Painting is both work and fun at the same time. It could be a past-time activity during the weekends or it could be a second job to earn a little cash. However, if you are going to engage yourself in painting, you should learn some trade secrets to the craft. These secrets make your work faster, smarter and neater. Painting can be a bit messy when you don’t know the rules to follow, so here are some expert steps to help you get through your painting.
1. Sandpaper rough surfaces
When you paint, the goal is to have a smooth coat all over and not bumpy spots. Some surfaces expand and leave bumps on the surface of your walls or ceilings due to heat and moisture. To get a perfect coat of paint on such a surface, you need to smoothen the surface out. The sandpaper helps you work this magic. It has a grit surface with which you remove or flatten patches, nail holes, creating a blend on the surface. So, before you start, take care of the contours.
2. Choose colors for paint
Choosing the perfect color can be a daunting task for many. There are a variety of colors out there to select from, and one can get easily overwhelmed. Choosing the proper paint sheen or finish is everything when it comes to painting. Paint sheens come in different forms, from high gloss to flat sheen. Depending on the part of the home, the choice of paint matters. Some paints, when dry, allow you to clean your walls easily, and these could work perfectly for the high traffic areas of the home. Others are pretty good at hiding imperfections on walls. It is essential to check out the different sheens, what they do, and where they fit before making your paint choice. It is okay to seek professional help if it gets too intimidating.
3. Buy high-quality brushes
When you buy quality brushes, they could last a lifetime. Do not negotiate the quality of your paintbrushes because it also affects the quality of your painting. Some paintbrushes begin to pull out during painting, leaving you a poor finish with strands of brushes on the wall. The type of paintbrush also determines how well the paint blends with the surface of the walls. More so, if your painting is a job, you would want to deliver the best quality to your customer. It saves you the cost of having to replace brushes frequently.
4. Cover furniture and switches
The cleaning up after the job can be stressful when the paint spills on too many objects. It is also a bit difficult moving property in and out of places you want to paint. The best option is to cover them with plastic sheets and tape the bottom to protect them. You should cover the switches and sockets, so they don’t get smeared.
5. Paint from up top to bottom
Painting any other way can be tiring and produce the wrong result. So, after you have cut in your edges and base using the brush, allow your roller to finish the job by rolling from top to bottom. Ensure you finish painting one wall before going to another. While painting from top to bottom, you might spill some paint, so it is wise to use canvas drop cloths.
Make sure you use an extension pole or rod, so you don’t hurt your back. Take breaks in between to stretch your arms and exercise your neck.
Are you planning on painting your home or picking up a painting job? You would do great if you followed the expert tips in this article.
