Nothing lifts a property quite like a repaint! So, if painting your house is on your to-do list for 2021, here’s some residential painting tips that will help create a flawless finish.
Colour Selection
One of the most head scratching decisions you will have to make during the painting process is deciding on the right colour. Apart from the endless array of colour options that you’ll have to consider, paint can look very different once it’s applied and dried to a particular surface.
When selecting colours, it’s a good idea is to start with a general idea of the hues you prefer. Don’t make it too complicated if you’re really undecided; start by considering either cool or warm shades or select several general colour schemes (for example whites & neutrals). Then, narrow your selection to multiples shades that appeal to your aesthetic.
After some deliberation, you should then invest in a few sample pots that can be applied to a well-lit wall of your home, with the paint colours applied side by side for easy comparison. If you don’t like what you see, go back to the drawing board and try something new. It’s a much better idea to take your time and choose the right colour than have to repaint your walls all over again.
Wall Preparation
For walls that are already in good shape, a simple clean with a sugar soap solution will be enough to get your interior walls ready for a repaint. However, if you’re dealing with grimy exterior walls, consider a high pressure clean to remove stubborn dirt.
When your walls require patching, choose the correct filler for the surface that you’re about to paint. Then, apply the filler across the problem area in several directions, moving in a downward stroke to remove excess filler. Remember to wipe the filler with a damp sponge before it sets to create a smooth surface. If required, use sandpaper on the dried filler to create a smooth surface that’s primed for painting.
Starting The Repaint
Firstly, protect your floors and furniture with old sheets or painters drop sheets. Mask your trims so you can start cutting-in with your paint brush. Make sure you dip your brush halfway in the paint pot, removing excess paint with a simple tap of the brush on the tin. Apply the paint to your edges by dragging the brush along the line.
Hone Your Technique
Start rolling the wall while your cutting-in paint job is still wet. Load up the paint on your roller, ensuring it still rolls easily. Apply your paint in either a W or a M motion, evenly distributing the paint across the wall, right up to the cut in area.
Once a large section of the wall has been painted, place your unloaded roller at the top of the painted section and move across the area to create an even finish.
After this process has been repeated throughout the room, wait until the paint has dried and apply a second coat. If you’re repainting over a dark colour with a light shade, you may need three coats, but generally a two-coat system is the best way to repaint interiors or exteriors.
Get in touch with our Gold Coast handyman business if you’d like to avoid the backbreaking work of painting your house. As well as our residential painting service, we can also help with plasterboard repairs, high pressure cleaning and interior and exterior painting services. Call Scott for a quote today on 0459 153 085.
* The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organisation, employer or company.