Purdy. The brush matters.

tell us about a wall you want to make purdy

• "My hubby wants me to paint a couple of interior doors so they will match our living room better. I am concerned about painting doors with a brush. I have trusted Purdy paint brushes for many years now, but have never used them to paint a door. Do you have any hints or suggestions for me?"

  A: It depends on the type of paint you are using. Combining a high quality paint water-based paint with a 100% Nylon brush such as those in our Nylox family will help to reduce brush marks.For solvent-based products a White China Bristle or Ox/Bristle brush would give you great results. Keep the brush well loaded to avoid the paint drying on the brush and creating drag marks. Try to lay the paint on thick and consistent.

• "Any tips on how to get a perfect line on trim?"

  A: The Nylox Dale or Nylox Glide are good brushes to use for detail work on trim and cutting into corners. Start at the corners and paint out from them. Breathe in or out with each stroke to get a smooth line.

• "I have some mildew on the bathroom ceilling and wall. How can I save my walls?"

  A: You'll want to use a mildecide to kill the mold. Vinegar would probably work. Wash the walls with soap and water. Let the wall dry and wipe away any debris. Use a good stain blocking primer (there are some primers made especially for high-moisture areas) - then paint the walls with a satin or semi-gloss paint.

• "What paint sheen/finish is best for exteriors?"

  A: There are a number of very high quality, incredibly durable paints in the market place that will stand up to repeated washings and actually help repel residual build up on the surface. Sherwin-Williams Duration uses a micro ceramic bead technology, that can stand up to extreme weather and keep it's structural integrity and will be easy to clean.

• "If I am repainting the walls of a light-colored room, do I still need to give it a double coat?"

  A: Going from a very dark color to a neutral or light color will often involve more coats. There is no rule to make sure you get complete coverage. Use a latex primer, some products even promote deep color coverage. Prime before you paint. After your first finish coat sets, take a look and use another coat if it looks like the dark is still coming through.

• "What kind of paint brush do you recommend to make a room look professional?"

  A: For a non professional painter, the best tool for precision work will be a 2” Nylox Dale. It’s a thin, angular sash tool that will increase your ability to put paint only where you want it. Take your time, be sure not to try and go too far with each dip in the bucket. When doing the actual painting, breath out or hold your breath. That will make it easier to maintain a good clean line.

• "What kind of paint can handle direct sunlight on a daily basis?"

  A: Paints are formulated for specific weather in the ares it's sold. You paint store will have the right paint for the area you live in.

• "How can I get full coverage with one coat of paint?"

  A: Going from a very dark color to a neutral or light color will often involve more coats. There is no rule to make sure you get complete coverage. Use a latex primer, some products even promote deep color coverage. Prime before you paint. After your first finish coat sets, take a look and use another coat if it looks like the dark is still coming through.