Painting Tips For Beginners

One of the best ways to reinvigorate a room in your home without breaking the bank is giving it a fresh coat of paint. Most might think it’s as easy as grabbing a few brushes, a bucket of paint and throwing it on the wall, but any professional painter will tell you otherwise. For all you DIYers who are new to painting, here are a few crucial tips to keep in mind.

Prep the Walls

There are several steps you need to take to insure your wall is ready for paint. First, take steps to create the smoothest surface possible by patching holes and sanding away any bumps or imperfections. Next, clean the walls by removing all dust and dirt. Leaving dust and dirt below the painted surface is going to cause peeling, cracking and bubbling down the line, cutting the paint jobs lifespan significantly.

Pick the Right Paint/Brush

Not all paint is created the same, and making sure you are using the right kind is very important. There are two types to choose from: latex-based and oil-based. Oil-based paint requires specific solvents for cleanup and takes longer to dry, but holds up better in high-traffic areas of the house. Working with oil-based paint is generally reserved for professionals. Latex-based paint can be cleaned up with soap and water, dries fast, but will not last quite as long. Latex-based paint is preferred for people with little painting experience.

After picking your paint, make sure you buy the right brushes as well. Oil-based paints require brushes made with natural bristles, as they can hold up well while being cleaned with solvents. Since nylon brushes don’t require solvents for cleanup, they work best with latex-based paint.

Ensure adequate Ventilation

Paint fumes can be dangerous and possibly deadly when proper ventilation is not maintained. It is absolutely necessary to have windows open while painting. Creating a cross breeze by opening an adjacent window or using a fan is optimal. Buying paint with minimized VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) also helps, but does not eliminate the need for constant fresh air.