A fresh coat of paint is a simple, affordable, and highly effective way to transform the look of an outdated space.
You may be eager to grab a paintbrush and get the job done fast. However, rushing through important steps can lead to a big mess and tons of touch up work. In order to achieve professional looking results, it’s crucial to follow a few best practices—step by step.
So before adding a new color to the walls, be sure to follow these room painting tips for your Logan, Utah home.
#1 – Understand your options to choose the right type of paint.
What many do-it-yourselfs may not understand is simply walking into the store and picking up a gallon of paint isn’t always best. It’s essential to know which finish and paint composition will be best for your project.
Most paints are available in several different finishes. Flat paint works well on ceilings but not necessarily for walls as it typically rubs right off when you try to clean or wipe the surface down. Eggshell paint has a low-sheen, is easy to touch up, and has a washable finish. Satin has a more silky sheen and is easy to clean but more difficult to touch up. Semi-gloss is also easy to clean but tricky to touch up, and generally works well for moldings and trim. Gloss paint also works on trim work but shouldn’t be used on walls.
You can also choose between either water-based (latex) or oil based paint. Latex paint dries fast and is generally more easy to work with and oil-based paint is more durable. As a general rule of thumb, use oil-based paint for trim and latex paint for walls.
#2 – Gather necessary painting supplies.
Keep in mind that different tools are needed for different types of paint. For example, use natural brushes for oil-based paint and synthetic brushes for latex paint.
You’ll need supplies like paint, brushes, rollers, paint trays, tape, plastic or fabric drop cloths, gloves, a screwdriver, and a step stool or ladder.
#3 – Prep the room for painting.
Remove all items from the walls including decor, outlet and lightswitch covers, lighting sconces, and anything else that could possibly get in your way. Also, move furniture to the center or completely out of the space so you have enough room to walk around freely.
#4 – Tape off the work area and cover furniture.
This is arguably the most important step. While taping and covering may seem tedious, it’s crucial to be meticulous and take your time. How well you tape will determine how clean and professional your final results look.
Make sure to purchase high quality painters tape and use it to line window sills, baseboards, moldings, door frames, and any other surface you don’t want the paint to touch.
If there are any furniture items left in the room, cover them with plastic, drop cloths, or old sheets. Even though these items may seem far out of the way, paint splatters can travel far—even where you least expect them.
#5 – Patch or repair any wall damage before painting.
Take time to inspect the condition of your walls thoroughly. Fill any nail holes or dents and sand away rough patches or flaking paint. Ensuring you have a smooth surface to work with is essential for getting the best results.
#6 – Paint around trim and edges first, then use rollers for the walls.
Begin by using a brush about 2 to 3 inches wide. Paint a smooth, straight edge along molding, corners, window frames, door frames, exposed outlets and lightswitches, and the ceiling. Use a small amount of paint at a time to avoid drips or caking the layers on to thick. Remember, it’s better to add additional coats later rather than piling it on all at once.
After all the trim work is complete, use a 12 inch roller for the rest of the walls. Again, don’t use an excess amount of paint. Instead, do a smooth layer and build on it slowly to get the coverage you want. Roll the paint in a “W” or “V” pattern, making long vertical strokes that slowly work from one end of the wall to the other.
Let each coat dry completely before adding additional layers. To keep your brushes and roller wet between coats, wrap them in aluminum foil, leaving the handle exposed. Brushes and rollers will stay moist in the refrigerator for several days before being used again.
#7 – Wait for the walls to dry completely, then clean up.
Once you’ve given the walls time to dry completely, slowly remove the tape and replace outlet and lightswitch covers.
To clean paint brushes and rollers, soak them in water or paint solvent for about 30 minutes, rinse them in cool water, then leave them to dry on a clean towel.
Room Painting In Logan, Utah
To ensure the job is done right and to save yourself precious time, enlist the help of a local handyman. We can take care of the painting in any room throughout your home for an affordable price.
Our goal is to save you the hassle, stress, and time commitment involved with home improvement projects like room painting and to deliver the results you dream of.
Contact JBs Handyman today for all of your room painting needs!