Looking to brighten up dull walls, create a new look with a splash of colour, or cover up old and tired walls? Whatever your reason, applying a new lick of paint can make an enormous difference. Read more to get some tips for how to get this job done well.
Prep your walls
Once you’ve decided what area you want to paint, you will need to prep it. This includes scraping, sanding, patching, and filling every hole, crack, dent, or surface imperfection. Although this may seem time consuming, it is the most important part of the painting process to ensure a smooth, professional and long lasting finish.
Choose your colour
When thinking of what colour to paint your walls, it’s generally a good idea is to choose a colour that will blend into the room well, based on the current furniture, flooring and accessories. As a simple rule of thumb, usually lighter colours go up top (eg: ceiling), medium shades go on walls, and the darkest colours are reserved for the carpets/flooring. Rules are made to be broken, however, and a bold statement wall could be used to reflect your personality and preference. Tip: Colours that are close to one another on the colour wheel generally work well together.
Primer is essential
If you’re painting a new wall or wish to paint over a darker colour, you will need to use primer. Primer is recommended as it hides stains and improves paint adhesion, reducing peeling. Tip: You can tint your primer to match your top coat colour, by adding a sample of it to the primer.
Cover your work surface
Large pieces of plastic or newspaper are inexpensive ways to protect floors and furnishings from paint spatter, however, canvas drop cloths are the most durable. Unlike plastic, they have the ability to absorb paint drips, and can be easily folded around corners and doorways, for ease of use. Whatever you choose, make sure to cover your ground surface before painting, as many paints are not water soluble and could stain your floors, or become very difficult to remove, if spilled.
Bring your brush to walls
You are now ready for the fun part – seeing your walls come to life with colour! The best place to start painting is the edges of the walls, using an angled brush. Thereafter, using a roller, begin painting the area in the centre of the wall. Roll the paint onto the wall, repeating an up and down motion, until the wall is covered with paint. When the roller starts to make a peeling, sticky sound on the wall, it’s time for another application of paint.
Final steps
Allow the paint to dry fully, by leaving for a few hours. Finish off any trim with a contrasting colour to make it stand out or the same colour if you are looking for a more blended effect. You can do this freehand if you’re comfortable, or use masking tape (on the dry section) to make sure you stay in the lines. Finally touch up with a second coat of paint, if necessary.
Tip: Colours that are close to one another on the colour wheel generally work well together.
