Whether you are using freshly purchased tins of paint, or making use of some 'left-overs' from a previous job, always remember to wipe the paint can to remove dust and dirt. Then prise the lid off with the side of an old, sturdy knife blade. Don't use a screwdriver, as this could make the lid buckle up and stop it from forming an airtight seal so it will be difficult to open next time.
Gently stir liquid paints with a clean, broad wooden stick to blend the pigment with the medium. There's no need to stir thixotropic paints but if the medium has separated, stir it and leave it to gel again before use.
Where a skin has formed on paint, cut around the edge with a knife and lift the skin out in one piece with a clean stick. Next time you put away a tin of paint, store it upside down. Then if a skin does form, it will be at the bottom of the tin.
Old paint needs to be strained through a nylon stocking or a piece of muslin into the paint kettle, so that any loose bristles, flakes of dust and dirt or bits of paint skin are removed.
Before you dip a brush into your paint, you'll need to prepare it to make sure it's clean and not shedding any hairs or fibres. Even new brushes will shed hairs so it's a good idea to rub the bristles in the palm of your hand to dislodge dust and loose bristles. Professional decorators never use a new brush for finishing paint-work. Instead they always 'run in' new brushes by painting on primers and undercoats.
Prepare new rollers by soaking them in warm, soapy water for a few hours before use. This will release any loose fibres that might spoil the finish. Rinse in clean water and dry the roller thoroughly before use.
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