Most homeowners possess some DIY knowledge which will stand them in good stead when it comes to home improvements. Basic painting tips include stirring the paint and using drop cloths and painting tape. However, there are many more simple practices to follow to ensure that any painting project is as successful as possible.
Knowledge of a few additional painting tips, such as correct paint storage and proper use of tools and equipment, will give a more satisfying result. With a few amendments to painting techniques, considerable time and money savings can be made on the paint job and improve the quality of the work, whether it is routine home maintenance or in preparation of selling the property.
If the interior paint project seems insurmountable or there are time constraints, enlisting a professional painting and decorating company could be the answer. Scott Anson Painters works within both the private and commercial sectors across the full spectrum of decorating services, including interior painting. The company delivers high levels of technical competence with minimal disruption to clients, taking the stress out of home improvements.
For homeowners committed to persevering with their paint project, looking after the paint should be one of the first considerations. A half-empty tin of paint can easily dry out, but there are handy tips to follow to avoid this. Dropping a few golf balls into the tin will fill up the empty air space and prevent the paint from drying out. Alternatively, wrapping cling film under the lid will have a similar effect.
When painting a newly plastered wall, a water-based primer should be used to provide an even base and hide any imperfections before applying colour. If painting panelling or damaged walls, consider an oil-based primer. Lap marks are the bane of the perfectionist painter and happen when painting over paint that has already dried, creating marks in the paintwork. To avoid this, paint over a wet edge by painting floor to ceiling and then moving across slightly to overlap the paint stroke.
To add texture to a paint job, choose a roller with a long, ¾” nap, which holds more paint. The nap is the fabric covering over the roller; a longer one creates more stippling in the paint because of the way it is distributed on the walls. A shorter nap will give the smoothest finish.
A final tip for an interior painting project is to look after the brushes and rollers. For latex-based paint used on a job that is not finished in one day, painting implements can be wrapped in plastic bags or tin foil and stored in the fridge. Because latex paint does not dry out in cool temperatures, this will prevent them from drying out. Remember to warm them back up to room temperature before the next use.