A new look
BY RONDA ADDY

Are there things in your house you're tired of? Would you like to replace that old appliance or tile but can't because it's just not in the budget right now? There is a solution to problems like these that you might not have considered. How about giving that appliance or tile a fresh coat of paint? When you paint a room, you give it a whole new look. Why shouldn't it be the same with other areas? Sound difficult? With a little know-how, it won't be.

Before painting any surface, it is a good idea to apply a coat of primer to it first. This will prevent the old color from bleeding through. A coat of primer will also help prevent paint from peeling, cracking and blistering and make the surface more durable and washable. When you go to purchase the primer, have it tinted the color you plan to paint. This will allow you to use less paint. Before a suface can be primed, of course, it must be prepped, and after the primer has dried, it must be painted. The processes for these vary according to the item you are painting. Here are some tips regarding various surfaces.

Ceramic tile can be expensive to remove and painting offers a quick, easy fix. If you are painting an area with a lot of moisture or a slick, shiny surface, be aware that the paint may not ahere for the long haul, and at the most, painting will be a temporary fix. When preparing the tile, be sure to sand it as much as possible; a rougher surface will result in better sticking paint. You will want to apply a primer especially designed for hard-to-paint surfaces. Cover every part of the surface and let the primer dry thoroughly before you begin painting it. An oil or alkyd paint will be more durable, but you can use a water-based or latex paint on tile. For the best coverage, apply two coats and allow the paint to dry for at least a week before subjecting it to too much moisture.

Laminate countertops are very easy to paint. In order for the paint to adhere, you will need to sand away the gloss of the laminate surface. You can then wash the surface with a TSP (trisodiumphosphate) solution to remove all dirt and grease, rinse it with water and let it dry. You will want to use melamine paint that is designed for laminate surfaces. Apply it in three thin coats for a more durable surface. Avoid getting bubbles in the paint, and when dealing with vertical surfaces such as cabinet doors, take them off and paint them horizontally. Allow the melamine to dry for at least six days.

While some appliances like microwaves and ovens can't be painted with regular paint, a refrigerator can. Start by cleaning the entire surface of the refrigerator with a TSP solution and rinsing it with water. If there is any rust, you can remove it with a wire brush and use a rust primer on the affected areas. To help the paint adhere better, sand the entire surface, clean it with water and let it dry. Then paint the surface with a urethane-reinforced enamel like melamine. Apply three coats and give each ample time to dry. Keep in mind that painting your refrigerator is not designed as a longterm fix.

Depending on whether it is wood or plastic, paneling should be tackled differently. With wood paneling, you should fill the divots and scratches with wood filler and then sand down the areas until they are even with the wall surface. Because of the wood grain, it is a good idea to use a thicker primer or an underbody primer. Keep in mind that no matter what kind of primer you use, some grain will show through. With plastic paneling, don't fill in the grooves. Lightly sand the surface and apply a super adherent primer. After the primer has dried, apply two coats of latex paint to the paneling.

Wicker and rattan are best painted with spray paint. To help the paint adhere better, especially on a piece that has been painted before or has a clear topcoat, sand it first. Read the instructions on the spray paint cans and apply the paint in a wellventilated area. Two coats should be enough; make sure you let each coat dry thoroughly.

If you have something in your home you are tired of and cannot afford to replace it, why not give it a coat of paint. You will not only freshen up the piece, but you will save some money, and that's always a good thing.