How to Paint a Room

As with most household projects, there is usually a difficult and an easy way. The simpler path does not always yield great results. This principle also applies to house painting. If you choose to paint your own home instead of hiring a professional painter, time-saving suggestions and proper use of equipment and products will be of great assistance. Here are a few tips for a high-quality result:

The Tools and Materials Necessary

Painting takes more than just grabbing a roller. You need really good prep work before going the DIY way while painting. You need buckets, drop cloths, a flexible putty knife, a stepladder, a long-handled roller, a paintbrush, a paint tray, a roller frame, and a sponge. When it comes to materials, you need trim paint, ceiling paint, masking paper, color samples, stir sticks, stain-blocking primer, painter’s tape, TSP or another heavy-duty wall cleaner, two 6-in.-nap roller sleeves, and a wall spackling compound.

Choosing the Right Paint Color

You should ask yourself this question: How do I choose a paint color? You can try heading down to a paint store or home center and have them mix three or four color samples for you. Then, you should test your color samples on different parts of the room. This way, you get a feel for the paint colors. Keep in mind that different lighting in your room will change the color dramatically.

Choosing the Correct Paint Finish

There are a few types of paint color finishes. Gloss finish is the most light-reflective of any paint alternatives. It’s easily washable, and it’s perfect for painting doors, cabinets, or wood trim. Semi-gloss finish is somewhat durable, and reflective, and it can help in areas that require regular cleaning. It’s perfect for closet doors, utility areas, bathrooms, and kitchens. Satin finish, on the other hand, has just a little shine so it’s easily cleaned. It’s perfect for high-traffic areas like living rooms, kids’ bedrooms, entryways, and hallways. Choose matte and flat finishes if you want to apply paint that easily absorbs the light instead of reflecting it. They work great on walls with imperfections and bumps.

Adequate Prep Work

Preparation work is key when it comes to painting. Tape down the masking paper to the floor and carpet along the baseboards. This way, you protect them from spills and splatters. You need to prep the walls and trim too, and remember to always apply a coat of primer over the patched areas before painting. Removing switch plates and outlets will also make painting easy.

Taping and painting along the edges of your walls is one of the most difficult parts. Taping the perimeter of the ceiling will avoid roller and brush marks, resulting in a nice clean line between the ceiling and the walls. After painting, you should score along the edge of the tape where it meets the wall. Use your putty knife to do this, and then peel the tape from the trim and baseboards. Always clean your rollers and brushes with hot soapy water. Good luck!