You’ve made the decision to update your bedroom with a new paint job. The New Year is on the horizon and you’ve got some vacation time coming up, but no plans to travel. Let’s Do It!
You can hire a professional painter. You can. But you’ll have to pay – not just for the supplies – but the service. If you’ve got the budget for it, go for it! But if you’re invested in making an investment without “shooting your wad” as Memaw would say, you can have the look of a professional and keep it in a reasonable price range; and with the money you save not hiring a professional you can splurge on your supplies. Here are some steps to success in a DIYPro Paint Job.
Oh Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun, Please Shine Down On Me
Okay, the dead of winter probably isn’t the ideal time to paint, but as long as the sun is out and the climate dry, then you’re set for some quick room reno. Before you move furniture, buy paint, do anything check the weather to plan an attack. Humidity automatically increases the time it takes to dry paint. If, however, this is a project you want done and have only this weekend to do it, be sure to take your time. While you’re taking things, take advantage of slow drying paint and correct the mistakes before leaving it to dry and prep for the next coat. Be gentle with your mistakes and don’t keep fixing it. Just like overworking your dough can affect the texture of a bread, overworking your paint will show in the final product.
Be Prepared
(You know you sang that in your best Scar impersonation)
Painting is a great update because compared to other projects, it can be done in a weekend. But to do it right, you have to take the time and attention to detail to heart and prepare fully before cracking that paint can open and diving in. The night before you get to work, move all the furniture to the middle of the room. Cover every area where you don’t want paint with drop clothes (plastic ones from any hardware store work just fine and, if taken care of, can be reused time and time again, and they’re incredibly cheap). Do it all before you hit the hay and you’ll be ready to go first thing in the morning!
This also includes cleaning the walls. Any uneven surfaces or chips in the wall need to be lightly sanded and cleaned first. Grease or other stains need to be completely removed. Any debris that can catch in the paint will create an unwanted texture in an otherwise smooth and seamless paint job.
Invest in the Investment
I’m not saying go to the fancy pants Your Paint Sample Will Be $20 And This Roll Of Tape Is A Steal At $45 A Foot store. But the right kind of paint, primer, and other tools are worth it. The drop cloths… as mentioned earlier, the thin, plastic clothes that come in bundles of 3 for a dollar are perfectly fine. If you get a roller stick to reach high places, you don’t need to baller out on that either. But a brush that won’t shed while you paint, and tape that seals out leaks – as well as a quality, trusted paint – are all worth spending that extra dime.
Know Your Nap
No, not when you’ll take a nap in the process, but the thickness in covering of your paint roller. The type of surface will determine your nap needs. Know this when you go in to purchase supplies and inform your salesperson so they can point you in the right direction.
Perform the Process Properly
How you paint will affect the outcome of your new flip. List form for clarity:
- Remove switchplates and outlet covers. Much better than taping and cutting around them.
- Always use a primer. The best canvas is a blank canvas.
- Edges and corners first. Frame your walls then fill in the blanks
- Paint from the Top Down. If you have drips you can fix them as you work down.
If you have the time to spread the work out over a weekend, do. Fix imperfections on the wall, clean the surface, and prime on the first day, then add the color on the second day and you can have your life restored by Monday with a fresh, new look for your home.
