A great way to obtain a fresh look in a room is by painting it. By changing the color, the texture, or the finish you can change the whole vibe. It’s impressive to think that such an easy job can have such an impact in your room. Follow this how-to guide and become an expert.
First, you need to do some choosing. Which color do you want? What finish do you want? What pattern do you want? Where do you want to paint? which texture do you want to achieve? Those and many other questions need to be answered for you to get hands on and do the job. Once you’ve decided, the following steps will guide you through the fun part.
Essentials
- Your chosen color
- A small angled paint brush at around 2’’ wide
- A paint roller and tray
- A damp sponge
- Something (canvas sheet/trash bags) to protect the floors and furniture that can’t be moved out of the space
- Primer and Undercoat
- Tape (painter’s tape or masking tape)
- A ladder
- A paint kettle
Optional
- Sandpaper
- A flat scraper tool
Preparational Steps
1. Get the Room Ready
We recommend you move as much furniture as possible from the room. If there are any objects that can’t be moved, then we recommend you to cover them up. Plastic (trash bags) or cloth (old bedsheets/canvas sheets) will do.
Once you’ve covered those objects, it’s better to play it safe and secure them with tape, that way you can be sure that they will be covered up perfectly for you to focus on the important part: painting.2. Cover up the Imperfections
If you want to achieve an even finish, then any holes from wall art or light fixtures need to be covered up. This is done by taking a small amount of filler with the edge of your scraper, holding it at a 45-degree angle against the wall and applying it to the hole. Then, by holding the scraper at a 90-degree angle against the wall, remove the excess. Once you’ve done that, wait for it to dry off (each filler has its own drying time), afterwards, smooth to perfection your wall by using the fine sandpaper.
3. Wash your Wall
Using your damp sponge wash your wall with sugar soap or diluted washing up liquid. This will make the paint last longer and look better, so it is worth doing. Just wash and wait for it to dry off.
4. Tape
Use your tape (painter’s tape or masking tape) around the edges, cover up anything you don’t wish to paint (light fixtures (REFERENCE), doors, plug sockets…)
Painting Steps
1. Patch Prime the Holes
This step isn’t necessary of you’re painting onto existing paint. But if that isn’t your case then if would be great if you dilute some of the chosen paint to patch prime the holes that you’ve filled by covering the imperfections.
2. Mix It Up
Stir your paint in a paint kettle for about 3 minutes as that will ensure you that is has been properly mixed.
3. Paint
You can let loose and paint as you wish, but if you want a technique then it would be recommended to star off by doing the edges delicately as that will frame your space; then, you can take your roller and give the whole wall a coat by doing a v-shaped motion.
4. Wait for it to Dry
The drying process can take up to 6 hours, but you can help the process by adding a fan to the room. Repeat the coating process as many times as necessary, with the same 6 hours of drying time between coats.
After the Paint Job
1. Remove the Tap
It’s time for the most satisfying part of it all: the tape removal. Have fun with it!
2. Uncover your Furniture
Take off the plastic/cloth off your furniture, sit down and take in what you’ve done. Your room has a fresh new look all thanks to you!
Want to know more? Download our FREE eBook
Before you get started, download our eBook to learn more about how to get your project started.