No matter how careful you are, spills, drips or smudges are inevitable. Wipe them away while you work. Here's how:

Removing Paint From Surfaces
* Use a razor blade to scrape dried paint spots off glass surfaces. Spray on a window cleaner first to soften the paint, as scraping a dry window makes scratching the glass more likely. Use short strokes.

*For latex paints, a soft cloth soaked in mild detergent and warm water should do the trick. For oil-based paints, use a cloth and paint thinner to soften dried droplets. *To get paint drips off hardwood, ceramic or vinyl tile floors, wrap a cloth around a putty knife and gently scrape them off.

Cover Removal
Handle drop cloths (or old newspapers used to cover and protect the floor and furniture) carefully when cleaning up. Fold them in on themselves so that paint splatters and dust remain inside when you pick up the cloth.

Masking tape used around window and door edges should be removed about an hour after the paint is applied. Leave it on too long and it might pull some paint off when removed. Never rip it off quickly, rather, gently peel the tape off.

How to wash your tools
The sooner you clean your paintbrushes and rollers after a paint job, the longer you can use them. Remove excess paint by pressing them on newspaper or running a scraper over the bristles. Wash brushes used with water-based paints under running water, while rollers can be soaked in warm, soapy water and rolled back and forth to loosen paint.

Brushes using oil-based paints need to be cleaned in a bowl of paint thinner or mineral spirits first, then washed in soapy water and rinsed after. Make sure they are thoroughly dry before storing.

Tip! Wrap each clean and dry brush in waxed paper and seal it off with a rubber band. This helps retain the shape of the bristles.

Did You Know?
Unopened paint can last for about 10 years before expiring. If you can't find an expiry date, check the odour and consistency of the paint. If it smells unpleasant or has a layer of sediment at the bottom that has solidified, the paint is no longer usable.

Service Directory: Different paint brands offer a range of varieties and colours. Choose from DULUX (www.dulux.com.sg), JOTUN (www.jotun.com) and NIPPON PAINT (www.nipponpaint.com.sg). HOME-FIX the DIY STORE (www.home-fix.com) sells paintbrushes, rollers, thinner and other painting tools.