Guest Post from Amanda @ MRDS Painting.
There comes a time in many homeowners’ lives when they decide their residence needs a makeover. Perhaps the reason is to modernize dated styles or simply change personal taste. In such cases, painting your home is an economical way to make a striking difference in overall appearance to yourself, friends and family. Although home painting can seem like a daunting undertaking to a beginner, there are several methods that will make the process smooth and hassle-free.
Choosing the right color for that special room can be a challenge. Before you invest in gallons, buy a quart and try it on a transportable surface; move it around the room to test its aesthetic appeal. You also want to make the right decision about the ideal paint type for your project. Chemical fumes can be emitted from paint, but there are eco-friendly acrylic and oil paints on the market. Latex paints are an environmentally-safe option and they dry fast as well, usually in about an hour.
Keep in mind that drying times may very depending on the climate. For instance, San Diego interior painting may be quicker than interior painting in Seattle, where there is usually more humidity to delay dry times. Water-based paints also dry quickly, though in some cases they may dry too fast. For warmer and dryer climates and wood surfaces, the best choice is oil-based paints, as these dry slower and allow for improved coverage.
Before you get started, you will want to consider the scope of your project and the different areas you will be painting. Preparing any areas is crucial, so be sure to first clean, sand and make any necessary repairs. Next, remove electrical plates and cover light fixtures with plastic bags. Be sure to purchase preventive products such as blue painter’s tape to protect borders, or if you prefer, invest in an inexpensive edger. Ceilings should be the first painting priority, then the walls and lastly, the trim. You may also use drop cloths as another precaution, especially if you are painting ceilings. Hats and goggles work well to prevent ceiling drips from getting in your eyes. An extension pole will allow for easier ceiling access.
Different brushes are necessary for various uses. Brushes with natural bristles work better for oil-based paints, whereas nylon and polyester brushes are better suited for latex paint. Foam brushes work nicely in small tight areas, but are designed for a single use. Any San Diego painting contractor can tell you, when taking breaks from your project, it saves time and money to wrap brushes and rollers in plastic and place them in the refrigerator to keep them nice and pliable while avoiding unnecessary clean up. This trick is especially helpful when you live in a dry climate like the Southwest, where the paint will dry more quickly on the brush. In fact, if you’re using plastic drop cloths, you can use the remaining plastic for this very purpose. Store the brushes in the freezer and thaw them when facing longer interruptions. Be sure to paint over any brush-painted areas with rollers to avoid an overlapping effect once dry.
When it comes to clean up and storage, the task is not always pleasant but there are tips to make this painting chore easier. Brushes with latex paint can be cleaned faster after soaking in water and liquid fabric softener. Make touchups quicker by storing small amounts of paint in labeled glass jars for easy access. Wrapping brushes in paper prior to storing will help retain shape. Following these steps will make your painting endeavor a successful experience and create the stylish impression you desire with your home.