Although interior painting is one of the most common DIY home improvement projects, many painters would agree that it's not the easiest task to complete. Adding a new color to a room can be exciting, but can also be potentially frustrating if a person makes mistakes and does not know a few important rules for the ultimate paint job. Homeowners should consider these tips when thinking about taking on this challenging task.
Clean and Prep Walls First
It is important to have clean walls before starting this project. Paint does not form a strong adhesion to walls that are dirty, oily, and grimi. As a result, the new color will easily chip or peel, and the overall appearance may not be optimally appealing. Homeowners working on a room should clean the walls first, especially if the room involved is a bathroom or kitchen. Expert painters suggest cleaning off dirty areas with cleaner used specifically for pre-paint cleaning. These cleaners, which can be attained at a local hardware store, work best against getting rid of tough grease or oil spots found on surfaces. For an ideal cleaning job, homeowners are advised to use a lint-free cloth and rub in a circular motion while using the cleaner. Individuals should also fill in any holes and cracks with putty and, once it's dry, sand these patches smooth to prevent a blotchy finish.
Prime Walls
Many times, a wall may appear blotchy after a DIY project, especially over cracked areas that were previously patched. Even when the new color covers this repaired area, the texture and sheen will not be consistent with the rest of the space. This is where primer would benefit the home to effectively seal these problem areas. Primer may not always be necessary, but it never hurts to use to add to the final appearance of this home improvement project. In addition to a smooth, uniform texture, primer will also block stains, provide more adhesion, and help the end result last longer.
Consider a Few Brushstroke Techniques
Individuals driving for an ideal final result should consider a few brushstroke tips commonly used by professional painters. For example, a person should work in long and continuous strokes, rather than dabbing or working in short back and forth (or up and down) motions. Try to paint from a dry to a wet surface to avoid brush stroke marks. When working around trim, try to hold a brush in a narrow position for a straight line. Homeowners can avoid runs by pushing the brush along the surface with long strokes. And always remember to allow the color to dry completely between coats.
Overall, following these tips may help make this project a little less daunting, and it will achieve a more desirable result. This can be a time-consuming, messy, and expensive DIY project, especially if a homeowner has high ceilings or lots of detail work. A novice painter should weigh all their options, including speaking with a professional, before determining the best plan.