Few home improvement projects can transform the look and feel of a room like a fresh coat of paint. But before you start slathering on the color, there are a few things you should know about interior painting and preparation to ensure the job is done right.
Whether you’re planning to tackle the project yourself or hire a professional, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know about interior painting and preparation:
Picking the Right Paint
The first step in any painting project is choosing the right paint. There are a few things to consider when making your selection:
Finish: Paint comes in a variety of finishes, from glossy to matte. Consider the look you’re going for and pick a finish accordingly.
Paint comes in a variety of finishes, from glossy to matte. Consider the look you’re going for and pick a finish accordingly. Sheen: In addition to finish, paint also comes in different sheens. The sheen you choose will depend on the room you’re painting and the look you want to achieve.
In addition to finish, paint also comes in different sheens. The sheen you choose will depend on the room you’re painting and the look you want to achieve. Color: Of course, you’ll also need to decide on a color. If you’re unsure, you can always ask for a sample. Most paint stores will give you a small container of paint so you can test it out before making a purchase.
Of course, you’ll also need to decide on a color. If you’re unsure, you can always ask for a sample. Most paint stores will give you a small container of paint so you can test it out before making a purchase. Quantity: Don’t forget to calculate the amount of paint you’ll need before heading to the store. Use a paint calculator or ask a worker at the store to help you estimate the right amount.
Prepping the Room
Once you’ve got your paint, it’s time to prep the room. This step is important because it will make painting much easier and help you achieve better results. Here’s what you need to do:
Remove everything from the room: This includes furniture, rugs, paintings, and anything else that’s not bolted down.
This includes furniture, rugs, paintings, and anything else that’s not bolted down. Take care of any repair work: Now is the time to fix any holes in the walls or cracks in the trim.
Now is the time to fix any holes in the walls or cracks in the trim. Clean the walls and trim: Wipe down the surfaces you’ll be painting with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust.
Wipe down the surfaces you’ll be painting with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or dust. Protect surfaces: Use painters’ tape and drop cloths to protect surfaces that you don’t want paint to get on.
Use painters’ tape and drop cloths to protect surfaces that you don’t want paint to get on. Prime the walls (optional): If you’re painting over a dark color or want to ensure even coverage, you may want to prime the walls first.
If you’re painting over a dark color or want to ensure even coverage, you may want to prime the walls first. Ready your paint supplies: Gather all the supplies you’ll need, including paintbrushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and drop cloths.
Painting Tips
Once you’ve prepped the room, you’re finally ready to start painting. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:
Start with the ceiling: When painting a room, it’s best to start with the ceiling and work your way down. This will help you avoid getting paint on surfaces that you’ve already painted.
When painting a room, it’s best to start with the ceiling and work your way down. This will help you avoid getting paint on surfaces that you’ve already painted. Use a brush for corners and trim: A paintbrush is the best tool for painting corners and trim. For larger surfaces, like walls, you can use a roller.
A paintbrush is the best tool for painting corners and trim. For larger surfaces, like walls, you can use a roller. Work in small sections: When painting, it’s best to work in small sections. This will help you avoid missing any spots and getting paint on surfaces that you’ve already painted.
When painting, it’s best to work in small sections. This will help you avoid missing any spots and getting paint on surfaces that you’ve already painted. Apply paint in thin coats: It’s better to apply several thin coats of paint than one thick coat. Thin coats are less likely to drip and will give you a more even coverage.
It’s better to apply several thin coats of paint than one thick coat. Thin coats are less likely to drip and will give you a more even coverage. Let the paint dry completely: Before moving furniture back into the room or using the space, be sure to let the paint dry completely. This usually takes about 24 hours.
By following these tips, you can achieve professional-looking results without having to hire a professional. With a little time and effort, you can transform the look of your home with a fresh coat of paint.
