Are you starting on your own DIY paint job? While painting may seem straightforward and easy, there are plenty of details you should be taking into account.
Even though trial and error might seem like a feasible route to take, making some mistakes along the way will result in additional time and effort to rectify your faults. Scrimping on tools and skipping some important steps can also equate to inferior results that are highly obvious.
To prevent wasted attempts, take the time to plan and invest in the right tools and services. Below are some expert tips to help you with your paint job.
1. Plan
Know what themes you’d like to have for your house as having a clear goal will aid in achieving your dream space. In planning for your vision, it helps to have a mood board and a color scheme in mind. Websites like Pinterest and Color Hunt can help with inspiration.
2. Pick the right tools
Before you start off on your painting adventure, do a stocktake of your materials and tools to make sure you have everything you need – the last thing you want is to be halfway through your painting and realize you don’t have the tools you need to get the job done.
Make sure you have your brushes, rollers, tape, tools, and tape as a starting point as well as more than enough primer and paint to get the job done. You might also need an extension pole too if you are working on a project that includes high walls plus ceiling areas.
Think of the tools that you’ll need. Each project is different and figuring out the tools beforehand will help set you up for success and prevent further trips to the store. Some common items you’ll need include:
- Paint
- Brushes
- Rollers
- Paint trays
- Painter’s tape
- Putty knife
- Duct tape
- Rags
- Drop cloths
- Sandpaper
- Extension poles for rollers
- Thinner
- Caulk
3. Caulking is key
Use painter’s caulk to seal in the gaps between baseboards and doors to create a more seamless look. This will prevent future problems and minimize moisture and mildew from creeping through the cracks.
Professional painters are all about caulk and will use this process around trims, crown molding, door frames, and windows to create a perfect finish. Taking the time to ensure the details are taken care of will make the world of difference to the finished product.
4. Painter’s tape is a lifesaver
Painter’s tape helps in protecting areas such as windows and baseboards from paint. When using tape, remember to use a putty knife so it’ll adhere to the surface properly. Failing to do so might result in the color soaking through.
5. Use a wet rag
When paint gets on areas you don’t want, immediately use a wet rag to wipe it off. Try to have one nearby as it’ll make things much easier for you. Soaking your rag in water or thinner can also help unwanted splashes from becoming permanent.
6. Prep the walls
Remove unwanted substances (e.g. adhesives and crusty old paint) on walls before painting over it. Having a good base is the first step to a great paint job. Once you’ve removed unwanted surfaces, even out the surface by using sandpaper. Wear a mask while you’re doing this to protect yourself from the dust.
7. Cover the doorknobs
This is often forgotten until a person with paint-filled hands needs to leave the room. Protect doorknobs by wrapping them with old newspapers or painter’s tape. Leaving doors open will also prevent people from touching doorknobs and will help rooms ventilate.
8. Chill your paint roller
A trick of the trade you might not have heard about is putting your paint roller in the fridge. Consider the impact leaving your roller out overnight might have on your paintbrush the next morning, it will be hard and crusty and difficult to roll on.
But when you pop it into the fridge overnight in a plastic bag, then it will allow you to kick off painting the next day without the dreaded delay from a caked paint roller. Plus, not too mention, it will also help to keep your paint roller in great shape.
9. Clean your painting tools
If you are reusing brushes and trays, make sure they’re clean and free from leftover paint and clumps. Soak tools in water and thinner to remove grime while using fabric softener can help with softening the bristles.
10. Put brushes in the fridge
When taking breaks, preserve the condition of brushes by putting them in a resealable bag and placing them in the refrigerator. This will prevent the paint from drying up and can save you the extra time of cleaning them.
Summing up
Doing a proper paint job is no easy feat. While a good paint job can upgrade the overall look and feel of your home, a bad one can damage flooring, furniture, and ruin the look of the house.
That’s why proper planning is key to preventing a bad paint job.
If you’re focused on improving your home with a new paint job, a professional paint refresh could be the way to go. Painting is a craft, which is why it takes a long time to master. But if you are willing to take on the challenge and use the techniques the pros use, the tips above will be a good place to start.
A good paint job is a slow process involving preparation, primer, and correct paint, but it can be done, and, with some practice, you could be painting like a professional in no time at all.