Painting Tips for Homeowners

It’s amazing the difference a coat of paint can make on a space. Whether you just want a fresh coat of paint on a room you already love, or you’re looking to completely transform a room with a new colour, there are a few things you should know before you get started. (This advice is helpful for anyone who just moved into a home, or is starting to prep a home to sell). The experts at HGTV gave their list of painting tips for homeowners.

Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before Painting Your Space

Source: hgtv.ca

Primed and Ready

While you may be really excited to get those new colours on the walls ASAP, do not skip the primer - it preps walls for pigment and hides any discolouration. For panelled or super-stained walls, opt for an oil-based primer, while walls with new drywall should get a coat of water-based primer instead.

 

All in Hand

Painting walls is a lot of work, so you won’t want to lose momentum once you’ve started. To cut down on hardware-store runs, make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need beforehand, especially the less obvious items such as a paint can opener, stir sticks, and a roller extension pole.

 

Tough Mudder

Before you buy any paint, think about the area where you’re putting it and what its needs are. Walls and trim in high-traffic areas, such as the mudroom or entryway, are going to have to contend with muddy boots and dog paws, so having a product made to withstand wear and tear makes sense.

 

Roll Tape

To help protect architectural features you’re not planning on painting, pull out a roll of painter’s tape. Stick it along baseboards, wall trim or sconces to keep drips from going where they’re not welcome. Tip: fully remove power outlet covers rather than taping them.

 

Colour Wheel

If you really want to see how a paint colour will look in a room, it’s best to test it out directly on the wall. Pick up at least three sample pots of different shades of the same colour family - your favourite might surprise you. Tip: Check out the room throughout the day to see how the light changes the colours.

 

Squeaky Clean

To avoid getting dirt, fluff or cobwebs stuck in the paint, make sure the walls are super clean before starting. Use a vacuum or thick cleaning cloth, paying particular attention to the kitchen and bathroom, where you should wash the walls with a soapy solution to breakdown built-up grime.

Read more tips here.