• Spread just a hint of color by dry brushing with old paintbrushes.
  • When using metallic paint, brush one coat in one direction to cover. (The particles all lay in one direction.)
  • For patio projects such as painting on concrete, use old brushes, then throw them away.
  • Apply the lightest color first when stenciling and blend to create multiple color tones.
  • Use as little paint as possible when stenciling. Less is more.
  • Cover or rearrange sections of a stencil pattern with masking tape to create different patterns from one stencil.
  • Mix equal amounts of acrylic color and wood sealer for one-step painting on wood.
  • Wrap cellophane tape around the tip of a paint tube to form a funnel that creates thinner, more exact lines.
  • Use pre-moistened baby towelettes to clean acrylic paint off most surfaces before the paint dries.
  • Make a paint wash by using two parts paint and eight parts water; to make a pickling, mix one part color to three parts sealer/finish.
  • Remove little “fuzzies” and bumps after your basecoat has dried by “sanding” your surface with a brown paper bag.
  • Rub a fabric softener sheet all over your hands before using paint or glue to make cleanup easier. These sheets are also handy for cleaning glue guns after use.
  • Think of household items to use when faux finishing…a feather duster makes a beautiful pattern, and crumpled up cellophane can create a marble effect.
  • Use a turkey baster to move paint from a large container to a small container.
  • Place your paint pallet on a damp washrag to slow the drying process.
  • Tint paint to make that special color by mixing colors together in a zip lock bag. There is less mess and you can keep track of how much paint you use.
  • Use a damp sea sponge to apply multiple base coats of paint. The paint dries faster and the coverage is more even.
  • Use the laser side of junk mail CD’s as a paint pallet. It has a finger hole to hold it and colors mix well, and wipe or rinse off easily.