Painting Tips for Beginners
Taking on the daunting task of painting is a big deal. Depending on how much you need to paint, the colours used, techniques attempted and how many hands that will help you, will make a big difference in the outcome.
We share some HOMEMAKERS tips to make your painting job around the house as effortless as possible.
Paint Picking
Latex or water-based paints are formulated to be more environmentally-friendly and can be used for interiors or exteriors. The major perks of latex paints are that they dry quickly, have low odour and have better long-term flexibility. The downside is that fast drying time means you need to keep the can closed as much as possible to stop the paint drying out.
Guarantee
Buying quality paint is a must if you want it to last. It’s better to go for well-known, quality brands that have a five-year guarantee at a minimum. Some paints have up to a 15-year guarantee that will help keep your home looking new for longer.
The Finish
How your walls will look once they are painted goes beyond your colour choice, you also need to consider the paint finish. A good place to start when deciding on the finish is to remember that the glossier the finish, the more durable the paint.
High gloss and satin finishes are easier to clean and better for high traffic areas such as kitchens and lounges. Eggshell and matt finishes are better for low traffic areas such as dining rooms and bedrooms. Another consideration when choosing the finish is how much coverage you get with each finish. Matte finishes cover imperfections better but are more difficult to clean, while gloss finishes are easy to clean but show imperfections so need better preparation.
Get it Together
Being organised before you start painting will make the job easier. Get everything you need together before you start painting. Your “workstation” should include your paint, brushes, rollers, hammers, screwdrivers, drop cloths, plastic bags, masking tape and rags.
Getting your walls ready to paint may take longer than expected. Give yourself a day to wash all the dirt, dust or grime off the walls, move and cover furniture, scrape loose paint, fill cracks and mask your skirting, windows and doors. Use plastic bags to protect light fittings and take as many things off the wall as you can. Also check for damp spots that will need a bit of extra preparation, waterproofing or some professional help.
Brush Up
Different paints work best with specific brushes. Choose paint brushes with natural bristles for oil-based paints and synthetic bristles for water-based or latex paints. Densely packed bristles with a chisel edge are best for painting straight edges or cutting. A brush with split ends holds more paint and will give you a smoother finish. Foam brushes are an inexpensive option for small, smooth walls or touch-ups. For textured walls, opt for a plush roller that will provide better coverage.
Drop it Like it’s Cloth
When looking for floor covers, the canvas is a better option than plastic or newspaper. Canvas cloth floor covers can be folded and taped to fit any size room and will stop you from slipping and sliding while you paint. Unlike plastic, the cloth will allow the paint to dry, helping you keep your floors clean should you accidentally step into a drop of messed paint.
Primer and Gravity
Having your primer or base coat tinted to match your paint colour will reduce the chance of having to do multiple coats. Using a base coat will help your paint job look better and last longer. Limit streaking and get a neater finish by painting from the top down. Dripping paint is inevitable but this way it is easier to cover up.
A fresh coat of paint will make your home look new in no time. By following the right steps you can guarantee the longevity of your paint job, saving you time and money in the future.
Not one for DIY? Find a painting specialist on our website!
