If you've decided to DIY paint your home, I applaud your determination. As a matter of fact, provided you're committed to the job, this somewhat overwhelming task might even turn out fun and cost-effective. Not only is painting considered to be one of the most suited to DIY, but it will also cut your renovating costs significantly. However, there is a reason why many people decide to pay a professional to do it. It can get messy, so here are some tips and tricks to know to achieve the perfect finish.
The crucial factor that will make or break your DIY painting project lies in preparation for the job. Provided you do this step correctly, your project will not only be doable but turn out fantastic. So don't grab your paintbrush just yet; let's cover the basics first.
Do the research
Thanks to the internet, there is a well-spring of painting DIY knowledge to pick up. YouTube videos, blogs, and online tools for design can help you get both inspiration and instructions, as well as detailed product information. Make sure you look at some pros' work to get a grip on the right way to do the job.
Choose the paint
Did you know that there are countless shades of white to choose from? Keep in mind that this is the step that might take some time for you to get through. However, if you get overwhelmed, remember that it's vital to get a clear idea of the specific tones and color you're looking for.
Secondly, make sure you choose the right finish for your paint. This has a significant effect on the look of your interiors and the duration of your paint job.
Pro tip: Make sure to take the elements such as light reflection into account when choosing your paint.
List of supplies for DIY painting
- Ladder high enough to reach the highest wall points
- Painters tape or masking tape
- Emulsion color
- Primer
- Paint roller and drip tray
- Paint bucket
- Drop cloths
- Extension pole
- Angled paintbrush
- 3 inches flat paintbrush.
How much paint will you need?
It's somewhat daunting for amateurs to determine how much paint they actually need. That's why most retailers have calculators available for that part of the job. Typically, a gallon is enough for roughly 250 to 400 square feet interiors. That said, make sure you add a bit extra for the touch-up phase and potential mistakes you'll want to fix.
Prepare the room
Before painting, you have to make sure you cleaned the walls from dust, grime, and any other impurities. Take a wet sponge or cloth and clean the walls. Do not miss this step because the paint will not stick to dirty surfaces. Once you've cleaned your walls, leave them a bit to dry.
While you're waiting, protect the floor and any furniture you cannot move. Instead of choosing plastic for the floor, opt for drop cloths since plastic gets pretty slick and can lead to injuries.
Use painter's masking tape to protect moldings, baseboards, window frames, outlets, and light switch plates. Masking tape will create a crisp line that won't let paint bleed through it.
Paint away!
Choose the proper painting cloth and get rolling! Mix the paint in a big bucket using a stirrer. Ensure to blend until even consistency, even if they mixed it for you in the store.
If you're painting the interior with two colors, start with the lighter one first. Let it dry, put the painter's masking tape over the divider, and roll the darker color.
Here's how you will paint. Take the paint tray and a roller suitable for your type of wall surface. For smooth surfaces, a 1/4-inch nap roller will suffice. Semi-smooth will need a 3/8-inch, and a rough surface will require a 5/8-inch nap.
Take the well of the paint tray and fill it about 1 of the way. Load the paint by rolling the roller back and forth in the well until completely covered. To remove excess dye, move the roller back and forth in the upper part.
Painting walls in overlapping W- or M-shaped strokes is the best way to go about even paint distribution. Once you've finished with the first coat of paint, let it dry for a couple of hours before applying a second coat.
Clean up
Et voila! You're all done painting. Leave your windows open and let it all dry. Ensure you remove the painter's masking tape right before or right after the paint is totally dry. If you don't, you might get left with small pieces of torn tape.
If you're left with some paint, seal the can tightly. Clean your brushes and rollers with warm water and soap, and put them away until next time.
If you made it this far, you must be serious, so why not use this coupon code PAINT25OFF and receive 25% OFF either of the painters tape we offer. Apply the discount code at the final checkout window. Deal expires June 30th. Get the tapes here.