Looking for a DIY project? Painting is an easy and affordable place to start

<h2 style="margin: 10pt 0in 0pt"><font size="3" color="#990000">Looking for a DIY project? Painting is an easy and affordable place to start</font></h2><p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">(ARA) – Whether you recently moved into a new home or you’re looking for inexpensive updates to spruce-up your existing decor, consider experimenting with color. Paint is the number one do-it-yourself (DIY) project because it’s easy, affordable and instantly refreshes the look of a room. The painting project has become even easier with advances in paint technology and application to save every DIYer time and money.</span></p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">"Painting can refresh or change the look and feel of an entire room with a little planning and know-how and for less than $100," says remodeling expert and DIY Network host Amy Matthews. "However, not everyone knows where to start or how to achieve the look they desire. That’s why preparation is so important."</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Even the most novice DIYer can complete a painting project with great results. This checklist provides everything you need for a perfect paint job, the first time, regardless of skill or experience:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Painter’s tape.</strong> Tape with UV resistance will usually improve results if you are planning on using multiple coats and works well for both smooth and textured surfaces. 3M has recently introduced a new ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape with a paint line protector. The tape helps avoid seepage and ensures clean, crisp lines to give DIYers an edge.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* No-VOC paint.</strong> In addition to picking out the right color, select a paint with zero-VOCs (volatile organic compounds), so you can breathe easier and maintain a healthy indoor air quality. Lowe’s is the only national home improvement store to carry zero VOC paint available in any color.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Paint roller with extension pole, brushes, roller tray and roller covers.</strong> For the best finish, use quality brushes. You’ll need two brushes for every project – a small one for painting trim or detailed areas and a large one for covering surfaces quickly. Since most interior paints are water-based, choose a nylon or polyester (synthetic) brush.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Putty knife or 5-in-1 tool, spackle and sandpaper</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* Gloves, rags and drop cloths</strong></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><strong>* A level and tape measure if you are planning on different decorative techniques</strong></p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Once you have your supplies, it’s time to prepare the surface you will be painting:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Fill cracks and holes with spackle. Sand after it has dried to make smooth.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Dust and clean walls with a towel or vacuum cleaner.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Apply painter’s tape. Pull the tape off the roll a few feet at a time and avoid stretching tape. Secure the tape by pressing down with a putty knife or 5-in-1 tool. Use a credit card if you don’t have one of these.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* If the surface is highly textured, seal the edge of the tape with the existing base color of the wall, as it will prevent paint from seeping under the tape.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><div style="text-align: center"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="425" height="282"><param name="movie" value="../images/banners/10b.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="wmode" value="" /><embed src="../images/banners/10b.swf" wmode="" quality="high" menu="false" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="282"></embed></object></div>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">Now you are ready to paint. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:</p>  <p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* When using a roller, paint in 3-foot by 3-foot sections. Paint in long strokes using a zig-zag pattern for a more even coating. Go back over areas if they look like they aren’t fully covered.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Always start in the highest areas, so drips can be smoothed as you go.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal">* Once paint has dried, remove painter’s tape at a 45-degree angle at a moderate speed, pulling the tape back on itself. If the adhesive is sticking to the surface, try a 90-degree angle.</p>  <p><span style="line-height: 200%; font-family: ‘Verdana’,’sans-serif’; letter-spacing: 1pt; font-size: 10pt">Once the paint has dried and the tape has been removed, assess your work. If you’re satisfied, you can move on to more challenging paint projects with creative applications, such as faux painting or stripes. For more information on painting supplies and home improvement tips, visit <a href="http://www.lowes.com/">www.lowes.com</a> .</span></p></span>