Painting like a Pro

I recently repainted a few rooms in my house.  I have had some experience painting, and through the years have picked up a few tricks of the trade. If you are considering painting a room in your house here are a few things to keep in mind if you are looking for a more “professional” finish.

1.     Always use a primer. It is tempting to skip this step but a primer helps provide a good surface for the paint and it also helps bring out the paint’s true color.

2.     When painting, use an edge pad for clean lines around door-frames, ceilings and corners

3.     Choose a day to paint when the air is dry (or dryer).  Moisture in the air keeps paint from drying.

4.     To keep paint from getting in places you don’t want it, put a small plastic bag over doorknobs and tape the edge.

5.     Scrap any old paint that is coming off the walls and sand the wall smooth. You want a clean surface for the best result.

6.     Wash your walls from top to bottom. Paint sticks best to a clean surface.

7.     Once you have painted an area and it has started to dry, leave it alone. If you paint back over it, you make create marks and color streaks.

8.     Cover your floor with a drop cloth to keep from spotting up your floor.

9.     Use a roller for large walls

10.  Before you start, remove all the wall plates, tape off light switches and electrical outlets.

The pros recommend one gallon for every 400 square feet. Remember to make sure your wall is sanded, clean and dry and you are ready to paint!