(1) Plan on 3-400 sq. ft. per gallon coverage for each coat.

(2) Read the instructions on the can label. Always prepare your surfaces properly by following the surface prep instructions on the paint can label. Surface preparation is everything to ensure a good paint job.

(3) Priming your surfaces is very important because it keeps the paint from being absorbed into the wall, which also means that once cured, the painted walls will wash up better.

(4) Rolling walls and ceilings are much better than spraying because it creates a tougher surface which cleans up better. At the very least, make sure your final coat is rolled on.

(5) When using latex paint, be sure you are painting over latex, not oil. Test a small area by rubbing it with a rag soaked in isopropyl alcohol to see if any paint comes off. Latex paint will come off, not oil.

(6) If painting over oil, an oil-based primer that is an interface between latex and oil is A MUST. Otherwise, the paint will not stick. Now they make "no odor" oil-based primers.

(7) The glossier the paint finish, the more imperfections on the wall surface will be highlighted. Flatter paint finishes hide wall surface imperfections and are also easier to touch-up. Although finishes like eggshell and semi-gloss are physically harder, they are also visually harder and if your walls are textured they won't have the "atmospheric" appearance our washable flat paints do.

(8) Do not use deep colors in high traffic areas, as they tend to burnish easily. That said, for deeper colors, plan on three coats for the best coverage and use a tinted primer. (We offer full-spectrum tinted primers.) Do not use gray tinted primers (which are often recommended by painters and paint stores) as they will dull the color.

(9) Stir the paints very well before each use as they contain numerous pigments that need to be blended.

(10) Use the best quality rollers and natural bristle brushes.

(11) Do not apply paint too thick and be sure it has plenty of time to dry between coats. Failure to do so, may result in paint crackling.

(12) To hide switch and outlet plates, first spray them with Kilz which comes in a small spray can (about $4) and then paint with wall paint. The Kilz helps to keep the paint from wearing off.

(13) Never store paint in areas where they are exposed to extreme temperatures. Our paints have a one year unopened shelf life. We recommend storing left over paint in air-tight jars indoors in a cabinet or closet along with small sponge brushes for touch-up.

(14) When cleaning painted surfaces, use only Ivory Liquid Soap or Murphy's Oil Soap and a VERY soft rag. Other cleaning products may contain alcohol which will mar the painted surface. However, paints need several weeks to cure before cleaning. Be gentle when washing so as not to burnish the finish.

How to Touch Up Flat/Matte Finishes

Number one rule. Never touch up matte paint until it has dried for 24 hours. To make it less noticeable, wait for 2 days. Use a small foam brush as the tool. Dampen it.Stir well. Dip the foam brush and dab the paint over the damaged area. Do not rub it on or brush it on, dab it on. Two thin coats is better than one thick coat. In some instances, if it has been a long time, to ensure a better "match" mix one tablespoon of paint to 1/2 teaspoon of water.