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 Like any DIY project, the key to quality work is
having the right tools. With attention to the right tools, painting
doesn’t have to be so scary. You will want to choose tools based on
the surface you are painting, the type of paint you are using, and
the size of the project.
Color wheel:
Before finalizing a paint color, consider the furniture and rugs
already in the room, as well as adjacent walls. Pick a color that
fits your space. For a large room you can play with colors and
combination of colors. In a small room it is better to use light
colors.
Tape paint samples to the wall so you can see the colors in the
space. It is a good idea to leave them for a couple of days so you
can see the color in different lighting.
There are six different finishes for the paint you choose:
1. Flat – While flat paint helps to cover imperfections on
the surface, in general, it holds dirt and can be difficult to
clean. It is a great choice for ceilings or walls in the bedroom,
where there is little traffic. A flat finish creates a cozy mood for
the room.
2. Matte – Delivers a smooth, no sheen, and durable finish.
It, too, is difficult to clean so it is not good for high traffic
areas.
3. Satin - Good for all-surfaces, the finish is durable with
minimal shine and easy to clean. A satin finish is recommended for
kitchen cabinets and the bathroom.
4. Eggshell – A low-luster finish with a very subtle sheen
that can be compared to an eggshell. It is a good option for low
traffic areas like a dining room, since it doesn’t pick up dirt
easily.
5. Semi-gloss – High resistance to moisture and easy to clean
makes this finish a plus in kitchens and bathrooms, as well as,
doors and trim.
6. Gloss – Reflects the light providing a bright sheen even
when dry. Does not cover imperfections on the surface, so gloss
requires extra prep work before painting. Touch ups of this finish
may stand out because of the difference in the luster. A high gloss
paint might be used to bring attention to bold accent walls.
A gallon of paint covers 400 square feet of wall space. If you need
more than a gallon to complete the project, it is a good idea to mix
the paint in a 5-gallon bucket so there is no discrepancy in the
color of the paint once it is on the wall.
How to choose
paint colors | Trends & ideas for 2019
Drop cloth:
To ensure the floor is not damaged during painting, every DIY paint
project should have a drop cloth. Drop cloths are made of canvas,
plastic, paper, or a poly/paper blend.
Professional painters suggest putting a plastic drop cloth down
first. Tape the plastic drop cloth around the edges of the room and
over furniture or counter tops. This extra layer of protection is
the only way to guarantee against accident seepage that may occur
during painting.
Cover the plastic drop cloth with a canvas drop cloth. A canvas drop
cloth is easier to place in the proper position and move around the
room, as needed. It is less slippery for the ladder and the painter.
More durable than plastic, a canvas drop cloth will last longer and
can even be washed for the next job.
It is easier to clean up the drop cloth than replace what spilled or
splattered paint has damaged. Be sure your shoes are clean before
stepping off the drop cloth. Pick up all paint supplies and allow
the drop cloth to dry before folding it up and put away for the next
use. Roll up the plastic drop cloth and throw it away as they are
cheap enough to buy new for the next paint project.
How to paint a
house : How to lay drop cloth inside
Putty knife/scraper:
The putty knife is a versatile tool that comes in several variations
and is handy for prepping a paint job.
A small flexible putty knife is useful when preparing the walls and
trim for new paint. A putty knife can be used to fill nail holes
with spackling compound or open joints in molding and frames with
wood putty.
It is also useful to press tape around the windows and trim to be
sure there is no seepage around the edges.
A larger putty knife can be used as a painting shield when painting
along molding, ceilings, and around doors and windows.
A putty knife with a rigid blade, sometimes called a scraper, can be
used to remove old paint and apply wall compound to large areas.
These putty knives usually have an angled edge instead of flat to
help get under the paint, dried putty, or other residue the
homeowner is trying to remove.
Sand block and sandpaper:
Choosing the right sand block can make any DIY project easier. Sand
blocks can be found in different sizes constructed of various
materials. It does not have to be an expensive tool but necessary
since it does not leave the “waves” created by unsupported
sandpaper.
