Pulling off a professional paint job can be a tricky task. There are some tricks to the trade that not many people know about. Read on to discover a few secrets paint experts use that can help you get the flawless look you want.
Measure the area before you purchase paint. One gallon of paint typically covers about 400 square feet of a room. If you plan on using two coats of paint, double the amount!
Buy premium paints.This will save you time and money in the long run. Cheaper paints may require more than two coats and often do not withstand the test of time. It is better to spend more now than to fork out extra money later.
Clean surfaces before you paint. If you are working on an exterior surface, it is important to power wash the surface to remove dirt, dust, and mold buildup. Once the area is dry, painting can begin. For interior projects, wipe dirty walls down with a degreaser to remove build up. Even if your walls appear to be clean, it is still a good idea to use a degreaser. Any dirt left behind can prevent paint from adhering to a surface properly.
Seal painters tape with a putty knife. This will keep paint from bleeding through to the surface you are trying to protect. It will also allow for a more seamless removal of the tape when the painting is completed.
Complete one wall before starting another. This means paint the corners and trim, called “cutting in” by painting pros, and then roll on color to the rest of the wall immediately after. If you cut in on each individual wall and then go back and roll on color, the corners and trim of a room will appear darker, as the paint has already dried. Paint blends together more easily when the paint is applied all at once, and how the pros get a seamless finish on walls.
Paint with a loaded brush. Dip the paint brush of your choice into the paint bucket, about 1.5 inches or so. Then, begin painting. Most homeowners dip their brush, then wipe excess paint off onto the sides of the bucket. Instead, try dipping the brush, then lightly tapping off larger drips of paint. The brush should be loaded when you take it to the wall to get the most out of your dip.
For consistent color, box paint. Combine the amount of paint that you have for a room and store it in a large bucket. Stirring the gallons of paint together, a process the pros refer to as boxing, helps with paint color consistency.
For more professional help with any interior or exterior painting project, contact the experts at CertaPro Painters of Newton.
