Tips on Painting Something Red

Choosing the Shade

• The bold red you would use in a modern downtown loft is different from the shade of red that would look appropriate in a suburban colonial-style home. Choose a version of red that suits the decorating period and setting where you will be using it. Historic color schemes shy away from bright reds, and often use a deep, rich shade closer to burgundy. The chalky red color of a faded barn or the slightly pink red of a fresh apple will suit country and shabby chic decorating schemes.

Choose the Paint

• When painting something red, it is a good idea to buy one of the higher-end paints available. Cheaper red paints are made inexpensively by using less pigment, and can require several coats to completely cover the object you are painting. Using more coats of paint increases the chances that your paint will develop surface imperfections, such as drips or a wavy appearance.

Red Primer

• After you have cleaned and sanded the object you plan to paint, you may want to use a primer to ensure the paint adheres to the surface properly. This is usually necessary when painting an object that is especially porous, such as bare wood or masonry, or difficult to adhere to, such as metal. There are some primers that are specifically designed for red paint. They contain red pigments and are formulated to provide an opaque color base. This ensures the finished paint job will look professional and have even coverage.

Avoid Stains

• Red paint is especially difficult to clean, and is more likely than other colors to stain items even after cleaning with paint thinner or remover. This is why it is essential to remove any parts of the object that should not be painted or cover any parts that cannot be removed. For instance, if you are painting a dresser with porcelain knobs, you should unscrew them from the dresser and only replace them when the paint is completely dry. If you are painting the frame of an upholstered piece of furniture and cannot remove the upholstery, carefully tape down plastic sheets over the fabric and make sure the edges are not visible at all before you begin painting.