For veterans in the painting business and maybe DIYers, painting is regarded as a popular project. It is easy to do, painless, affordable, and if you make a mistake while painting, it is relatively easy to fix. But, as easy as it seems you can’t just get your paint, roller and brush and get right into it. Before you start painting, you must have a good idea of how you plan on approaching the task. In this article, we will be showing you the necessary steps you need to take to ensure you achieve your best work while painting your room. You will find below the best way to paint a room.
Table of Contents
Plan your approach
Having the right approach can determine if your project will be a success or not. If you don’t have the right approach, then the project is already a disaster before it starts. So, the first step in planning your approach is to have a clear image of how you want the finished project to look like when you are done. It is best to keep in mind that the four walls of your room don’t necessarily need to have the same colour, so be creative. In doing all this, always remember to consider that there is a ceiling, and it might need some refreshing.
Choose the colour that suits you
Sometimes the colour we choose can decide our mood, and it is always important you choose what best defines your mood. You should also take into consideration the surrounding furniture so that you can complement it. Once you consider all this, you should have a clear idea of what you are looking for, so you can take samples and compare. Thankfully, paint companies with the help of technology can allow you to try different shades and colours on your room, and that will give you a better idea of what you want.
Select your tools and materials
There are varieties of tools available that will be needed to carry out your painting job. The paint you choose and the type of wall you have are part of the conditions to determine the tools to be needed. Below is a list of tools that might be needed to carry out a successful painting project.
- Paint
- Paint roller and paint edger tools
- Paint roller extension pole
- Drop cloths
- Paintbrushes or paint sprayer
- Paint tray
- Sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Rags
- Putty knife
Know how much paint will be needed
The general rule of thumb is one gallon per 400 square feet, according to Carl Minchew if it is the exterior of your house or a powder room. If you want to get a precise calculation, especially if you are working in large projects, it is preferred you use a paint calculator. Paint calculators take into account the measurements of the windows and doors; an example is the Benjamin Moore or Pratt & Lambert paint calculator. Additional paint will most likely be needed when you are planning on whitewashing a charcoal-grey wall.
The walls and rooms should be prepared
Before you start painting, you should empty the room by removing all the furniture to avoid damaging anything with paint. If you don’t have anywhere to take the furniture to, don’t worry because you can cover it with a piece of cloth or nylon, and you can also do the same for the floor. On the edges of the room, base and corner, you need to tape them with a painter tape so that they don’t get stained while you are painting. The same thing also should be done for light switch and any electrical outlet.
Time to mix your paint
Mixing your paint is not as difficult as some people make you believe it is quite fun and doesn’t take much of your time. The only difficulty you will encounter while trying to mix your paint is trying to avoid stains. Firstly, you will need a wooden paint stick to stair the paint, and this should be done often while you are painting. If you plan on using more than one gallon of paint, you should get all the paint into one large bowl and mix, just in case, there is any colour variation.
Know which technique you want to use
Knowing your technique or method, you want to use while painting is very important because it has a huge role to play in the outcome of your job. At this point you have your paint mixed and your roller ready to get to work. You should start from the ceiling and work your way towards the end of the room, but if you are planning on getting a bold focal wall, then the method of panting will be different. In the case where you want to cover up your dark wall with a brighter colour, then you will need to have three coats which will include your premier and two coats of the intended new colour. While painting, it is important you don’t rush and face one section at a time. If you rush it then, you might not get the intended result.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is very important while painting because some paints contain chemicals that can be harmful to the body if they are inhaled. Also, the drying process can be faster with proper ventilation.
Clean Up
Cleaning up the work surface and the environment around you is necessary when the painting is completed. The painter’s tape and nylons which were used to prevent paints from dropping on sensitive materials or surface should be removed. You can use soap and water or mineral spirits, all depending on the kind of paint.
Time
Having adequate time for your project is also vital to the success of your project. In reality, the amount of time needed to paint a room depends mainly on the size of the room. The method of painting and your skill level also have a part to play in determining the time you will spend in one room. It would be best if you also considered the preparation time and cleanup time while trying to fix an adequate time.