What to Know Before DIYing a Paint Job
A fresh coat of paint is a simple, inexpensive way to brighten a space and spruce up a room. While painting a room is straightforward, anyone who tells you it is easy is trying to sell you something! Painting can be long, arduous, and painstaking work. While many homeowners still opt to take care of their painting themselves, it is important to understand a few guidelines before you DIYing a paint job.
What to Know Before DIYing a Paint Job: Get the Right Paint
If you want your paint job to last, the first step is to get the right paint. This will depend on the job. For example, if you are painting a bathroom, you should go for semi-gloss or glossy paint. Bathrooms are typically exposed to a lot of steam and humidity, and a glossier sheen will hold up better to the constant exposure to moisture.
On the other hand, a living space generally undergoes a lot of traffic and encompasses a larger space to paint. A nice satin finish will be durable, easy to clean, and require less paint than glossy paint. For projects outside, be sure to go with high-quality, premium exterior paint.
Avoid Simple Mistakes
Painting a room can take all day long and be exhausting. This all too often leads to simple mistakes. For starters, never start painting a second coat until the first coat is fully dry. You also don’t want to let the paint dry on your roller or brush. Doing so will spot your walls with dried paint specks.
You can avoid this by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator if you will be stepping away for a time. Finally, it may seem obvious, but touching the surface before it’s dry can ruin a paint job. If you will be painting the walls inside a room, it’s advisable to place a do not enter sign on the door, so everyone will get a heads-up before they enter the said room. Take great care to avoid touching your freshly painted surfaces.
What to Know Before DIYing a Paint Job: Follow the Correct Order
There is a correct order when painting a room. First, start with the ceiling. Next, paint the trim and baseboards. This will usually be done in high-gloss latex or oil-based paint. Once your trim and baseboards are completely dry, tape your edges with painter’s tape. You are now ready to cut in the edges along the baseboards, ceiling, doors, and windows.
Do this with a high-quality, straight-edged brush. Next, you can use a roller to apply your first coat of paint. Most jobs require two coats but wait until the first coat is completely dry. You can learn to paint like a professional if you are patient and follow the right steps. Quality materials are paramount, as are painting in the right order and carefully avoiding simple mistakes. When you paint like a professional, you should get professional results!
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