Most of the time, the mere thought of having to paint a room is an overwhelming. The supplies, the time and the fear of making a costly mistake can all lead even the most steady handed home-owner to dial a professional. However, doing a great paint job on your own is easier than you may think! Check out these tips to show you how to paint a room like a pro:
What you’ll need: Paint tray, or trays if you’re lucky enough to have someone assisting you, a few paint rollers with extension arms, both angled and wide paintbrushes, good painter’s tape, a stepladder, a screwdriver, rags.
How to prep: Use the screwdriver to remove all outlet covers. Then, using the painter’s tape, tape around each edge – floor to ceiling – to protect any molding and edges. Move any small furniture out of the room and cover any remaining items with drop cloth or plastic. Also, don’t forget to ventilate. If weather permits, keep the windows open. If not, look into setting a few large fans around to ensure that the paint not only dries a bit faster but to avoid heavy fumes.
How to paint: Use an angled brush dipped in paint and work your way carefully around the taped edges making at least a three inch border. Then, switch to your roller to paint the remaining surface. It’s important to maintain an even pressure when painting to avoid any drip marks and to vertical lines from floor to ceiling. You will more than likely be doing at least one additional coat so don’t be too hard on yourself to make it look even the first time around.
Watch the paint dry: Allowing the paint to fully dry between coats is key as you want themes even paint job as possible. Once the first coat has dried, begin the steps again and if a third coat is necessary, again after that. Once the paint is sufficiently dry, you can begin removing the tape. Do this slowly as you don’t want to remove any of the existing finish or paint from the molding or ceiling.
Painting your home doesn’t have to be a huge debacle. Following these tips will help make it a little easier and potentially less expensive. But in case you still have questions, feel free to give us at Stratton Exteriors a call. We’d love to help answer any questions you may have and provide you with advice for your home’s painting project.
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