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Painting Tips: ‘DIY’

Alyssa Stoner • Jul 29, 2023

Painting Tips: ‘DIY’

Homeowners dream about their biggest investment and how they can make it their own with décor, style and color –and that includes a beautiful paint job in order to complete their ideal home. 

Interior painting is a common step in the remodel process and weather you want to hire a qualified contractor or tackle the project yourself on a weekend with assistance from your friends and family; there are necessary tips that will help you get the job done right. You want to make sure it’s a fun task that you’re proud of, even if you aren’t an expert. Just don’t quit your day job! Many people have basic preparation knowledge (i.e. drop cloths, painters tape, and stir paint before use), but what about the steps that come after? 

With DIY (do it your own) projects, understanding painting techniques can lead to a satisfying, stunning outcome. Storing paint correctly and using the best-quality tools can guarantee that you prevent blemishes and cover all the surfaces evenly. You can save time and money in the process with simple tips if you have never picked up a paint brush, but a local professional is always on hand when you need someone who can fix any mistakes –woops. 

First off, make sure to prep your room and walls to avoid a mess. When you are ready to get started, one gallon of your favorite color of paint normally covers up to 400 sq. ft., which is usually enough to cover a small room with one coat. If you need more than that, you should use a large paint bucket to mix your paint to get better color consistency. Don’t forget, a brush and roller play different roles when painting on a canvas because a brush will be able to get into areas that your roller can't reach. Apply the paint in a “W”-like pattern, starting up, then down, then going back to fill in the gaps. Remember; don’t let your paint dry out! You can drop golf balls into the paint and that will fill the air space, or place plastic wrap under the lid, seal it securely and store the paint upside down. 

If you’re painting new drywall, primer is important. Use a water-based primer to hide imperfections and provide a light, consistent base before applying the color. To avoid stripes caused by rolling that is already starting to dry, keep a wet edge by painting the full height of the wall and then overlap the last stroke with the next one. 

Not sure if the existing colors on the walls are oil or latex? Bathe a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and cover a small place with it on the wall. If the cotton ball has paint residue, the paint is latex. If the cotton ball doesn’t contain any paint on it, you’ll be painting over an oil-based coat and need to use a certain primer. 

When it all comes down to it, major home improvement projects are time consuming and best left to the experts because it takes the stress off of you. Any room, big or small, is a chance to use your imagination and all about the detail! 

C-tpainting.com

(706)- 973- 0054

By Alyssa Stoner 01 Aug, 2023
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