Thoughts of home improvement bloom during spring

Spring is just around the corner. With warmer days coming, spring cleaning comes to mind and usually the thought of painting the interior and exterior of our homes. Over the next couple of weeks, I will discuss painting, its applications, color selection, surface preparation and different techniques that will make the job easier.

For most of us, we have not had the advantage of learning how to paint nor have we had the opportunity of watching a professional paint. We have learned to paint by trial and error.

Spring is the best time to paint the exterior of your home. Painting should be done as soon as the weather turns warm, but not hot. When heat is too high, paint dries too quickly and leaves marks where strokes were overlapped.

Spring usually puts us in the mood to redecorate. I think this is because flowers tart to bloom and nature renews itself. This process affects us and gives us the desire to renew and freshen up our living environments.

A little planning will save you a lot of time and money. A trip to teh paint department of your favorite store before you paint will prove beneficial. A conversation with the paint department salesperson will give you insight about the types of paints and varnishes available, and types of brushes and rollers to use for that application. Information printed on teh can will tell you what type of surface it is used for, e.g. wood, stucco, masonry or metal. Some paints are used for specific areas, e.g. walls, ceilings or porches.

In next week's article, I will cover wall repairs and color selection.

Always test fabric and paints before using any chemical compound. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.

If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified fire, flood and mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is chief executive officer of Northwest Environmental Services.