DIY: How to Paint a Room Properly

April 01, 2018

picture from google.com

Planning on painting your house yourself?
Have a room in mind you would like to repaint?
Here are some tips to guide you through the process:

Prep the room.

1. First, get organized before you start painting. Make sure you move all furniture out of your way or cover them to prevent any damage from the paint. Lay drop cloths to cover the floor. Remember to always work from the top down. If you're painting an entire room, start from the ceiling, then the walls. It is suggested to paint large areas like walls before painting the trim because you will work more quickly when covering open areas.

2. Make sure the area you're working on is completely smooth, free of any dents, chips, or cracks. Patch any imperfections with Spackle or drywall compound. For larger cracks, cut away enough drywall in order to create a patch. Allow the patches to dry, then sand to create a smooth surface. Using a damp sponge, wash dust off the walls before painting.

3. Prep the room by removing all electrical switch and outlet covers. Use painter's tape to mask around windows and woodwork such as ceiling moldings and door frames. Using good quality painter's tape is suggested for it leaves a sharper paint line and easier to remove. When applying the tape, run a plastic tool over the edge to fasten it firmly and keep the paint from seeping underneath.

Make sure to only paint on clean, dry surfaces. If the weather is damp, close all windows and run the air conditioner or dehumidifier before paining. Another option is to wait for more favorable weather conditions. The best day to paint is on a bright sunny day with low humidity. Good ventilation is crucial, so while you work, open windows or run fans to provide constant supply of fresh air. This will help to dry the paint more quickly.

Start Painting!

4. It is now time to paint. Load the roller with paint. First dampen the roller cover with a wet rag to help the paint load. To make sure the paint is distributed evenly onto the roller, dip a little ways into the paint and roll onto a grid or liner a few times to even it out. Do not submerge the roller.

5. Start a few inches away from the edge and roll the paint on the ceiling or wall in a zig-zag pattern. Overlap your lines and go slow to avoid any paint spatter. Do not press and squeeze the roller against the wall to get more paint out of it. Simply just reload.

Work in 4-foot sections. For walls, work at the top, then the bottom.

6. To remove buildup and runs, lightly roll over the painted area from the ceiling down to the floor.

7. Apply two coats painting one wall at a time.

Painting the Trim.

8. After the walls are completely dry, apply painter's tape along the edge of the wall. Press it down with a plastic putty knife. Paint the trim with a brush. Carefully remove the tape shortly after painting - do not wait for the paint to dry completely.

9. Let your newly painted walls dry completely.

10. Enjoy your freshly painted, new room!

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