Painting is one of the easiest ways to spruce up a room. It’s a relatively inexpensive improvement and easy to fix in the event of a mistake. However, before you grab your roller and get started, follow our tips to learn how to paint like a pro and make your project a success.
Prep the Surfaces to Paint Like a Pro
So that you end up with a neatly painted wall, start by preparing the surface. While this does take some extra time, it is an important first step. Using a putty knife, fill holes, cracks, and dents with a spackling paste. Once it dries completely, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the spackled areas.
Wipe the walls with a damp cloth to remove dust from the walls before painting. If there are any grease stains, wash them off with soap or a degreaser before rinsing. You’ll need fewer coats of paint when you apply a primer to the wall first.
Use Drop Cloths
Cover your floors, furniture, and hardware before starting your painting project to protect them from dust and paint. A plastic drop cloth is an inexpensive way to protect your belongings, however, it is better to invest in canvas for floors. Professionals use canvas drop cloths because the fabric is durable, absorbent, slip-resistant, and unlikely to tear.
To protect trim, apply blue painter’s tape around window frames and moldings. Apply firm pressure to prevent paint from bleeding through.
Remove Outlet Covers to Paint Like a Pro
For a cleaner finish, remove the light switch and outlet covers rather than taping them. Place the covers and the screws in a plastic bag so they’re all in one place. If the screws or covers are different sizes, place each pair in a separate bag and label them.
Buy Quality Supplies
Purchase quality supplies for the best painting results. Do not choose cheap brushes, roller covers, or painter’s tape. Spend the money on quality paint and invest in a good roller, too. A high-quality roller provides excellent coverage, so you don’t waste time and paint.
Buy an extendable paint roller or find a roller that lets you attach a longer handle to the base so you can reach the ceiling without climbing a ladder. Quality paint is durable and provides the best coverage when used with the right supplies.
How to Paint Like a Pro: Box Paint
The same paint color may still vary from can to can. Buy all the paint you need at once and instead of using one gallon at a time, put all of the paint into a large container and mix it thoroughly. This process is called boxing your paint and will ensure your color is consistent from start to finish.
With the right supplies and tips for painting, you’ll be well on your way to achieving great results.
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