When it comes to any types of home renovations or home DIY projects, there is quite a bit to know, and a pretty big learning curve with most household remodeling and renovations. And when it comes to certain things like plumbing and kitchen work, that learning curve is generally pretty steep and, in many cases, you might need the help of a professional. However, when it comes to something like painting, you very rarely have to hiring a painter contractor or a professional to do your work. While it certainly will help, and if its just you, it can certainly make a big job go a lot faster, the fact of the matter is that we all learned to paint in elementary school, and while painting your bedroom and bath is definitely not the same as that, it isn’t as far off as one might think. And if you’ve ever seen a Bob Ross episode on PBS, I guarantee you can do it as well, you just need to be willing, able and to think like a painter contractor. When it comes to painting, there are a number of helpful tips that you must follow, and as long as you’ve got the right type of paint, the proper rollers, and the proper brushes and some painter’s tape, you will be fine – as long as you take in some important professional tips, to make it come out correctly. In this article, we will be exploring a few of the most vital things that any painting project should entail, but any confident DIY enthusiast can make happen on their own with some effort.
· Sheen is Important
The fact is that painting is simple, once you’ve got the roller, fill it with paint and simply roll it! Then, smaller areas, fill your brush, and move it back and forth, and you are a painter. But there are certain specific tips and tricks you need to understand. And one of the first ones is the sheen – a vital part of a good paint job. The finish of your paint, or sheen, will have a major impact on your walls. Gloss, satin, egg shell – with these options comes many considerations. High-traffic areas do well with gloss or satin as they hold up better to touching and can be cleaned more easily. But they can make wall imperfections (wavy drywall, patched areas) much more pronounced. A more matte-like finish, such as flat, will not clean as well or endure touches as well, but you won’t see imperfections as much.
· Color is Important – Try Samples First!
Don’t be afraid to try unique and bold colors on your walls, it looks better than it does in watercolors for sure. However, its important to understand the differences between colors and shades. No need to guess how good (or bad) a color will look on your wall. For a fraction of the cost of a gallon of paint, you can purchase sample pints, take them home, and test them out. This will help you judge how a color will look on a larger area better than a swatch can provide. It’s better to spend just a few dollars on a sample than big bucks on gallons only to find out the color won’t work.
· Measure Twice, Paint Once
The fact is that its important to do the math when it comes to your DIY paint job. Of course, you’ll need to know the total area you’re going to paint (add up all the square footage of your walls, including alcoves and dormers, plus a little extra), but you’ll also need to account for multiple coats, primer and the porosity of the walls. It’s best to have some paint left over for repair work later on, so get more than you need.
· Prep Work is Vital
The fact is that the main area where the professional painter contractor will set himself apart from you in any painting project is the prep work and the proper use of painter’s tape. Prep work will be the vast majority of your time spent painting the interior of your home. You’ll need to tape off areas for sharp lines, move furniture and furnishings, repair and patch any imperfections, protect the floors, and remove things like switch plates and doorknobs. At least three-quarters of your time will be spent doing these tasks.
For more information on all there is to know about your home renovations projection, be sure to contact Realty Improvements today.