9 Steps To Painting Like A Pro: 1. Choose The Right Type of Paint
9 Steps To Painting Like A Pro: 1. Choose The Right Type of Paint
9 Steps To Painting Like A Pro: 1. Choose The Right Type of Paint
However, alkyd, or oil-based paints have the advantage of being more durable. Alkyd paints
can also be applied in lower temperatures than latex fifty degree cut off point. You should
always choose alkyd paints when repainting exterior surfaces with heavy chalking (that
powdery substance that comes off on your hand when you brush against it) or when repainting
interior or exterior surfaces that have more than three layers of paint. Alkyd paints can be
trickier to apply than latex paints because they are go on thicker and will require the use
turpentine, paint thinner, or some other solvent during clean up.
On interior surfaces, it is okay to apply latex over alkyd or vice-versa providing that the
previous finish is flat or has been sanded. If you are unsure, it is better to cover the old paint
with a primer of the same composition (alkyd or latex) as the paint as you are planning on
using. On exterior surface, oil should not be painted over latex. However, many experts
suggest that the best exterior starts with an alkyd primer followed by latex paint.
If painting a kitchen or bathroom, choose paint specially designed for these areas. These
paints are more mold-, mildew-, and humidity-resistant. Although it may seem like an added
expense, the cost is worth it. At the very least, add a mildewcide to the paint before using.
However, flat paints are better at concealing imperfections in the surface. They will make
surfaces appear smoother and more uniform. Paints with an eggshell, or satin, finish have a
finish that falls in between the flat and semi gloss. They are ideal for bedrooms and living
rooms. They will give a room more depth and warmth and are slightly more durable than flat
paints.
While power rollers and paint sprayers can be time-savers, they are not practical for smaller
or complicated rooms. Painting these rooms is better done in the traditional manner. For most
jobs, all you will need is a roller, a tray and a few brushes that vary between one-inch to four-
inches wide for the trim and detail work. Make sure you also have the equipment needed to
prepare and protect surfaces around the area you plan to paint.
The first thing you need to is remove everything from the walls. Take down the curtains and
remove the switch plates and any pictures or other objects hanging on the walls. Then, cover
all surrounding floors, cabinets, and fixtures with drop cloths or flattened out corrugated
boxes.
Next, you want to clean the walls and trim thoroughly. Use hot water and a little bit of
detergent soap, then rinse thoroughly. Once the walls have dried, patch any holes, cracks, or
joints with spackling compound. Let it dry and the sand with fine grade sandpaper until
smooth. Also, sand down any glossy surfaces. Wipe all sanded surfaces with a damp cloth to
remove all residues.
If you have a steady hand, you might not need masking tape to cover the edges. If you don't,
invest in the special blue painters tape rather than using regular masking tape—especially on
painted surfaces. Regular masking tape might damage the very surface you are trying to
protect.
Wrap hardware such as doorknobs, hinges, pulls in foil to protect them before painting. You
can also use wet newspaper to protect glass. Simply cut the newspaper into one-inch long
strips, dip it into water, and pull it through your thumb and index finger to remove the excess
water. Press the strips onto the glass, close to the wood, and remove them as soon as you are
through. Finally, keep around a damp cloth and paper towels handy when painting. Most paint
spilled can be removed with these if they are caught soon enough.
Rub hand lotion on your hands and arms before you begin painting. It will make the paint
easier to wash off your hands when you're finished. Also, baby oil is sometimes better at
removing paint from your skin. You can also safe time if you line your paint tray with plastic
wrap or aluminum foil and glue a large paper plate to the bottom of any open paint can you
plan to use. After opening the paint can, use a nail to tap about five or six holes into the
retaining grove. This allows the paint to run back into the can.
Make sure you have paint thinner or turpentine handy if you are painting with any oil based
paints. Latex paints will clean up with soap and water. If you need to stop for a short period
instead of cleaning your brushes, seal them into a plastic bag or wrap them with plastic wrap
or aluminum foil.
Even if you do not need it, primer will provide a better quality to your paint job. Some
primers are designed for new walls while others will help cover up stains. Use the right type
of primer and have it tinted the same color as your paint. It might seem like an additional step,
but primers will help reduce the number of coats you will have to do.
8. Purchase all the paint you will need and prepare it before beginning
One gallon of paint will cover about four hundred square feet of surface. If the area you are
planning on painting requires more than one gallon, you will need to mix all the paints
together before you begin. Different cans can have subtle color variations that might not be
evident in the can. Unfortunately, they will be extremely obvious on your walls. If you plan to
do two coats, you can decide mix only half the paints at first. Then, mix any remaining paint
together before starting your second coat.
9. Painting
Using a brush to cover any area that is too tight to accommodate a roller as well as to apply a
one-inch border of paint around any windows and doors, where the wall meets the ceiling and
floor, and in corners. Work in small sections so that the paint will still be wet when you go to
use the roller. When using a brush, dip the bristles of the paint about halfway into the paint
and then tap the brush against the edge to remove any excess. Hold the handle at the base and
press gently so that the bristles flex slightly. Brush in both directions to avoid any streaking.
Rollers provide even coverage with little color variation and are much quicker than painting
with a brush. Make sure your roller has the right knap for the surface you are painting. Dip the
roller into the paint so that it is well covered, but not saturated. Roll the roller over the ridges
of the pan to ensure that it will spread the paint smoothly. Prepare to cover about four feet of
surface for each "dip" you do with your roller. For best results, paint a large M onto the wall,
and then roll from side to side to spread the paint. Finish up with light up and down strokes
for an even finish.