STORING YOUR EZ 2 PAINT

The key to long-term storage of paints is an airtight environment.  If air gets to your paint leads to surface rust and damaged paint. If you transfer leftover paint to airtight plastic containers, the threat of rust is eliminated. Furthermore, you should place these containers upside down on storage shelves – this way the airtight seal is better because the air pocket in the container is fully insulated and not subject to failure of the lid seal. This also minimizes the thick, scum-like surface that forms over once-opened paint.

If you are only storing paint for a short time and wish to keep it in its original container, there are other methods of ensuring a tight seal.

Make sure and wipe as much excess paint from the rim as possible prior to closing. A piece of plastic wrap stretched over the rim prior to placing the lid back on will also improve the seal. Set the lid into place over the plastic and secure it with a light hammer, tapping on alternate sides of the lid.

Another preventive measure is to cut a circle of heavy wax paper that is the same diameter as the interior of the can and float it on the paint surface. The wax paper acts as a barrier, reducing the interaction of the oxygen and paint.

Avoiding cross contamination is very important to keep your paint in it best condition, never paint direct from the can if you are painting an old piece of wood with mildew or water damage as you will contaminate your paint and it will end up with a bad smell and turn into an unusable emulsion. Always pour a little into another container to keep your EZ 2 Paint clean and fresh.

CLEANING BRUSHES

You’re going to need lukewarm water, mild soap and plenty of patience. Begin by wiping off any excess paint using a cloth or soft tissue. Gently squeezing the bristles with your fingers or with a cloth will help to remove the paint from the brush, but don’t pull on the bristles.

Next rinse the brush in lukewarm water if you’ve been using a water-based paint. Never use hot water as it can cause the bristles to fall out, then wipe on the cloth again to remove the last of the excess paint.

Wash carefully using a bit of mild soap (rather than dishwashing liquid) by dabbing the brush gently onto the piece of soap, then working up a lather in a small container or the palm of your hand. Rinse and repeat until there’s no trace of any colour coming out, then rinse once more in clean, lukewarm water to remove any traces of soap. Never use a lot of pressure to force paint out of a brush, instead be patient and rinse it several times.

Shake off the water and use your fingers to gently shape the brush head into its correct shape. The next step is to wrap the bristles in a piece of tissue or toilet paper while the brush is still wet. When the paper dries it’ll contract, pulling the bristles into shape.

Finally leave brush to dry at room temperature. Ensure it’s not resting on its head as it will dry misshapen. Standing it on the back of the handle works well. For protection and longevity, store your brushes wrapped in newspaper or cloth.

THE BEST TIME TO PAINT

The temperature will affect how your EZ 2 Paint goes on. The temperature must be above 10 C throughout the painting process. You should generally avoid painting in extremely hot or cold conditions.
If it looks like rain, remember the painter’s rule; if you wouldn’t hang the washing out or wash the car, don’t paint! Nothing is more disappointing than seeing your work ruined!