Painting Tips For Every Home Painting Project
I think I wear paint clothes more often than non-paint clothes and I can’t tell you how many times I have gone out to the store with paint in my hair or on my face. What this means for you is that I know my way around all things paint and have many invaluable painting tips to share with you. Painting tips that will help you not only get the job or project done faster, but better, too. These tips range from prep to clean up, to small projects all the way to painting large pieces of furniture. Scroll through the painting tips below to become the expert home decorating painter you have always dreamed of!
Painting Like a Pro: Tips for a Lasting Finish
Don’t rush. Remember to take your time to get it right the first time so you will have a lasting finish. Don’t paint in the dark or with uneven room lighting. You will miss sections and not see drips. More light coats are better than one heavy coat for the best adhesion. Apply the paint and topcoat when the temperature in the room is around 72 – 78 degrees. This will ensure good adhesion and smoothness while allowing the paint to dry in optimal time.
Preparing the Surface: The Key to a Smooth Finish
Going over any surface with 100 – 220 grit sandpaper before painting is always a good thing. It only takes 5 minutes and will ensure proper adhesion. Stir, stir, stir, and stir some more. There’s a reason that you are given a stirrer every time you buy a can of paint. The ingredients can and do separate—make sure to stir when you start to paint, and again every so often while painting. This ensures that the color and consistency of the finish will look great.
Understanding Your Paint: Reading the Can
Read the can. Every type of paint and primer has need-to-know information about the particular formula on the can, along with the timing of coats and the right temperature to ensure proper coverage, adhesion, and drying time. For instance, did you know that joint compound on walls needs to dry for two days before applying primer over it? Save time and frustration in the long run –read the can first.
Choosing the Right Paint: A Guide for Home Decorators
Don’t use a latex paint over a surface that was previously painted with oil paint. Oil paint on trim and doors is quite common in older homes. If you suspect the surface you want to paint is oil based, make sure to use a good primer over it first. It can be a latex primer, but it has to be a product that is made to prepare the surface and help with adhesion. When the primer coats are dry, then you can apply latex paint over it.
Choosing the Right Paint for Your Project
Depending on your budget it is always best to use a quality paint from one of the big brands – Sherwin Williams, Benjamin Moore, KILZ, and others. If you are not sure what paint to buy, check out the the Best Paints I Recommend. The choice of paint also needs to be chosen by the type of surface you are going to be painting. For example to paint an exterior concrete porch floor, you would not use regular exterior latex or oil. The best choice would be a porch and floor paint. Read the paint can’s label to see what surfaces the paint you are considering can be used on.
Hiding Imperfections with Flat Paint
When painting something that is flawed and not perfectly level, use paint in a flat finish. Flat paint does not reflect light, so you don’t see the imperfections and any un-eveness on the surface. I did this in my kitchen under where the light hangs above my kitchen sink. We had to Spackle the area and it wasn’t completely flat. Using a flat paint finish hid the un-eveness.
Durable Finishes for High-Traffic Areas
Rule of thumb when you need a very durable finish for tabletops and items that will get a lot of wear. The harder the finish the better. Look for enamel and/or acrylic on the paint label. Spring for high quality paint and primer. You won’t regret it when you don’t have to repaint every few years.
Achieving a Glossy Finish
For a glossy painted finish: You have two options: Oil-based Gloss creates the most glass-like shine but has a strong odor and long drying time. Latex gloss paint is easier to work with and has less odor, but may not be as shiny as oil-based paint.
Additional Tips for a Flawless Finish
- Always use a high-quality paint from a reputable brand.
- Choose the right type of paint for the surface you are painting.
- Use a primer when necessary to ensure proper adhesion.
- Stir paint regularly to ensure consistency and color.
- Apply paint and topcoat at a temperature between 72-78 degrees.
- Use a flat paint finish to hide imperfections.
- Look for enamel and/or acrylic paint for a durable finish.
- Spring for high-quality paint and primer for a long-lasting finish.
In conclusion, painting like a pro requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. By following these painting tips and tricks, you will be well on your way to becoming an expert home decorating painter. Remember to take your time, prepare the surface properly, and choose the right paint for your project. With these tips and a little practice, you will be able to achieve a flawless finish that will last for years to come.
