When looking to freshen up the home, most people will choose a new coat of paint as this is seen as a DIY task that does not require the professionals to come in. However, according to Dallas Paints, novices can make many mistakes when it comes to painting. To that end, we asked them for their top tips when it comes to taking on this task. Here are a few of their do’s and don’ts:
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Do:
Prepare
Preparation is key to ensuring a good job. It is important to move furniture and cover up anything that cannot be moved out of a room. Using dust sheets to cover the carpet or flooring will provide protection from spillages and drops. It is best to wash down the walls before starting and fill in any holes with a patching compound. When the compound has dried, sand the wall before applying a primer. Remove switch plates and outlets so that you can paint behind them.
Get the Necessary Supplies
To make the job of painting a room easier, it is a good idea to ensure you have everything you need before you begin. While you can use a paintbrush alone, the experts recommend using paint rollers for a quicker and more even application. A handle for the roller will help you get to those hard-to-reach places such as a ceiling. You may also need masking tape and trim paint for a professional looking finish.
Cut in
Cutting in is a process that involves painting in the corners of walls and where the walls and ceiling meet. To do this, you will need a small brush and paint horizontal or vertical lines of paint in the areas that are too tight for your roller. This process can also be done above the trim.
Paint from Top to Bottom
It is recommended that you paint the ceiling first, especially if the ceiling will be a different color to the walls. This will prevent splatter from the ceiling ruining newly painted walls. The trims should be painted last.
Don’t:
Forget to Mix your Paint
It is best to decant some paint into a container rather than painting out of a tin. The experts recommend mixing the paint in the tin and then mixing it again once you have it in an easier to manage container. The oil in paint typically separates when it has been sitting for a while so mixing it will ensure you get a cleaner coverage.
Put Too Much Paint on Your Brush
If you are using a paintbrush, it is essential that you do not load it with too much paint. Doing so can result in drips and a lumpy finish that looks far from professional. It is best to dip the tip of the paintbrush into the paint and apply a thin coat. A couple of thin even coats look much better than one lumpy thick coat.
Take on Too Much Yourself
There are certain jobs that you should not take on yourself, such as popcorn ceiling removal. If you have outdated décor that you would prefer to remove, it might be wise getting in touch with a professional contractor to take care of it. Popcorn ceilings often contain asbestos, which is harmless when left untreated but once disturbed can lead to serious health problems. Professionals can safely remove this for you so that you can decorate your home to your liking.
Paint With Low Light
It is best to paint your home when you have sufficient natural lighting. Avoid painting when it is dark outside as this can lead to patchy walls, the results of which will show up in the natural light.