Author: Michael Parent
Title: Spread the Paint!!!: The Work Smart, Not Hard Guide to Residential Painting
Publisher: MICASSO
ISBN: 978-0-9866879-0-7
Michael Parent believes in getting stuck right in from the very start of this handy do-it-yourself guide to house painting. Starting with a serious and considered comparison of the pros and cons of doing it oneself, or else hiring in the professionals, he carefully explains why, in certain instances, it is preferable to manage the job oneself. Parent’s sound reasoning and clarity of expression are apparent throughout this handy and insightful guide. The way in which he explains the logic behind each of the statements that he makes clearly shows that the author is a man of great practical common sense, as well as one who has years of experience in the field.
Despite the chapters being clearly headed and split up into sections that are well signposted, the book contains no contents page, which would have assisted in showing the reader where the information that is most relevant to his or her need could best be found. However, let me say that the main topics covered, in addition to the above, include the following: the reasons for, and ways of preventing, interior and exterior paint failures; the factors that should be taken into account when selecting paint (including colour and light; estimating the amount of paint needed; and the different types of paints and finishes); and tools and skills of the trade. After describing the more general points to be taken into consideration, Parent then moves onto doing the actual job itself. Beginning with preparing and painting a room, he then describes how to cope with unique surfaces; wood finishing basics; and exterior painting. The author pays just as much conscientious attention to completing the job as he does to the preparation for, and the actual doing of, the job itself. He rounds off the main text of the book with mindful chapters on equipment cleaning and storage...