Whether you’re painting just one room or your entire house, there are many tips and techniques that make the project go faster and look better. Learn professional painters’ methods and insider tricks to get the beautiful results you want.
Prioritize prep work to ensure a smooth, clean finish. Move furniture or cover it with plastic sheeting, and use drop cloths to protect floors from paint splatters. Visit https://www.simplifypainting.com/ to learn more.
Painting the walls is a great way to transform your home and make it feel like your own. Paint allows you to choose colors that match your style and blend with your decor, or go bold with accent walls.
In addition to being a great way to personalize your home, interior painting is also a practical and economical option for upgrading your living spaces. New colors can hide wall stains and marks, and they can also help your space look larger or cozier.
Using the right paint can make your living room, bedroom, kitchen or any other space feel bigger or smaller by affecting how light reflects off of the wall surface. For example, a darker color will reflect less light and may even make your space appear smaller. In contrast, lighter colors will reflect more light and may make a small space feel larger.
A painter will use a primer to prepare the walls for painting, and they will apply a coat of paint to each wall as needed. They will also sand the walls to smooth out bumps or ridges. They may then choose to lightly sand the walls again after applying their second coat of paint, or they may skip this step.
The final stage of interior painting involves a thorough inspection of the work. This ensures that the painter has followed all of their own guidelines as well as those of the client, resulting in a finished product that enhances the aesthetic of the living or working space.
Another popular interior painting technique is ombre, which involves choosing at least three different shades of the same color. The painter will begin by painting the lightest color over the entire wall as a base coat, then they will paint an intermediate shade in the middle, and finally, they will add the darkest color to the bottom section of the wall. They will then blur the line or edge of the darkest color with a brush when it is still wet. This creates a faded effect that looks beautiful on walls.
Ceilings
The ceiling in a room can transform its atmosphere and make a small space feel cozier, a large space more expansive, or create an inviting ambiance. But painting a ceiling can be more challenging than it is for a wall because of its height and location. Vaulted or tray ceilings can be especially difficult to paint, but with proper preparation and the right approach, the results can be excellent.
As with walls, the first step in painting a ceiling is to prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly. Then apply a coat of primer. Choose a ceiling primer that is formulated to spatter less and has a flat finish to help hide imperfections. Allow the primer to dry per the manufacturer’s instructions.
After the primer has dried, you can begin painting the ceiling. Start in the corner of the room and work your way across the ceiling, using long strokes to ensure a smooth, even finish. If you are also painting the walls, use painters tape to protect them from splatters. When you reach the edge of the ceiling where it meets the wall, cut in with a brush and feather the paint 2 to 3 inches onto the wall.
Once you have painted the entire ceiling, wait for it to dry before moving on to the trim and molding. Remember to clean your tools immediately after using them, while the paint is still wet. This will minimize the amount of time you spend on cleanup afterward and will help your tools last longer.
Once the ceiling has dried, you can bring your furniture back into the room and inspect the finish for any touch-ups that may be necessary. If needed, add another coat of paint to the ceiling, allowing it to dry in between.
Cabinets
Cabinets are often a focal point in a kitchen, and the right paint color can help them stand out and brighten the whole room. To ensure an even look, the cabinets should be primed first. A good tinted primer will match the cabinets’ existing color and seal porous surfaces, allowing the new paint to adhere. Then, you can use a roller for easy-to-reach flat surfaces and a brush to touch up corners or hard-to-reach areas. Be sure to put down drop cloths and cover the backsplash and walls to prevent drips. It is also a good idea to open windows and use fans to keep the air moving while you are painting. It will help the paint dry faster and prevent you from sanding too much.
Before you start to paint, remove all items from your cabinets and place them in categorized bags for easier reassembly. It is also a good idea to place them away from your workspace to protect them from any drips or dust. Then, clean them with warm soapy water and a damp sponge or rag to get rid of dirt, grease, and mildewed spots (if necessary). Use a degreaser like Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) if they are particularly dirty or oily.
Many homeowners are hesitant to paint the interiors of their cabinets, but it is an important project that can significantly improve the overall appearance of the kitchen. It also acts as a protective layer, preventing the wood or laminate from absorbing moisture that could cause warping or deterioration over time. And, as a bonus, it can help increase the home’s resale value. Buyers are drawn to well-maintained homes, and painted cabinet boxes provide a uniform appearance that shows attention to detail.
Doors
A fresh coat of paint on interior doors can add instant appeal to your home. When it comes to painting your door, consider the flooring, wall color, and existing furniture in mind. It’s also important to think about what style of door you want – molded or flush? Then, decide whether or not you want to add hardware. Knobs, plates, and locks can pull a room together and make it feel complete.
It’s better to remove the door from the hinges before you begin, as this allows you to work on it flat and reduces the risk of paint drips. However, if you don’t have enough open floor space or time to move the door off-site, it’s possible to paint it while it’s still attached to the hinges. If you decide to do this, be sure to protect the floor by covering it with a tarp and stuffing it underneath two sawhorses.
Before you start painting, clean the surface and sand it lightly with a sanding sponge. This helps the new paint adhere to the surface. If you’re reusing the doorknob, plate, and lock mechanism, be sure to remove them ahead of time and place them in marked bags for easy reassembly.
Once you’ve prepped the surface, apply a thin coat of high-quality primer and allow it to dry completely. Then, sand the surface again with a sanding sponge. Once again, be sure to sand the front and back of the door as well as the top and bottom edges. Lightly sanding the surface will help you avoid scuffing off the pre-primed surface and ensure a smooth, professional finish. After sanding, wipe the surface down with a damp cloth and remove any masking tape. Once the new paint is dry, you can reattach the hardware and enjoy your newly painted interior door!
Trim
Whether you are in search of a simple refresh or a full room makeover, a new coat of paint can dramatically enhance your living environment. It provides a renewed aesthetic, showcases personal style, and protects walls from moisture, dust, and daily wear. However, while painting seems like a straightforward and relatively inexpensive home improvement project, achieving professional results requires careful planning, preparation, and execution.
Before beginning the actual painting process, you should patch and repair any chips, cracks, or dents in your trim moldings, and sand rough areas to create a smooth surface. This is important to ensure that the paint adheres properly and looks clean and crisp once it dries. You should also clear the area around the painting area to allow for easy access and plenty of space for ladders, paint supplies, and workers. Be sure to provide adequate ventilation, especially if working with oil-based paints or primers, to avoid harmful fumes and dust.
Once your trim has been prepared, you should apply a coat of primer to protect the wood and help your paint last longer. Once the primer dries, it is a good idea to sand again for a smooth finish before you begin painting. It is always best to use a low VOC primer and paint when applying to interior surfaces.
Once your trim is ready, you can choose a color that reflects your personality and the feel of your room. Light colors can brighten and open up a space, while softer hues can transform it into a calming sanctuary. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can try a high-contrast dark-colored trim for a bold, contemporary look.
