When doing home renovations and redecorating, many people choose to do their own painting. While the services of a professional painting contractor are undoubtedly the best plan, you can save a decent amount of money and complete this portion of the project yourself.
What's the difference between a professionally painted wall and a DIY job? Usually consistency of the finish, the edges and the clean up are top quality. If you can take care of these three areas your paint job will shine like a pro's.
Consistency of the Finish
Buying the right paint for your area is a good start to a fine job. You'll have to choose between flat (often ceiling paint is flat), semi-gloss and gloss. There are also many kitchen and bath paints with a high resistance to mold and mildew and other specialty paints for textured finishes.
Decide which type suits your area and ask at the store for their recommendation. Generally high gloss paint is the easiest to wipe clean and flat paint is the least expensive.
Make sure the surface you are painting is clean and ready to receive a new coat of paint. No oils should be present and the wall surface should be dry.
Use a clean roller and brush. Be careful to mix the paint well before you start and stir often during the project. Paint in small sections with a regular pattern of rolling and a consistent amount of paint loaded onto the roller each time.
Edging Is Important
Many homeowners get impatient when painting and that shows up in the edging. Take the time to properly tape areas off. This includes all trim, cabinets, fixtures, floors and ceilings.
Be slow and deliberate with all edging, especially where a light color is meeting a dark color. Buy top quality masking tape to reduce the chance of bleeding and remove the tape as soon as the paint is cured enough on the walls.
When you make mistakes, fix them up right away. Have a wet cloth handy for latex paints and some thinner on hand when using oil based. Catching these mistakes as you go along will mean less work at the end.
Cleaning Up Your Work
Professional painters know how to leave a jobsite in pristine condition. Why is it that homeowners often don't do the same for their own rooms?
Use a tarp wherever you need to protect flooring or furniture. Wipe down all of the areas that have paint splotches or brush marks afterwards. Remove masking tape and replace any furniture and dècor you moved.
It's a lot of work to clean brushes and rollers, but it's worth the effort to reduce waste. Used paint brushes and rollers are great for craft projects or paint jobs that require less of a fine finish. With latex paint any rags and clothes used can also be washed.
Dispose of empty paint cans properly as they're usually considered hazardous waste. Many regional landfills and other businesses that deal with waste removal will take them.
By following in the footsteps of a professional painter you can enjoy a better quality finish in your home. DIY painting is a fun project to do alone or with friends and most rooms require only basic tools. Enjoy this easy and inexpensive home improvement even more with a finished look that's professional.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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