Some homeowners choose to do the paint jobs by themselves because they believe that it’s as simple as brushing paint on a flat surface. However, DIY paint jobs don’t always end up with flawless results. If you’re planning to do the painting yourself, check out these expert tricks for a flawless paint job.
1. If you’re painting a large area, get a paint sample.
Some say that if you’re planning to paint a big room, getting a big swatch of the paint is enough. A color chip as big as a thumbnail won’t work. You will not see whether the paint gives off the right vibes or if it is suitable for your furniture.
Sample swatches are useful for when you have to make your first round of color choices. As you deliberate on which paint color would most suit your space, experts recommend that you buy a small can of the color and paint a small portion of your wall. If you have money to spare, you can buy two or three sample cans of paint so you can compare the colors side-by-side. This will also allow you to be able to check if the color looks great in different lighting conditions.
2. Make sure that you know how many paint cans you need.
It is always exciting to finish painting a room. However, it can be quite frustrating to find out that you’re one paint can short to finish what you started. What’s more infuriating is when you live far from the hardware store, or they’re already closed for the day. To avoid this, professionals recommend that you measure the length and the width of the surface you’re planning to paint, then the staff at the hardware store can help you compute how much paint you’ll need to buy to cover everything.
3. Don’t skimp on the quality paint.
You can never go wrong when you invest in good-quality paint. You might think that you’re saving money when you buy cheap cans of paint. This is one of the common mistakes people who love to DIY make. Cheap paint will look good while it’s wet, but not so much when it dries. With cheap paint, you will need to do more than two coats to get a flawless finish. On the other hand, premium paint usually has better coverage and pigmentation, so it can reliably give you that flawless finish you want for your walls.
4. Clean the surfaces.
Another rookie mistake is failing to clean surfaces. This is an essential step, especially if you want the paint to really stick. Rooms such as kitchens, where grease, food particles, and oil often stick on the wall, and bathrooms, where shampoo, soap residue, and cosmetic sprays are found, will need a thorough cleaning before you start painting them. You can just use a regular household cleaner or a degreaser to ensure a clean sweep.
5. Sand your walls.
Painting is a messy job. There are things you need to prepare before you start painting. Scraping old coats of paint and sanding your walls are steps that you shouldn’t skip. An even surface is another factor that can give you the perfect paint job you’re aiming for. Make sure that all holes and furniture are covered with a gauge sheet. Don’t forget to secure it with painter’s tape.
6. Know how to approach a situation.
Not every fixture is detachable. For instance, you may have carpets on your floor that can make painting your baseboard a little difficult. The first thing you can do is to check if you can remove its tack strip and fold it. If it’s not possible, you can use a cover or a carpet shield to keep the paint from dripping onto your carpet. Another option you can consider is removing your baseboards, painting them, and reattaching them once they dry.
Now that you know some professional house painting tips, you can now start painting your space, but if you are someone who wants perfection, you might want to hire professional painters instead.
If you’re looking for a residential painter in Sarasota, FL, Jeff Schultz Painting is here to provide you top-notch painting services. We’ve tended to the interior and exterior painting needs of numerous homeowners. Who knows? We might be the one you’re looking for. Contact us!
