Ah painting… who doesn’t like a nice splash of colour whether bright or neutral to put the oomph back into a tired house? It could be just the front door or just a room but painting your house can be a rewarding challenge for those who are adventurous enough and like trying new things out. Refresh your home with our professional tips and see the results for yourself.
The Dos: Or how to start the right way.
- Buy a sample pot just in case you don’t like the colour. Apply the paint to a board and check against the rooms to see how lighting may affect the colour chosen at various times of day!
- Prep your area well:
- Remove everything off the walls (frames, paintings),
- Move the furniture to the center of the room or out into another room.
- Clean the walls and tape off skirting boards and windows or door frames.
- Use drop cloths to protect the floor, plastic ones can be slippery and dangerous!
- Remove all switch plates, curtains and rods, etc. Keep in a safe place until they need to go back on.
- Have a paint station close by ready with paint brushes, paint pots, paint trays, tape, paint rollers, rags/cleaning cloths, ladder, paint thinner, screwdriver.
- Make an estimate of how much paint you may need. Mix it all up at one go and that makes it easier to keep painting.
- Choose your weapons wisely – rollers and paintbrushes. This will depend on your wall texture and paint viscosity. For example, angled tip brushes are best used on and around trim, windows or doorframes.
- Choose your clothing well. You are bound to have paint on yourself at one point or another. Easy slip-on/off shoes for when you need to move away from the job.
- Use a primer if you are thinking about going a different, bold colour. Paint the wall first with the primer matching your chosen topcoat to have the true colour for the wall.
- Apply at least two to three coats especially if it’s a dark colour or red — one coat of primer/sealer and two coats of paint.
- Keep the paint for touch-ups if needed down the track or paint chips. Label each pot/container/jar with the colour and brand just in case you need the information.
- Have a stash of cheap paintbrushes for little touch-ups.
The Don’ts
- Don’t rush the job. You will feel better if you take you time and get the job done right. Patience is a virtue!
- Do not paint out of order! Start from the top: ceiling, and work your way down to the walls, doors/windows and skirting boards.
- Don’t apply a primer of a different composition to the wall you want to paint – if using water based paint then water based primer. Sand first (remember to wear a mask) and wipe down the walls with a cloth before applying the proper primer for the intended top coat.
- Do not paint out of the paint tin/pot just in case you accidentally knock it off the ladder!
- Do not paint over wallpaper as they peel off over time and will wreck your paint job. Remove as much of the wallpaper as you can, repair to smooth out surface, sand back then you can prime and paint over.
- DO NOT close the room off. You need to allow for proper ventilation, so keep doors and windows open.
- Do not leave your brushes, trays and rollers to dry off with paint if you would like to use then again. Wash them under running water and keep in the shed or garage for later use. Also keep your drop sheets as they can be reused.
- Do not replace the lid unless the rim of the can has been cleaned.
- Don’t leave imperfections as you will see them each time you go past the wall!!
By following all these little tips and tricks, it will help you with your painting DIY job. Just remember:
- Don’t HURRY the job.
- BE Patient!
- Have fun with colours.
Happy painting!
