A fresh coat of paint is perhaps the easiest way to transform a room. While it doesn’t take any experience to tackle this job, it can quickly go wrong if you rush through the process. If you’re ready to paint your home, follow these interior house painting tips to ensure the result is picture perfect.
Complete Any Prep Work
Never dip a brush into the paint can without prepping the surface first. Take the time needed to clean the walls. Use a heavy-duty cleaner to get rid of grease and grime. Sand, scrape and fill any imperfections. While it takes a bit of time and effort to get the walls ready, wall preparation before painting will help the paint adhere and last for a long time.
Protect Your Surroundings
Paint is notorious for splattering everywhere. Cover the floor with a canvas drop cloth. This material works better than plastic because it absorbs paint drips and doesn’t get slippery. Use painter’s tape to cover the trim and any fixtures. Move any furniture out of the room. If something is too large to move, cover it with another drop cloth.
Add a Coat of Primer
Primer not only makes the paint last longer, but it also covers up the previous wall colour. Start by adding a bit of colour to the primer. This tints the primer and prevents unevenness. A single coat of primer is often all you need. Use a roller to evenly distribute the primer. If you don’t know how to paint a wall with a roller, then you need to know how to select the nap. A thinner nap is appropriate for smooth walls, while a thicker nap is better for textured surfaces.
Mix Several Cans at Once
Paint colour can vary from can to can, even if you purchased it at the same time. If you need to mix your paint, then try mixing the entire amount in a large bucket. This will ensure your paint colour is consistent throughout the entire room. Use a paint grid instead of a tray to get paint onto your brush and roller. This is a great way to prevent accidental spills.
Begin with the Trim
While you may feel inclined to paint the walls first, it’s better to begin with the trim and baseboards. Use a detail brush and paint in one direction for streak-free results. Once you’re finished, allow 24 hours before painting the walls. Once the trim is completely dry, cover it with painter’s tape before painting the rest of the room.
Keep a Wet Edge
Now that you’re ready to begin painting, you need to know how to paint a room. Always keep a wet edge to avoid streaks and missed spots. If you can’t keep a wet edge, then be sure to feather the area with a dry roller. This is ideal for large surfaces, such as ceilings. Instead of relying on a stepladder, try attaching an extension pole to your roller to easily reach high surfaces.
Get Ready for the Next Day
If you don’t finish painting in one day, don’t worry. You can keep your paint brushes, rollers, and cans ready for the next day by simply covering them with plastic wraps. This way, the paint won’t dry out before you’re ready to begin painting again.
Now that you know all the best interior house painting tips, you’re ready to get started on your next painting project. By the time you’re finished, your room will look like it was painted by a hired professional.
