Have you ever wondered why the walls look so good after a professional paints them but a little uneven and less attractive when you paint them yourself? There are a number of potential explanations. Professionals generally use high-quality paint and good paintbrushes, and they know how to apply the paint with even strokes. However, a lot of the difference also comes down to one technique they use on the paint before they apply it. That technique is straining. Here's a closer look at why straining paint is important and why you should do it, too.
Why should paint be strained?
Straining paint accomplishes a couple of tasks. When the paint is new, it makes sure any chunks have been removed so that they don't end up looking clotted on your walls. It also further mixes the paint together, helping to make sure the pigment is evenly dispersed.
When you strain a gallon of paint that has been previously opened, doing so removes any dust that was introduced to the paint the last time you used it. Removing the dust helps ensure the paint applies more evenly. It prevents it from having that slightly raised, grainy texture that paint sometimes gets when you apply it yourself.
How do you strain paint?
There are several procedures you can use. Some people just put an old pair of pantyhose over the end of their paint can and pour the paint through the pantyhose and into a tray before they begin painting. This marginally works, but the pantyhose don't always catch the smallest of dust particles.
A better strategy is to buy a dedicated paint strainer. You can find ones that are shaped like spouts. They snap onto the edge of your bucket. Then, you just pour the paint through the strainer spout into another container before you begin painting. Do this every time you paint since each time you open the jug of paint, you are potentially introducing more dust.
Make sure you clean the strainer after each use so it does not get clogged. Put it into a bucket of water to soak right away. If there is still paint lingering, you can use a scrub brush and a little elbow grease to remove the paint residue and get your strainer ready for next time.
If you want your walls to look like a pro painted them, then you definitely need to strain your paint each time.
To learn more, contact a company like Spray Right.