Sanding is used to prepare the imperfections of
the object being painted. It can also be used to promote adhesion
between coats of paint or to get rid of paint imperfections like
drips. When sanding with a block use alternating, crisscross, or
circular strokes using the broad edge of the sanding block on the
surface.
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A rigid sanding block is used with more coarse sandpaper for initial
work. A semi-rigid block is perfect for fine shaping, contouring,
and crowned surfaces. The final shaping should be done with a
flexible sand block. Using a less coarse sandpaper with a less
aggressive stroke, the flexible sand block is the perfect way to
finish the paint project.
Paint brush:
The right paint brush is crucial to accomplishing a perfect paint
job. High quality brushes are going to have bristles that come to a
fine point. Cheaper brushes have a blunt cut. Stiff brushes cut at
an angle work better than soft nylon brushes. Paint brushes with
synthetic bristles made from nylon or polyester are best for
water-based latex paints. Natural or blended brushes are better for
oil-based paint and finishes. A high-quality paint brush will hold
more paint, apply the paint more evenly, leave less bristles stuck
in the paint, and are easier to clean. It is worth the extra money
to buy a quality paint brush.
Paint brushes come in sizes ranging from one to six inches and have
straight or angled edges. For wide, flat surfaces like walls and
ceilings choose a four to 6-inch straight edge brush. Use a 3-inch
to 4-inch flat brush for doors, cabinets, or shelving.
A hot debate among professionals is whether to tape around trim,
windows, and doors. Some argue that a DIY homeowner should tape
everything, while others argue that the right paint brush will do
the job. A 2-inch angled sash brush is ideal for cutting in around
doors and windows. Paint trim with a 1-inch or 2-inch angled brush.
Dip your brush often. Use a lot of paint. Make final brush strokes
into the wet paint.
Hold the paint brush before you buy. A brush should feel good in
your hand and be easy for you to control. Flex the bristles to
ensure they spring back into shape.
How to choose
the right paintbrush | This Old House
Paint Roller:
For large areas like a ceiling or wall, a paint roller will cover
more space in less time. Like brushes, paint rollers come in
different materials, as well as, different naps and sizes. A DIY
painter will not regret spending a little more on a quality roller.
It will mean the difference between a nice painting job and a
perfect painting job.
A mohair or lambs wool roller is best for oil-based paints, while a
nylon, polyester, or combination works better for water-based
paints.
Choose a roller based on the type and size of paint job:
• 3/8 inch nap for smooth surface
• ½ inch for semi-smooth
• ¾ inch for rough
• 1 ¼ inch for very rough
The roller frame comes in two types: bird cage and
metal. The bird cage frame works better for fast-drying paint and
cleans up fast and easy. Most roller handles are made to add an
extension handle. An extension handle expands the reach of the paint
roller making easier to paint ceilings and high walls.
Trim rollers are helpful for painting around moldings and other fine
work. A cone-shaped roller works well inside corners.
A roller tray holds the paint for the roller. A sturdy plastic or
metal tray with a deep well works best. For easier cleanup use a
disposable liner. An alternative to the tray is a paint bucket with
a screen, which makes the job go quicker because you don’t have to
keep filling the tray.
Saturate the roller with paint before the first roll on the surface.
Paint in a small section, about 2-foot by 2-foot. Start at the top
of the wall and work your way down. Move over and repeat. Only paint
one wall at a time so the paint is wet and seamlessly fits together.
Gradient the walls together with wet paint. Don’t use a lot of
pressure on your roller or it will leave roller marks on the wall.
Reload the paint instead of pressing harder. You want the paint to
blend. Look at the wall and back-roll over any blemishes.
Best paint
roller for painting walls FAST
There are tools that you need for a paint job and tools that will
make it easier to complete the job. Not everyone can afford all the
different tools on the market so, before beginning a painting
project, do your research and choose what will work best for you.
This will save time and effort and reduce defeat. The best way to
ensure success on any do-it-yourself project is using the right
tools.
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