Have you ever wondered how to paint your walls? Read on to find out!
A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the feel of a room. Even a simple lick of white paint can have a surprising effect, often more than you might expect.
If you're unsure about a colour, grab some tester pots. Don't choose colours from the can alone. Test paint samples on white paper or, even better, your walls. Remember that colours can appear different in different lighting conditions. Test in various areas of the room and under different lighting before deciding.
Top Tip:
Move your furniture to the centre of the room and cover it with dust sheets. Protect the floor with appropriate floor coverings. Mask off all skirting boards, ensuring you follow straight lines. This will save you time and frustration when cleaning up after painting.
Tools and Materials:
Invest in quality products and tools for a smoother experience. You'll need filler, decorator's caulk, sandpaper of various grits (or an electric sander with dust extraction if you're feeling professional), paint brushes of different sizes, a large roller, a small radiator roller, paint scuttles, scuttle liners, masking tape, and, of course, paint.
Step 1: Preparation
Mask off all switches and sockets, remove blinds or curtains, and mask any other surfaces you want to protect. Ensure your walls are clean and free from damp. Treat and dry any wet spots before proceeding. Examine the walls for loose paint and remove it. Fill any cracks with filler, allowing sufficient drying time between coats. Use a floodlight to identify any imperfections and fill them. Let the filler dry completely. Use mesh tape and fill in two or three coats for significant cracks. Once the filler is dry, sand the walls using heavier-grit sandpaper first, followed by finer grades. Ensure your walls are dust-free before applying any paint. For optimal results, consider using a sanding tool with dust extraction. We recommend sanding the entire wall surface after filling and again once or twice between coats, depending on the plaster's condition.
Step 2: Mist Coating and Stain Blocking
Stir and shake your paint can thoroughly. Insert the scuttle liner and pour some paint into your scuttle. Use watered-down emulsion paint for mist coating, which acts as a primer. A 3:1 or 4:1 ratio should work well. Start by painting the higher areas with a brush called "cutting in." Begin at the ceilings, corners, around windows and door frames, and along skirting boards. Remember, a faster brush stroke will result in straighter lines. Use your roller and extension pole to carefully roll the walls, ensuring your roller has enough paint on it and you're not moving it dry. Avoid overloading the roller with paint. Apply the right amount for optimal results. Let it dry and enjoy a cup of tea.
Step 3: More Filling and Sanding
Repeat steps 1 and 2 and enjoy another cup of tea!
Step 4: Painting
At this point, you should be pleased with the quality of the surface if you've followed the steps correctly. Remove any excess paint from your scuttle and replace the scuttle liner. Pour some of your finishing paint and begin painting. As with mist coating, cut the top areas with a brush and work your way down. Once cutting in is complete, start rolling. Let the paint dry after rolling and assess the results. If necessary, sand it all down again when dry and repeat this step. Ensure the paint is completely dry before applying additional coats to avoid cracking. Don't forget to pour back any leftover paint to prevent flaking, replace the scuttle liner, and prepare for the next coat. Protect your roller with a plastic bag or plastic furniture/floor protector to prevent it from drying out. Clean your paintbrushes and your hands, arms, or even your face if you've gotten messy. Enjoy a cup of tea or order some pizza. Allow sufficient drying time before applying another coat. Refer to the instructions on the paint can for drying times.
Step 5: More Painting
Sand down any imperfections using high-quality sandpaper. Repeat step 4. Simple!
Step 6: Inspection
Once everything is dry, check if the colour on the walls is consistent and if there are no visible differences between cutting in and rolling. If the walls are still patchy, repeat step 5. Easy!
Step 7: Cleaning
Remove any masking tape and clean any paint marks with a sponge or cloth and warm water. Remove floor protection and vacuum. Move your furniture back and rehang your blinds or curtains. Stand back and admire your work! Invite your friends over to show off your skills! Congratulations, you've saved yourself much money and potentially made someone like us unemployed!
Penned by Pro Decor Ltd – Experienced painters and decorators in Dublin.
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