House Painting

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[2] Spirits of oleum (for cleaning and thinning).

[3] Ladders. I suggest a 6-to-8-foot stepladder and a 12-to-14-foot extension type (or you may need a 24-footer). My preference is wood, for good reason: In windy weather your support can sometimes get away from you and do some undesirable moving. If the ladder is aluminum—and comes in contact with a powerline—you have a good chance of being on the evening news.

[4] Dropcloths. At one time the professional house painter's only option was expensive light canvas. Now there's also plastic, which is cheap and repels paint effectively but does have disadvantages (it tears and doesn't drape as nicely over bushes). You can use old sheets if you prefer.

[5] Scrapers. A one-and-a-half or two-inch Red Devil scraper, kept sharp with a file, can save you time and make the tedious job of surface preparation a breeze. Putty knives and razor-blade scrapers are also handy to have around.

[6] Rags.

[7] Used nylon stockings, a good supply. When paint gets scummy and kind of skaggy-looking hold a piece of nylon over an empty bucket and pour the lumpy liquid through the fabric. Voila, a free strainer and a use for a discarded item. (A little splash of oleum on top of the contents before the can is closed for the night will help prevent the problem.)

[8] Simple tools: hammer, nails, adjustable wrench, pliers, wire cutter, screwdriver, file (for sharpening the scraper).

[9) Wire (a few coathangers will probably do) . . . handy for hanging paint buckets on the ladder.

[10] Old newspapers.

[11]Small box (wooden case or milk container) for carrying supplies in and standing on.

[12] Safety glasses.

[13] Painting clothes: hat, shirt and pants or overalls. The traditional dress of the painter is white, for the very good reason that it helps keep you cool in the sun. A loose white shirt from the Red Shield or Goodwill store should last a painting season. If you really get into the business and want to look professional, white painting overalls are a fine investment. They're roomy, with plenty of stowage for tools and cloths.

[14] Shoes. Your footwear should have steel shanks so your feet won't wrap around the ladder as if you were trying to hold on with them.

ON THE JOB

Before you start operations, it's best to establish a safe, undisturbed place as a storage area for paint and brushes. Spread the spot with newspapers first.

Then you can get on with the job of preparing the building's surface in the manner you previously agreed on with the homeowner. In some cases, you'll have to do a vigorous allover scraping with the help of all hands on the paint crew. Remember, at such times, that chips of the old coating can be a nuisance in rose bushes and your eye. Plan ahead and protect.

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