So you’ve decided to paint a room in your home but you’re not sure what the proper steps are to make it look like a professional painting. We are here to help you make it not only look professional but to complete it efficiently. Painting doesn’t have to be a hassle, it can be quite simple if you’ve got the right tools.
The Tools
Before you start painting a room you want to get all the right tools for the job. Here is a list of some of the basics:
- Painters Tape
- Drop Cloths
- Angled brush with short handle
- High quality rollers
- Roller handle
- Stir stick
- Can opener
- Paint tray
- Paint tray liners or plastic bags
- Spackle
- Sand paper
- Putty knife
- Screwdrivers
- Primer
- Paint
Testing your paint
This is probably one of the most exciting parts about painting a room, picking out your color! You can go into your local hardware store and gather as many paint testers you like. It’s important to remember how many factors change the appearance of a color from lighting to finishes to when it’s dried. You want to make sure it looks good all the way around before you start painting. Try these paint testers in the light against each wall. Place them in natural light and your home lighting to make sure the color is exactly what you are looking for. Remember, glossy paints will reflect light and look brighter, whereas the matte finish will absorb light and therefore look darker.
The Ceiling
If you are wanting to paint the room walls, consider the ceiling too. The ceiling doesn’t always have to be white, if your walls aren’t too dark you can even paint the ceiling the same color. If you have decided to go with darker walls, consider a contrasting color or a lighter color that would work well.
Prepping The Room
It’s always better to remove all furniture from the room you’re wanting to paint. That way you don’t have to worry about paint getting everywhere, even if it is covered up. If you have a piece that you absolutely can’t or don’t want to move because it’s too heavy or a hassle to move, you can always do your best to cover it up with plastic. Don’t forget your painters tape! Placing the painters tape along the bottom of all the skirting boards and around all borders and light fixtures help keep the paint looking sharp when you’re finished. You should also fill in any holes, cracks or crevices in your wall with the putty knife. You can also use this knife to peel off any excess paint so you have a smooth surface to paint on. If that still doesn’t work, you can sand it down.
Washing your walls before painting with a mild detergent and warm water will help remove any dirt, oil or grease that could seep into the paint. It won’t look good when it’s all dry and you’ll have to redo all the work you just put in.
Painting The Room
For the best results, you’ll want to apply primer as it will be the best adhesive, pigment and give durability for your paint. You’ll want to paint the entire room with this primer and let it dry before you move on to your color.
When you are ready to paint with your color, start by mixing the paint as the oil, water and powder in paints can separate when the cans have been sitting for a while. Start with your trims and edges of the walls. Use your angled brush to help you achieve a sharp, clean line.
Tip: wet your brush before dipping it into the paint and blot it, as it prevents the paint from dripping up the handle.
Once you are done painting your edges, think of the golden rule of painting, always work from top to bottom. If you’re painting the ceiling, you want to do that first with both coats before you start painting your walls. When you’re ready to paint your walls, you can use a roller to get more surface painted in one stroke. Paint in a “W” pattern, as it will reduce the chance of marks or lines where the roller was placed.
Finishing Up
When removing your painters tape, make sure you do it before the paint is completely dry. This is because you want to reduce any damage to the paint. Peel it off when the paint is no longer tacky but is still damp below the surface. Once you have cleaned up all your tools and your paint is completely dry, you can put in your furniture and decorate!
If you have any questions about painting a room in your home, contact Wilson’s Paint and Flooring in Kaysville, UT today!
