Primed and ready

Before I finish laying the tile, I want to get a couple coats of primer on the shelf thingy. Two reasons: one, I want to do the primer before the tile is down so I don't have to worry about masking, and second, the unfinshed wood looks really bad and I want to make it look a little better.

So into the basement where there is a stash of paint supplies. I've painted a couple rooms already so I've gotten good practice and also built up a cache of Stuff To Use When Painting. I have a new small tray to use - bought it to use on small jobs such as this one. Also already have a couple of roller handles and a Contractor Pack of small rollers. I suppose I am now A Contractor since I've taken to buying this stuff in bulk, yes?

I use Kilz 2 (water based) as primer. This stuff rocks. Sanding and then using a primer will ensure you get a good finish. It's said that 80% of painting is the prep, and it's true. If you just slap paint on the surface, it will look awful.

The painting part is obvious - stir de paint and put it on. I did the areas under the shelf by hand so there is overlap and no missed spots.

It may surprise you to read this, since we already know what a quality job (heh) the DPO did. A bunch of spots under the shelf lip are painted, and a bunch aren't. Nothing like consistency. But now, Fthfl Rdr, they will all be painted.

I wound up with 3 coats of primer on the bare wood, and 2 over the places that had already been painted.

It's like I always say: if you're gonna do it, don't do it halfway.

If you know what I mean.

Here's the main thing I wanted to blog blog blog about. The Method Of Putting Away and Storing Paint. I will admit that I didn't invent this method - that comes from that Paint Dude on TV. Saw one of his seminars by chance and have a coupla his books. Can't recall his name right now.

Anyway, he's a little nutty, but this way of storing paint rocks.

Here ve go.

Choo get a small trash bag. You can cut it to size, but lately, I just use 'em whole. Choo get chour paint can ready. Choo get Pam or other cooking spray.

Yes. Pam. Any type will do, but I think the Olive Oil flavor tastes better. Your mileage may vary.

Spray a thin coat of Pam on the plastic. The area you spray only needs to be about the size of the paint can lid.

Working quickly, take a couple breaths and blow into the paint can. Then put the Pam side of the trash bag down on the top of the can. Then quickly put the lid on.

Seal the lid. It's recommended that you use a rubber mallet so as not to deform the edge of the lid. I don't have a mallet, so I just use a regular hammer and don't hit it real hard.

Then: this is the real secret. Turn the can upside down for storage. Put it in a dry place with minimum temperature changes - mine go in the basement.

Why do we do all of this? Here's the logic.

First, if you have ever stored paint after using it, you will know what happens is the lid gets stuck, you can't remove it, and you throw it away. Or if you do get the lid off, the paint is a gunky mess in the bottom of the can.

You know of what I speak, ja?

The theory here is: air is what ruins paint. Air causes it to dry. This is a good thing on a wall, but bad when the paint is in the can. So we blow into the can to drive as much air as possible out. Putting the bag between the lid and the can ensures it will open - as does the Pam. The Pam contains oil, and if a bit of it gets into the paint, it won't hurt it. It will only make it taste better.

PLEASE know I am kidding and do not eat your paint!

Turning the can over will make the heavy pigments go to the bottom (e.g. the top of the can which is upside down) when it's stored. When you turn the can over, the pigments are near the top and are easy to mix.

I've been doing this for a couple of years and I swear by this method. In fact, the can of Kilz I used on this job had been stored for a few months. Opened right up, stirred up fine and looks great.

A couple notes: paint still has a finite shelf life - about 3 years I believe. Second, you can use the original can only until the paint is about halfway gone. Once it reaches less than half full, you'll need to get a new (smaller) can to store the leftover paint in. They sell empty paint cans in you-know-where. The amount of paint needs to be greater than the volume of air in the can for best storage.