Homes are our comfort places, where we experience the most personal moments. For such an important part of us, we must ensure the best in every aspect, be it the furniture we place or the paint we choose.
The basic care a home, or any property for that matter, needs is Painting. With just one coat of fresh paint, we can enliven our space and mood. But unfortunately, some paint jobs quickly fade out. This makes you re-paint over and again, which costs a lot.
Knowing how to paint a building that lasts for a long time is a much-needed lesson for many. It saves unnecessary waste of time, effort, and dollars. So, here is the very essential guide to learning the art of painting a home.
A. Get the Essentials Ready
Adequate preparation is crucial for paintwork. So, don’t even touch a paintbrush until and unless you get everything ready.
- Examine the property: What is the current condition of your home? Check if the surfaces have any cracks, peeling paint, or water damage. If you find these issues, you need to address them first before painting.
- Ensure selecting a suitable paint: The quality of the paint comes first. Go for a high-quality one to make it last longer. Then, look for additional features, such as weather resistance or washability.
- Gather necessary materials: If you are doing a DIY, you need to prepare a list of needed supplies, such as drop cloths and paint rollers. Otherwise, you can leave it to the professional painters in Point Cook.
- Clean, repair, and prep the place: The space needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you do anything else. Remove dirt, dust, and mildew, and repair any imperfections on the surface. Fill the cracks and sand the rough spots. In some cases, peeling off the old paint is necessary for the better adhesion of the new coat.
- Tape the boundaries: Paint jobs can get messy sometimes, resulting in tiring after-cleanups. So, make sure to use painter’s tape and build the boundaries for the surfaces you need to paint. Additionally, lay drop cloths on the floor, windows, and furniture to protect them from accidental paint spills.
Now, your home is all set to receive its fresh coat of paint and return to its thriving ambience.
B. Prime the Surface
Many may consider primer to be dispensable, especially in DIY projects. But it’s not the truth. Your surfaces need a primer as the bases for many reasons. One, it improves adhesion between the wall and the paint; two, it spreads the paint evenly on the surface; and three, primer helps in making your paint last longer.
Therefore, no professional painter in Point Cook skips this vital step. You shouldn’t either. Also, double-check if you are using the correct primer. Here’s a small checklist:
- Matches the surface type
- Suitable for the area (interior vs. exterior)
- Compatible with the paint type (water-based vs. oil-based)
Checking these three aspects while selecting the primer is rather helpful. If possible, do sample testing; apply the primer on a small section of the surface and confirm it works as expected.
C. Use the Right Painting Techniques
After the essential preparation is over, you can get to the actual painting part of the process. However, you must use the right painting techniques to achieve long-lasting results.
Follow this process. While you may not become professional overnight, following these techniques can still get you great results.
- Cut in: Start by outlining the edges and corners of the surface with a brush before using a roller. This is called the ‘cutting in’ technique, which can help create crisp lines and prevent overlapping marks.
- Roll: Rollers are ideal for large, flat surfaces like walls and ceilings. These are also easier to work with than normal paint brushes. After cutting in and creating boundaries, use a roller and fill the area inside. Make a “W” or “M” pattern first and roll it out evenly for a smooth finish.
- Multiple coats: Apply multiple thin coats rather than one thick layer of paint. This is to ensure better overall coverage, durability, and professional look. Even if you make any mistakes during one coat, you can correct them during the next one.
D. The Finishing Touches
How you finish the job is equally important as how you begin it. These few final steps make a significant difference in the longevity of your paint.
- Cure and dry: Give ample time for the paint to cure and dry between coats as well as after the job. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to find out the adequate drying times for the products you selected.
- Store leftover paint: If you have any paint left after the job, make sure to store it somewhere safely in a dry and cool place. It can be used to touch up surfaces in the future if need be.
- Regular maintenance: Taking regular care of your surfaces is important to prolong the life of the paint. Clean the surfaces with a mild detergent occasionally. Dry it with a soft cloth. Also, touch up with the leftover paint if any imperfections arise with time.
Find the Best Painters in Point Cook
Painting a building, interior or exterior, is a big hassle. So, it is worthwhile to go for a professional service. If you agree, connect with Sunny Dayz Painting, one of the best people to get your home painted by.
Be it your fence, interiors, or commercial building, they can replace the dull with vibrant colours and enhance the environment around you. So, feel free to contact them for any painting requirements.
Happy Painting!
Read more: What to Paint Your Walls if You Have White Kitchen Cabinets