It all starts by following this step-by-step guide and tips and adopting the recommended techniques. Lets dive right in.
1. Materials you need for your painting project
Its essential to gather your materials before commencing the project. Here are some of the things you should have ready on the site.
● Paint- Choose quality paint in your desired color and finish.
● Primer- You need a primer to achieve paint adhesion.
● Paint trays and liners- To hold the paint.
● Painter’s tape-To protect the wall edges and create a fine line.
● Rollers and brushes- These are as important as the paint.
● Sandpaper- To smoothen our imperfections on the walls.
● Plastic sheets- You need something to help you prevent paint splatter and protect your furniture and floor.
2. How do you prepare a house for painting?
First, you need to choose your preferred paint color from the diverse options available. If you are still trying to decide, you can sample some by applying the shades to different angles of your wall to see what fits.
After choosing a color, the next step is choosing the perfect paint finish. There are different types of paint finishes, such as flat, satin, eggshell, semi-gloss, and high gloss.
The second crucial step required for a professional finish is wall preparation before the actual painting. You need to clean the wall and rid it of any dirt or grease. Feel free to mix a little mild soap in water and gently clean your walls with the solution.
If you are working on an old wall, you may need to repair it. Fill every hole or dent, scrape, and patch until you have a clean and smooth wall.
Then, you need to protect the surrounding areas to avoid ruining the furniture or the floor. Use a plastic sheet or anything that will suffice to cover your floors and everything else in the room.
Lastly, use the painter’s tape to protect the baseboards and other areas you dont want your paint to get on.
3. How to paint a wall like a pro
3.1 Step 1 - start with the corners
The first step after cleaning and priming your wall is to proceed by painting the corners of the wall. Cut in on the edges with a high-quality brush because a roller will not penetrate well into the edges.
When you dip the brush into the paint bucket, gently swab on the edge of the bucket to remove any excess paint.
3.2 Step 2 - rolling the paint
After painting the edges with a brush, proceed to use your roller for broader coverage. Adopt the W painting technique for a neater job. You can use a paint grid to roll your paint instead of a paint tray. Heres why.
When you dip your roller into the paint bucket, it will be covered in excess paint, and putting that directly on the wall or using a paint tray creates a mess. A paint grid, therefore, is a rectangular metal or plastic piece that you can hook onto the rim of your paint bucket.
Now, instead of dipping the roller directly into the paint bucket and painting, you can roll it against the grid and remove the excess paint.
3.3 Step 3 - section the wall
Dividing the wall into smaller sections will give you a neater result with ease. Start from one section of the wall and gradually proceed to the next till you have covered the entire wall.
3.4 Step 4 - coat your wall
Most often, you will need to coat your wall for a perfect finish by reapplying the paint two or three times. However, the number of coatings is determined by the type and quality of paint used.
When coating your wall, allow each coat to dry before applying the next layer. Latex paint can be ready for a second coat in hours, while oil-based paint may take up to six or more hours.
3.5 Step 5 - make the final touches
One of the most common painting mistakes people make when performing a DIY painting task is waiting until the wall is completely dry before removing the painter’s tape. Before the paint is completely dry, carefully remove the tape and ensure you have clean lines.
Inspect your wall and make adjustments and touch-ups where necessary. Its also crucial to allow the walls to dry totally before moving back your furniture, curtains, portraits, or anything else in contact with the wall.
The last stage in the preparation phase is to prime the walls. Before proceeding to paint your walls, you need to apply a coat of primer for better adhesion and allow the wall to dry before the main painting.
4. Final words
Consulting with a professional before commencing your painting project will make a world of difference. They will help you pick the suitable primer, finish, and paint and also recommend the quantity needed to complete the project.
At Daibau.ng, we have professional painters near you anywhere in Nigeria. We can give you a free quote or consultation.