The Property Brothers use this aluminum foil trick for the perfect paint job (and a quick clean-up)

The power of paint is unrivaled when transforming a room, but there's no escaping that; sometimes, the intricate application process can be a challenge. 

Of course, coloring large walls is more seamless, but the space around doorknobs and window ledges is notably more complex – or at least it was – until Jonathan and Drew Scott shared their aluminum foil paint trick. 

While we may have formerly turned to painter's tape as a way to section off what needs painting, this method can be fiddly, especially around doorknobs. This is where they use aluminum foil. 

For doorknobs, they take a small sheet of foil [such as this one from Amazon] and wrap it around the doorknob area. This inexpensive trick works instantly and ensures our handles remain paint-free for the entire renovation process.

'You can put it around the doorknob when painting a door, for example. Cling it right to the edges. It's very easy to work with, and anybody can do it,' Jonathan says on Today. 'Its form fits nicely; that's the easiest thing. You don't need to worry about edging with tape all the way around,' Drew adds. 

However, this isn't the only foil-based paint tip that makes the renovation process easier. The brothers also use a sheet of aluminum foil to protect their tray – while making the cleaning process simpler. Instead of pouring the paint directly onto the tray, they lay a sheet of foil inside the tray before pouring the paint.

'When paint starts to dry on your actual tray, it's hard to get it off,' Jonathan says. 'You can just take this [foil], wrap the tray; then you can use this area and toss [the foil] away. The cleanup is easier and faster. Your tray is like new.'

Jonathan and Drew Scott

Drew and Jonathan Scott is a design duo who share specialist knowledge in the real estate industry (Drew) and contracting (Jonathan). The siblings front W Network's The Property Brothers and own a production company, Scott Brothers Entertainment. They are also authors of Dream Home (see below) and a children’s book series, Builder Brothers.

And aluminum foil has its uses when preserving our paint brushes, too. To ensure they last longer, the brothers recommend wrapping them in foil, sealing the edges (to keep them airtight), and putting them in the freezer. This cold environment will keep the brushes fresh, we we can use them 'several times,' according to Jonathan. 

'Or even [storing them in] the fridge is fine, as long as the foil is airtight. If it's airtight, you don't need to worry about cleaning it,' Drew adds. 

For more advice from Drew and Jonathan, we're turning to their 'ultimate' decorating  guide, available from Amazon below. 

Dream Home: The Property Brothers' Ultimate Guide to Finding & Fixing Your Perfect House |  $19.68 on Amazon

This book is a comprehensive guide to renovating by the design duo themselves. It covers the ins and outs of buying, selling, and renovating a house, with hundreds of full-color photos throughout. 

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