A fresh coat of paint can completely transform the atmosphere in your home. Whether you're redecorating or touching up after a renovation, painting is an easy DIY project that delivers surprising value.
What can you do to make your painting project smoother? How can you end up with the optimum durable finish? Preparation is the first element and has more importance than many homeowners give it credit for. Put these tips into practice and you're paving the way to a beautiful paint job.
1) Take Your Time
Remember that interior paint preparation can take up to three times longer than the actual painting process does. While that might be intimidating, skipping or rushing through the preparation only causes more work later on with repairs, repaints and regrets.
2) Clear Out What You Can
If it's portable and possible move furniture, knick knacks and other home decor out of the room. This includes pictures on the wall and on the table, flower pots, draperies, furniture and clutter. If you're tackling a bathroom paint job, try removing the toilet for speedy painting in that traditionally tight area.
3) Cover What You Can't
Whatever is left in the room, whether furniture or flooring, needs to be covered for protection. Use thin poly for everything but the floor, where it's a good idea to lay down canvas drop clothes with butyl backing. These are non-slip and offer great protection for both soft and hard surface flooring.
4) Do the Same Thing to the Wall Surface
Remove what you can from the wall surface, such as outlet covers, curtain rods and attached shelving. Tape all of the screws to the back of the covers for easy replacement. All of the permanent fixtures, like trim and moldings can be masked off using painter's tape.
5) Repair Holes or Nicks in the Drywall
With some drywall mud or patch repair product, fill and lightly sand any holes, scratches and gouges that you find. Remember to leave enough time between the repairs and painting.
6) Check the Caulking
Before you begin repainting, have a good look at the caulking around your windows and doors. If it needs repair or replacing, now is the time to do it. Once a smooth bead is in place you can paint right to the edge and ensure an almost air tight finish.
7) Clean the Wall
Even if it doesn't look dirty, a good wipe down with mild soap and water will give your new paint a solid base. Dirt, dust, grime and oils may be largely invisible, but once you paint over them they'll be permanently exposed and you may end up with peeling, uncured paint. Trisodium phosphate works well on stubborn stains.
8) Stir the Paint
Make sure your paint is freshly shaken and fully stirred, distributing the pigment evenly through the can. Always work with clean brushes, trays and roller covers. It's a frustrating experience to clean painted-in dirt from your walls.
From this point on painting will be a breeze. With a fully prepared room and surface, all you have left is applying the paint and cleaning up.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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