Picture Framing Paint - Causes & Solutions
Admiring the look of a room with a fresh coat of paint is rewarding for a well-experienced painter. With clean, subtle or vibrant tints to gaze upon, it is a beautiful room waiting for the appropriate decor. As a do-it-yourself type of person, you may take a quick glance, decide you could do the same job in no time and save money. Here is a definition of a common paint application issue to watch for and some prevention tips to help beginner and intermediate painters alike.
What is picture framing paint, and how does it happen?
It can happen with the best of paints. For a wall that is painted with a roller or sprayer, an effect of non-uniform color or sheen can appear, when brushing the corners. A brush applies at a lower spread rate than a roller or sprayer, giving a thicker, hiding (coverage) effect. A darker appearance is noticeably visible in these corners, giving the room a "picture frame" look. Additionally, the opposite look may take place with spraying. Corners may appear lighter and the center of the space darker. Some of the following solutions may help prevent or eliminate this issue.
Solutions
Solutions for this issue depend on the cause, but some general technique ideas are suggested, such as priming. Priming the wall first removes porosity. The wall is then prepared for paint. Make sure if you are adding tint that the amount is correct and that the paint store shakes the paint. As you begin, do brush the corners, but keep a "wet edge," (do not allow remaining edges of paint to dry). Paint small sections at a time. Use consecutive brush strokes, and do not plan to take a break. Continue to overlap wet edges until the room is complete.
Planning ahead to help prevent or eliminate non-uniform color or sheen is easy when you know what to do. Use these solutions to aid you when you paint, and enjoy the results of a job well-done.
Primers and Finishes
Priming is essential for better adhesion, sheen uniformity, mildew control and durability.
Select a top quality interior paint in the color and sheen of your choice.
Substrates, Primers
Substrate: Various
Primer: Usually None
Finish Coats: 550 Super Latex Interior Flat Wall Paint
1610 Sat-N-Sheen Int. Low Sheen Finish
1650 Acry-Plex Interior Latex Semi-Gloss
1685 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Semi-Gloss Acrylic En.
1680 Dura-Poxy + Int./Ext. Gloss Acrylic En.
