Many people attempt their hand at painting and decorating, but only a few are successful. Rather than a deficiency in talent or ability, this is frequently due to a failure to adequately prepare. But you can always reach out to painters San Diego to get the jobs done.
DIY decorating may look just as beautiful as a professional effort if you pay attention to a few tips and tricks.
Supplies
All of the supplies listed here are critical. Do not cut corners when it comes to making sure you have the proper supplies for your DIY décor.
Assuming you don’t have to remove any existing wallpaper or patch any holes, the following is what you’ll need for at least one room.
Huge enough to cover the floor and any large or unwieldy furniture that cannot be completely removed.
- Stepladders
- There is a wide range of high-quality brushes available in different sizes.
- A paintbrush
- Two paint trays that may be used to quickly change colours.
- Block and sandpaper for sanding
- Tape for covering up
- In the trade, two paint cans called as “kettles” are used (any old container would suffice, but avoid huge ones and look for one with a handle)
- Wrapping unused rollers and brushes with Clingfilm prevents oil-based paints from drying hard, which is why professional decorators don’t use roller covers.
- A vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment can paint.
- The primer is used to cover any existing colour in the interior of the house.
- For use on doors, skirting, and frames, choose from a variety of high-gloss, satin, or eggshell finishes.
There are several factors to consider while painting a room, including personal preferences and the demands of your family. It’s recommended to use paints that are easy to clean if you have children or pets around.
Preparation
Since we’ve already discussed the need for thorough planning, it’s clear that cutting corners here will reflect poorly on your ultimate product.
Take everything out of its customary spot and gather in the middle of the room. The best option for a small room would be to remove it from consideration.
Use drop sheets to protect your carpets and furniture, and add masking tape to the perimeter of your floor to keep it clean.
Preparation of your surfaces is now complete with ‘keying.’ If you only want to remove the sheen from the woodwork, a fine sandpaper would do. Vacuum as you go to prevent paint finish deterioration due to dust accumulation.
A smart option is to have an assistant hold the vacuum nozzle close to where you’re sanding, so that most of the dust may be removed before it has a chance to get into the material. When sanding, make sure to wear a mask to protect your lungs.
Once you’ve finished preparing the woodwork, it’s time to start painting!
Painter’s advice
Be sure your step ladders are in good working order before you begin painting the ceilings, as they are the most difficult portion of painting a room for many individuals due to the awkward position and the height involved.
Prepare the ceiling by cutting in its edges with an angled brush, then painting over the edges with a flat brush. Take your roller and apply your first layer after this step is complete.
You can begin painting the walls while the ceiling is drying. Start with the brush and cut in, then use the roller to finish cutting in.
After the walls have been painted, the second coat of paint on the ceiling can be applied. Wait until the walls are completely dry before applying a second layer.
Then move on to the woodwork, being careful not to “overwork” the paint if you’re using gloss. Make large, free-flowing strokes with the brush. Use caution when you see streaks in the paint, since doing so will only make the problem worse. First-coat faults will be covered up with a second coat if the paint is applied correctly.
When decorating, don’t rush or cut shortcuts, otherwise you’ll end up with a room that looks shabby. Allocate a whole day to your first try in order to be sure that you have the time and resources necessary.
To get a head start on your DIY home décor and painting project, stop by Painters San Diego today and check out their broad selection of paints and accessories. Here are a few inside tips by them:
-
Keep brushes and rollers out of the dishwasher!
No need to clean your brushes or rollers if you don’t finish painting in one day if you’re using latex paint. Put your rollers and brushes in the refrigerator since chilly temperatures prevent latex paint from drying rapidly. Make sure to wait till they’ve warmed up completely before using them again!
-
Tape problems must be addressed.
If you’re using older tape, it can be difficult to remove it off its roll without splitting or sticking. If your painter’s tape keeps peeling, microwave the entire roll for 10 seconds.
-
The type of paint on the existing walls should be identified
How do you tell whether an old paint job was oil or latex? Rub alcohol on a cotton ball and apply it to a small patch of wall. In order to tell whether a paint is latex or not, look at the cotton ball for paint residue. Nothing on it, not even a dab. Because you’ll be painting over oil-based paint, you’ll want to prime the surface with an oil-based primer.
-
A paint pen is a worthwhile investment, to say the least
It’s best to invest in a paint pen that you can use for little touch ups later on. Once filled, these pens keep their paint fresh for almost a year; just shake them thoroughly before using to ensure that the colour comes out smoothly and evenly.
