8 Tips for Painting Your Interior Walls
Are you getting ready for a big DIY painting job? Painting your home is an ambitious project, and if you don’t have a lot of experience with this type of full-scale interior painting, it can be difficult to know where to start. We’re going to help with some basic preparation tips that will allow you to avoid mistakes and messes while speeding up your painting job.
- Prepare Your Space and Walls
First, make sure that your walls and other surfaces are ready. Move everything out of the way so you have easy access to the surface. Clean the surface up – make sure there’s no dirt or cobwebs, and scrub away any dark marks or stains. Then fix any problems that the surface may have: This includes sanding down bumps and filling in cracks or holes.
- Use High-Quality Tools
Don’t get sloppy – prepare by buying the right tools for the job. That includes painting tape, rollers, buckets, protective gear, paint scrapers, and some extra paper towels for cleaning up drips when necessary.
- Know Your Nap
When you go to buy paint rollers (again, we can’t suggest this enough), you’ll quickly find that there are a couple different options to choose from, especially shorter or longer “naps.” Generally speaking, shorter naps are best for smooth interior spaces. Use longer naps if you plan on painting rougher surface, like un-sanded wood.
- Protect Your Furniture
Assume that paint will get everywhere during your project, including the places you don’t want it to! Get some cheap plastic sheets or blankets and cover your furniture and tables. Don’t forget to cover the TV as well!
- Remove Light Switches and Outlet Covers
Don’t forget this critical step! Don’t try to paint around these parts. They’re generally too slim to paint around them effectively, even with finer brushes. If you get a screwdriver and take them off, you will be able to very quickly paint around the holes instead. This saves a whole lot of time.
- Look for Easy Monochromatic Options
Monochromatic color palettes mean choosing a single base color, and then using a few different shades based off that color – some lighter, and some darker. This allows you to use darker or lighter colors in certain areas of your home while still making sure that everything matches.
- Don’t Choose Too Many Colors
Remember, many homes already have focal points like floors or furniture to draw the eye. Choosing too many colors for your house can make it feel very cluttered, confused, and ultimately unpleasant. The eye won’t know where to look! So stick to two or possibly three colors in a particular area.
- Pay Attention to Finishes
Remember, the right finish can add an extra dynamic to your paint colors. Usually, this means choosing a level of “sheen” from flat to high gloss. Which will work better for your home? Glossy paints tend to reflect more light, but they are also more noticeable. Different rooms may benefit from different sheens, or you could choose one sheen for the entire house.
Still having trouble making up your mind? That’s completely normal – but we can help! Call Lions Gate Painting today and get a color consultation. We’ll go over your own needs and plans to find a color scheme that’s just right for your house.