- Don’t forget to prepare your walls
You may be tempted to skip the first step to save time, or you might think that your walls are fine enough to paint. It’s hard to notice dirt, dust and scratches until the paint is dry. You should clean your walls with warm soapy water before you begin. Fill in any holes or cracks with filler, and then wait until it is completely dry. For Plasterers Gloucester, visit pureplasterers.co.uk
- Don’t paint straight from the can
It is a good idea to mix paint in a smaller container before painting, as colours may vary from one can to another. This tip could save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to decorating with the least amount of mess. Imagine knocking over an entire 10 litre paint can. Enough said.
- Don’t overload your brush with paint
The idea of slathering your brush with paint is appealing. This is one of the most common decorating mistakes. This will result in a lumpy paint finish when using a brush. So, don’t let the paint go down more than half the bristles. A roller with too much paint will result in drips. Spread paint lightly around the head of the roller by rolling the tray up and down until the paint is saturated but not dripping.
- Don’t paint in low light
It’s better to wait until the room is brightly lit by natural light before painting it, even if you are in a hurry to finish the project just as the sun sets or it’s stormy and dark outside. Painting in artificial light can result in imperfections and patches that are only visible in bright, natural lighting.
- Do choose the right paint finish
It is important to choose the right paint finish. Mid-sheen, gloss and satin finishes, for example, reflect light.
- Do cut off the edges
Cut in the corners with a brush of one to two inches before you begin painting. It is important to paint the areas too small for rollers first, such as the ceiling, corners, and trim.
- Do paint from top down
For best results, start at the ceiling and work your way down. Start by painting the ceiling and architrave. Paint your walls with a roller, starting at the top and working your way down. Finish off the project with skirting and woodwork.
- Paint for best coverage
You might not get the best results if you just fling your roller around. Apply your paint to the wall in a W’ shape. Fill in any gaps by painting an ‘M-shape’ over the W. Then reload the roller and continue to the next section.
- Seal paint-filled roller heads
Do you paint the same color over a few days? Seal your roller heads with paint in an airtight bag overnight to save time and paint.
