Preparing the Room - Step by Step
Step 1 - The best way to paint a room is to start with it being entirely empty. If this is not possible begin by pushing everything, including window treatments, to the center of the room. Cover with drop cloths. Place a large trash can in the middle of the room, lined with plastic, to keep your work space clean and ready for any mishaps.
Step 2 - Turn off electrical power to safely remove all switch plates, fixtures and outlets. If painting the ceiling with a ceiling fixture, drop its canopy allowing it to rest on the chandelier or fan. If applicable, remove door knobs.
Step 3 - Clean and repair wall. For dirt and grease spots, use TSP (trisodium phosphate). This is a non soap cleaner that needs no rinsing for spot cleaning. Dust down the rest of the wall with a dry rag. Next, repair any dents, dings or small holes in the wall.
Once repair is completed, vacuum entire room, including the walls and base boards.
Step 4 - Tape off areas to protect using the painter's tape. This tape is specifically designed to leave no sticky residue on wall. Choose blue tape for latex paint applications. The purple is for the alkyds.
The secret to painter's tape is to pull it off immediately after painting. Removing it while the paint is still wet will allow you to deal with smears and drips before the paint dries. By letting the paint dry with the tape, could cause the paint to peel with the tapes removal.
Painting the Room - Step by Step
Step 1 - Always keep fresh air circulating. All paint is toxic, to some degree. The best days to paint are ones with low humidity and open window opportunities. Consider a mask and goggles as well.
Step 2 - Unless you have just returned from the paint store, stir the paint to ensure pigment consistency.
Step 3 - If painting the ceiling is in your design scheme, start there. Start with edges and then, using an extension bar, finish the rest of the surface. Avoid using a ladder to paint; it's hard to paint evenly.
Step 4 - When loading a brush, dip into the paint up to 1/3 of the brushes bristles. Tap - don't scrape the excess paint off the brush.
Step 5 - To avoid wrist fatigue, hold the brush like a pencil when applying paint to wall. When working around windows and trim, blend the paint out as you move away from the trim. Leaving a crisp edge will be harder to cover up with the roller.
Step 6 - Finish the large surfaces with a roller. Roll the roller into the paint tray until the paint covers all sides without dripping. Begin applying on wall using a "W" type pattern. Go over the wall again with long floor to ceiling finishing strokes to even out the application.
Step 7 - If touch ups need to be done, give the paint 24 hours to dry.
Paint is the most affordable way to dramatically change the look of any room. By applying these painting steps to your living space will ensure a result that you will be delighted with.
How to Paint The Room
Enjoy a Steady Stream of Frugal Home Design Interior Inspiration by Signing Up to Receive Our Frugal Home Design eNewsletter Today!
Frugal Home
Design.com
