Spread newspapers or any other straight edged paper dampened with warm water over the window pane. Make sure that the paper fits tightly into corners and edges. The paper will cling until you have finished painting.
Coat the sides of the window pane with softened soap, the paint will not stick to the glass where the soap has been applied.
Leftover Paint
Place a circle of aluminum foil directly on the paint surface to prevent a scum forming on the top. To achieve the correct size set the paint can on the foil and cut around it.
Paint with tightly fitted lids can be stored upside down and scum will not form on the paint.
Antiquing Furniture
Work the glaze with a small piece of carpet to give it a beautiful grained effect.
Painting Woodwork
Coat hardware such as door hinges, doorknobs, locks with petroleum jelly and this will prevent the paint from sticking to them.
Spray Painting
When spray painting small items, slip your hands into clear plastic bags and your hands remain clean and you don't ruin a good pair of rubber gloves.
Paint Splatters
Small paint splatters can be removed with nail polish remover. Allow to soak for a few minutes and then rub off with a cloth and wash with warm suds.
Varnish Removal
Scrub with a stiff-bristled brush with a strong, hot solution of washing soda. The loose varnish can be wiped off with an old cloth without the usual gummy mess.
Hardened Paint on Brushes
Soak the brushes in hot vinegar and then wash in warm sudsy water.
Color Matching
A handy color guide for matching colors when shopping is a popsicle stick painted with your room color.
Loose Brush Bristles
There should be no more shedding if you apply nail polish to the base of the bristles.
Washing Paint Brushes
To keep brushes soft and pliable, use a fabric softener in the final rinse of your brushes.
Removing Paint from Face and Hands
Remove paint with cooking oil and it will not burn the skin.
Avoiding Paint Odor
Add a couple of teaspoons of vanilla extract to a quart of paint.
Leave a large pan of water and a tablespoon or ammonia overnight in a freshly painted room.
Place a large cut onion into a big open pan of cold water. Paint odors will sponge into the onion within a very short time.
Staining with Shoe Polish
Unfinished picture frames can be stained with ordinary liquid shoe polish. Apply 2 coats allowing for drying time between. Then wax with a good paste wax. Brown polish gives the wood a walnut glow and tan produces a light maple color.
