention and paint woodwork and ceilings a deep} dramatic shade using a mid-sheen finish which is suitable for both walls and woodwork. Choose a single color for all paintwork in a busy room where furniture} books and paintings add immediate decorative interest. In both examples here green has been used. Vary the tones for a less formal scheme.
DECORATING PAINTING WALLS & WOODWORK
The better the surface, the easier it will be to get a good finish when painting walls, ceilings and woodwork. Prepare the surface well for the best results ( s 208-211). If you are using a paint roller, paint the ceiling, then the walls before painting woodwork, as the roller tends to create a fine spray of paint which covers adjacent surfaces. With a paint pad or brush, paint the ceiling first, then the wood- work and finally the walls. Work in a clean, dust-free room, preferably in daylight. Start with the highest point and work downwards. When painting an absorbent surface, such as bare plaster or lining paper, thin the first coat of paint as directed by the manufacturer to get an even undercoat. Open paint tins carefully so that dust from the lid does not get into the tin. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before buying paint: with water-based paints you can wash your brushes out in water while oil-based paints have to be washed out with white spirit or brush cleaner.
Large areas can be painted with a paint roller or paint pad, although many decorators prefer to use a wide paint brush. You will need a smaller brush or paint pad to get an even finish at the edges of walls and in corners. Arrange plenty of plastic sheets or dust covers over floors and fixtures.
CEILINGS & WALLS
1 When painting ceilings and high rooms, arrange two sturdy stepladders with a stout plank between, or use a solid box or milk crate, at a convenient height.
2 Start by cutting in around the edge of the ceiling or wall using a 5cm(2 in) wide paint brush. Paint a band about 5 cm (2 in) wide down the corners and up to any obstructions such as doorways, windows, light switches and fireplaces. Do not overload the brush: wipe any excess on a string tied across the top of the paint can. Use a light touch, working the paint in all directions so that the brushstrokes do not show.
Fill in the rest of the area working in blocks 56 about 2 m (2 yd) square. When using a brush, apply the paint with horizontal strokes first, then work vertically over the same area, finishing with upward strokes. With a roller, dip the roller in the paint tray and squeeze out excess paint by rolling it over the ribbed part of the tray. Then apply the paint with criss-cross tracks for an even finish. If you prefer a paint pad, apply the paint with vertical strokes, finishing with horizontal or diagonal strokes if necessary. The aim is to cover the area evenly without any strokes showing. Continue to the next 'block', working the paint into the wet edge so that it doesn't show. Work so that the edges of one block do not dry out before you start on the adjacent block.
WOODWORK Generally woodwork requires tough paints or polyurethane varnish, particularly if it is likely to be knocked - at skirting boards or door- ways. If you want to create a decorative color effect, use the required paint. Woodwork must be prepared even more carefully than walls. If it is not in bad condition to start with, wash it, and rub it down lightly with fine glass paper before applying the new top coats. It is worth using good-quality brushes that do not shed bristles when applying oil-based paints. Clean brushes thoroughly after use in white spirit, concentrated washing-up liquid or brush cleaner, according to the paint maker's recommendations. If you want to stop painting for a short break, wrap the brush in tin foil to keep the bristles moist and to prevent the paint hardening. Always replace the lid of the paint tin firmly after use.
Start by applying the paint along the grain of the wood: the area you cover depends on the surface you are painting. Cover an area about 30cm(12 in) square, or a strip of skirting about 60cm(24 in) long that you can reach easily. Apply the paint along the grain without re- loading the brush, then dip the brush in the paint again, and apply a little more paint with crossways strokes.
Finish by stroking the paint along the grain, working only with upward strokes if the grain runs vertically. This is known as laying off the paint. 2 When painting windows, you should allow the paint to creep over the putty and a couple of millimeters onto the glass to seal the surface of the frame properly. If you don't have a steady hand and a good eye, you can use a paint shield - a triangular metal plate with a handle. Hold it against the glass as you paint the glazing bars. Use a paint shield when doing the skirting board too.
Alternatively, use masking tape to give a crisp edge to the paintwork. Peel off the tape when the paint is touch dry but not hard. 40. By painting the different elements of a window in the right order you will avoid touching any wet paint. With sash windows, start with the window open, so that the upper, outer sash comes down below the lower, inner sash. Paint the lower edge of the upper sash before sliding the sashes back to the slightly open position.
