Painting contractors know that mistakes will always happen. It's inevitable; you will dribble a splotch of paint, or get residual spray from the roller. The best way to deal with these unavoidable mishaps is to minimize the mess by establishing a clean and prepared environment in the beginning. Purchase drop cloths allowing them to be big enough to cover a large area. Many painting contractors choose canvas style drop cloths because of their usability, and durability.

Canvas makes a better drop cloth

Have you ever used a plastic drop cloth and actually spilled paint on it? You are probably already convinced that canvas is better. The problem with plastic is the mess they make; these drop cloths will drag your spilled paint everywhere. Most people who buy them do so because they are cheaper, if you simply must use plastic be sure it is taped down tightly.

Properly used tape equals a quality paint job

Cutting in with a brush is not always done with the steadiest hand and paint rollers seem to always paint areas they should not. In order to do a quality job with as few painting mishaps as possible you should tape the room first. Use tape around windows, ceilings and edges to get a professional looking job easier.

Removing face plates and locks is strongly recommended.

You can save yourself future aggravation by going over the room before you begin painting. Locks and faceplates should be removed and set aside unless of course you want them sky blue like the rest of the room. This applies to any fixture on the ceiling or walls, doorknobs, sconces or light fixtures. Remove as much of the furniture as possible and cover the rest to prevent the speckled look; this also applies to the kids and pets of course that is unless they are on the crew. Look around the room looking for any other issues before you begin.

Paint footprints

If you have a spill or paint drops, you need to clean it up immediately. Otherwise, you will quickly have a marked trail through your home. Tracking paint is a contractor's nightmare, so they take steps to prevent it. This one piece of advice will save you time and flooring.

If your paint misses the drop cloth, then clean the spot immediately.

When the paint hits the floor or carpet...immediately use a wet sponge to blot the spot. Paint that has a solvent thinner base requires thinner. Use an old rag and thinner to gently blot the paint. If the paint has a chance to dry before you can clean it up, it will require a product called "Goof off", a clean white cloth and some elbow grease on bare floors to dissolve and remove the paint. On carpet, it will be more difficult depending on the kind of carpet and type of paint used. It is in your best interest to attack that splotch as soon as it hits the floor.

If you are using a latex paint, clean up will be easier and more successful than an oil based. Be sure to invest in a sharp edge razor scraper, this tool is a big help in removing paint from windows and edges. Woodwork can be rid of paint spots using Goof Off and by simply covering the scraper with a thin cloth and gently going over the area. And...be sure to wear a hat. You do want to assume the look of professional painting contractor don't you?

Your painting contractor knows one thing; mistakes are an inevitable part of the job. Either you will drop a spot of paint or the roller will spray paint in places you do not want it. To deal with such mishaps the best idea is to be prepared for them properly before a painting job begins. Purchasing a drop cloth big enough to cover most job areas is a good start. The style of choice by most contractors is canvas; this material lasts a long time and is usable in many settings.

Canvas is preferred over plastic drop cloths.

Have you ever used a plastic drop cloth and actually spilled paint on it? You are probably already convinced that canvas is better. The problem with plastic is the mess they make; these drop cloths will drag your spilled paint everywhere. Most people who buy them do so because they are cheaper, if you simply must use plastic be sure it is taped down tightly.

Use tape to your advantage

Paint rollers are going to want to touch the ceilings and walls where they shouldn't, and cutting in with a brush doesn't mean you will always have a steady hand. To prevent more paint 'oops', taping off the windows, edges, and ceilings will allow you to work (and breathe) easier while painting.

Protect faceplates and locks

You should go over the room thoroughly before you begin painting, look ahead for potential problems. Unless you want your face plates to be the same color as your walls, you should remove them. This same rule applies to door handles and light fixtures. Remove or cover well any furniture that is in the room and send out the dog and kids, unless the kids are 'helping'. Now step back for one last look around the room to see if it is ready for paint.

Do not leave painted footprints

If you have a spill or paint drops, you need to clean it up immediately. Otherwise, you will quickly have a marked trail through your home. Tracking paint is a contractor's nightmare, so they take steps to prevent it. This one piece of advice will save you time and flooring.

If your paint misses the drop cloth, then clean the spot immediately.

If you happen to drop paint on the flooring or carpeting you should use a damp sponge or cloth immediately. When you are using a solvent-based paint, you have to use thinner to clean it up. Using a rag or sponge, you can gently blot the paint until it comes up. If the paint happens to dry before you see it, a painter's product called Goof Off can be handy. Take a clean white cloth and plenty of hard work and eventually the paint will dissolve. Carpet can be a different story depending on the type of carpet and paint that you are working with. Yet another reason to clean up paint spills immediately.

When it comes to latex or oil based paints latex cleans up easier and more successfully than oil. A great tool for removing paint from window ledges and edging is a razor blade scraper. A combination of a razor scraper, cloth and Goof Off will gently clean spots off woodwork. Another thing you need is a good painter's hat, well you want to look professional don't you?