So you’re taking the plunge and are planning to complete your first paint project at home?
While painting a room can seem as simple as grabbing a paintbrush and going for it, there is a lot more to consider.
Fear not, for in this post, I will be sharing all the essential steps you need to take to ensure your project will go smoothly!
Just remember to wear something you don’t mind getting paint on!
Tips To Nail Your Indoor DIY Painting Project
Here are great tips that will help you with your project:
1) Take Some Time To Prep
It may be very tempting to get started straight away, but to ensure the final result looks the part, you will need to take the time to do some proper (emphasis on proper) preparation.
First, look at the walls and see any wallpaper or paint needs to be removed before you start.
If your walls are bare, you may want to see if there are any small repairs you need to do, as every little scrape or hole will show up once painted.
It might seem tedious, but I promise that spending the time to fix little quirks on your surfaces will be worth it.
You will also need to clean your walls to avoid having dust and small debris trapped in your paint as you work on the area.
If you don’t have any particular stain to get rid of, you should be fine with some warm water and maybe some Vinegar for a deep clean.
Avoid using hard detergents, which can strip the wall too much. If needed, use soapy water for stubborn stains.
When stains are really bad, get some sugar soap which acts as a degreaser plus abrasive crystals will help your new paint key to the walls.
Finally, make sure that your floors and all furniture near you will be fully protected. Don’t forget to protect light fixtures, doorknobs and other smaller areas, so nothing gets stained in the process.
You can use painter’s tape to delimit the areas you’re going to work on and avoid painting ceilings, floors or baseboards, as needed.
2) Choose the Right Paint For the Job
If you’re not familiar with the wonderful world of paint, you may think that you have to find a colour you like and you’re done.
The truth is, you’ll have to ask yourself a few questions to make sure you are choosing the right one.
First, consider which surface you will be painting. Materials don’t take to paint in the same way, so different paints have been created for wood, tiles, or metal.
Always double-check if the paint you are selected will be suitable for your walls. You don’t want something which won’t stick and runs on to the floor.
Then you can move on to choosing a colour you like. I recommend sampling paint first if you’re not sure what to choose. It will save you time and money!
And don’t forget about the final finish. While you may think there won’t be much difference between a glossy and matt finish, you would be surprised to see its impact on the room, particularly when it comes to light.
In doubt, a mid-sheen finish will suit most rooms and is a great compromise between gloss and matt.
3) Be Careful While Applying paint
Now that you’ve prepped and you have your paint ready, it’s time to get painting!
We recommend using paint rollers (as brushes can leave streaks and marks) and trays so you can easily apply the paint on the roller.
You will have enough paint on the roller when it feels saturated but not dripping.
Having too much paint can lead to uneven application and drips – which is best to avoid
If your surface is particularly rough, choose a paint roller with a thicker nap/cover, as it will apply a thicker coat of paint on uneven areas.
Smoother surfaces will be fine with thinner rolls that allow for a more delicate application.
Dos And Don’ts When DIY Painting
There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to painting indoors, in this section, we will reveal some mistakes that are common among beginners:
- Avoid frog tape when cutting in, it always leaks and makes more work
- Use a good paintbrush to get sharper lines when cutting in around the ceilings and skirting boards
- Roll out the paint or it will look smudged when dry
- Use dust sheets, but remember to tape them down so you do not slip
- Painting stages: Ceilings, undercoat, silk/matt walls then finish with gloss or Satinwood
Conclusion
Also, always make sure you roll in one direction only (usually vertically) to avoid creating marks and keeping the paint application even.
It is usually recommended to apply at least two coats of paints for the best results, but you may need more if the colour underneath bleeds through.
Make sure to check drying times to leave enough time between coats.
Now you’re ready to get your first project started! You will find more painting tips on our website, so make sure to check these out too.