Top 10 Decorative Painting TRICKS

Make perfect brush strokes. A great way to practice brush strokes is to place a clear acetate over any step by step instruction book or magazine and paint right over it following the illustration. Then just wipe clean. You can also use a glass plate or a glass shelf.Masking Made Easy. If you want to flyspeck only a portion of an item, a quick way to protect the surrounding areas is by using a Post it sticky note around the area to be speckled.

For Painters on the GO! Cardboard six pack cartons are handy for storing and transporting large bottles of paint, finishes etc.

Keep your painting supplies neatly organized. Purchase clear plastic containers from a super market deli. They come in different sizes and are stackable, so you can see what’s inside.

Easy, inexpensive way to store brushes. Wash out a Pringles potato chip can and save the plastic top. You can gesso the outside and paint anything you want, or you can measure the height and circumference and cut wrapping paper, shelf paper, wall paper anything you like and then cover it.

Fine Finish for Antiquing. Give your painted project a coat of varnish before applying the antique medium. This will help the movement of the medium over the surface and allow you to easily remove any excess medium with a soft cloth.

Quick Fix for mistakes. To erase stray paint marks in an oil painting, use the chisel edge of the brush dipped into turpentine to lift away the unwanted paint. To do this in acrylics try covering with the basecoat color.

Solution for hard to handle surfaces. Try placing it on a lazy Susan or a pizza pan and then turn while you paint.

Paint Saving Tips. Next time you go to a painting class, take along a margarine tub (washed and dried of course). Place the lid upside down on the table and cover it with a damp paper towel and use it as a palette for brush color mixtures. Use the tub as you water container. At the end of the class, dump the dirty water out of the tub, turn it upside down and snap into the lid to carry your paint mixtures home.

Remove Paint from Clothing. For dried acrylic paint or fabric paints stains, spray with hair spray. Let it set a few minutes, scrub, then wash as usual. Dark paints are harder to remove and may need a second application. (Does not work if you already washed your garment. I tried)

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