Last Updated on August 9, 2023 by Kravelv
A new coat of paint is the easiest and most affordable way to make a room look brand new. But when it’s not done properly, it won’t give the same effect as you were expecting.
Contrary to popular belief, painting a room takes more than slapping on a coat or two. It actually takes some prepping and the right tools to get a smooth finish.
If you’re about to take on the challenge of giving your room a well-deserved makeover, these tips will make sure you’ll get a professional finish.
1. Prep your room
The trick to a smooth process and easy cleanup is to prep the room before painting. It prevents paint from getting on the floor, fixtures, and furniture.
To start, remove as much furniture as you can and move the rest to the center of the room. Cover the floors and remaining furniture with a drop cloth to protect them. You can also unscrew light switches and cover plates to make sure paint doesn’t get on them.
Don’t forget to wipe the walls with a damp cloth to remove any dust and stains. This will ensure the paint adheres better so it can last longer.
2. Use the right tools
When picking out the paintbrush and rollers, you’ll need to use for painting, keep in mind that the size and thickness matter. Since bigger brushes can cover more space faster, smaller brushes are great for going over more detailed areas.
4 and 5-inch paint brushes should be sufficient for painting walls and doors. While 14 or 18-inch rollers are great for painting larger areas faster.
Choosing the right thickness for the nap covers is also important since each works best on different surfaces. For instance, a ¼ and 3/16 inches nap roller is great for smooth surfaces like plaster and metal. While ⅜ and ½ inches are best for smooth and semi-smooth surfaces, like drywall.
3. Swatch the paint
If you still can’t decide which paint color to pick, you can swatch a small patch of your paint choices on your wall. This way, you’ll see how the colors will look at different times of the day so you’ll know which looks best and narrow down your options.
This will also allow you to test how your paint color will apply to the wall since some can look lighter or darker compared to the paint swatches you see at the store.
4. Don’t skip the primer
If your walls are in pristine condition, you might be able to pass up on applying primer. But if your walls are porous or you’ve recently patched them up, you might benefit from applying a coat or two.
Primer will make sure the surface is smooth and even for the paint to apply on since it will fill up any gaps or cracks on the walls. It will also add a layer of protection against moisture, mold, and mildew – especially if your room is in a humid area.
Primer will also make it easier to transition from a darker color to a lighter one since a layer of primer will prevent the previous hue from bleeding through.
5. Sand the walls
Sanding the walls after applying primer may seem counterproductive, but it ensures the paint adheres better to the surface so it won’t chip or peel sooner than expected.
If the walls in your room are made from smooth wood paneling or plaster, make sure to choose a 60-grit sandpaper to easily roughen them up. But for walls that don’t have a lot of wear and tear, a 220 grit sandpaper should be sufficient.
Don’t forget to wipe off any sanding dust that’s left on your wall to make sure it’s ready for painting.
6. Pour the paint
To keep your paint from drying out, make sure to pour it into a paint bucket or tray in small increments. This way, you can keep the paint bucket tightly lidded to keep the rest of it fresh.
Getting paint from a paint bucket will also ensure you won’t overload your brush, preventing you from applying thick coats. While a paint tray provides you the freedom to apply the paint on a roller evenly since you can spread it by rolling it back and forth. This way, the walls don’t end up uneven and blotchy.
Looking for a reliable painting contractor?
If you want to make sure your room gets a professional finish, let the experts at Soho Painters handle your project. They have a team of experienced painters that are equipped with high-quality tools and materials to ensure your room gets the makeover it deserves. They also offer exterior painting, wallpapering, and custom murals. If you have any questions or inquiries, feel free to contact them now and get a free estimate.