Seeing wet-edge of paint on a ceiling

[Anode]

When emulsion painting a ceiling with paint of the same colour as is already on, I have great difficulty detecting the wet-edge of where I have just painted. And this makes it difficult to know where to apply the paint next.

Is there anything I can do to make the just-painted wet edge show up better, so I do not end up with missed patches?

I was thinking that a difference between wet paint and dry paint is that light is reflected better from wet paint. So I wondered if it would help to get a bright, cold-running light, such as a 500W security light, and point it at the ceiling from the floor. Has anyone tried this, and did it help?

Anode.

[Lurch]

On Sun, 15 Apr 2007 15:31:08 +0100, "Anode" mused:

You can get emulsion which when wet is pink but dries white. Not sure where it was from.

A 500W security light is most definitely not cold running.

[Lobster]

Dulux Magic White - see

(or

Never tried it - is very expensive compared with conventional stuff IIRC

David

[Peter Johnson]

Crown. I don't know if it is still made.

[Anode]

Thanks for the comments on white emulsion that changes colour as it dries, but I am looking for something with general application to any colour.

Anode

[John Rumm]

Strong daylight seems to be the thing that really shows up the difference... perhaps a string while fluorescent light at a low angle might help?

[Lurch]

On Sun, 15 Apr 2007 16:10:30 +0100, Peter Johnson mused:

Someone makes it because I saw someone using it the other week and I know it had just been bought, or bought within the last few Months at least.

[R D S]

It sounds like it doesn't need painting to me.

Have a beer.

[Stuart Noble]

I've struggled with this problem, especially white on white. I reckon a headlight might work but haven't got round to trying it

[Anode]

An interesting idea, though I suppose a battery light around the head would not show up well in ordinary daylight. I've seen plasterers use a strip fluorescent light in a vertical position, standing on the floor, in front of a wall they were working on. If such a light is helpful for work on a wall, it suggests it may be helpful on a ceiling if positioned suitably. Though the plasterers would be looking for undulations I suppose, whilst I am looking for wet edges, which is a bit different.

[Cicero]

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It's easier to use an undercoat of a different colour. Look on the tin (or maker's instructions) for a suggested undercoat colour.

Cic.

[R D S]

Smoking heavily for a while prior to painting may also help.

[<me9]

I've used a double 5' flourescent fitting in the past. Suitably aligned it seemed to work, but good daylight always shows up the bit you missed. After a few coats you get it right.

[Anode]

That seems a useful strategy to have available. Thank you.

Anode

[Anode]

Thank you for this helpful information. Did you make some sort of moveable stand to hold the fluorescent fitting at ceiling level?

Anode

[Stuart Noble]

I think it's the angle of the light rather than the strength. I found the pink tinted white paint pretty useless. Maybe it's my eyes.

I've seen plasterers use a strip