Think your favorite room is due for a new paint color? To get a result that looks like it was plucked straight from a home improvement magazine, you don’t have to hire an interior designer or professional painter. You can do it yourself with a few tricks of the trade.
Choose the right color
Even a perfectly painted room is a failure if you are unhappy with the color. With thousands of designer-inspired palettes on the market, it’s easy for homeowners to get confused when it comes to selecting the right hue. Some homeowners try taping color chips together to view their colors while others will paint a sample directly on the wall. While putting actual paint on the wall is considered the truest representation of color, no one wants to live with a wall marred with a patchwork of several different paint samples for very long.
Make selecting the right color uncomplicated by using SureSwatch, a removable peel-and-stick DIY paint swatch. Simply paint the 9-by-12 inch clear SureSwatch film and place on any wall — or even the ceiling — to get a better idea of what the color will look like. To avoid color regret, the paint swatch should be viewed multiple times in the daytime as well as at night. Visit the paint counter at your local Home Depot or www.sureswatch.com for more information.
Use high-quality paint tools and supplies
Start with a premium paint that can save you money in the long run. High-quality paint covers better, provides a richer hue and tends to be more durable.
Next, select a quality applicator. There’s a reason you don’t find professional painters using a dollar brush or roller. They don’t provide the best results and can sometimes make the job more difficult. To ease your DIY task and ensure a professional outcome, choose premium tools that allow you to paint spaces much quicker and for even coverage. It is well worth the investment.
If you currently have a dark-colored room or a pattern on your walls, priming is a good idea. A good primer will transform your walls into a blank canvas so the new paint color can adhere properly and the true hue will be represented once it dries.
Prepare properly
Every expert painter knows that preparation is just as important as paint application. Start by scraping any chipping paint and fill nail holes. To ensure paint adheres well, clean walls with a sponge and mild soap. Dust and grime may be present and could affect the paint’s ability to adhere properly.
Next, remove all wall plates and tape off edges and electrical outlets with a good quality painter’s tape made specifically for getting sharp edges and easy removal. This extra step may take some time, but it is one of the best ways to get a paint job that looks professional rather than amateur. Remember to cover flooring to protect it from any drips.
Apply paint like a professional
To ensure you get flawless coverage, start applying the paint with uniform pressure in a “W” or “N” pattern. Continue spreading with up and down strokes, making sure to finish with strokes in one direction — this helps achieve the most even coverage. Paint typically dries unevenly, which gives the illusion of spots and streaks. Avoid going back immediately to touch up sparse spots. Painting too soon will result in unevenness. Wait until it’s fully dry to apply another coat. For sharp, crisp edges, remove tape after the paint is dry and you are completely satisfied with the results.
This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.