Painting 101

There is nothing that adds sparkle to a home like a fresh coat of paint.  It gives a home a new look and updates on an otherwise tired looking home.  There are things to consider as you choose your color palettes for your home.  Primer should always come before paint. Primer provides a good surface for the paint and it also brings out the paint’s true color.

If you are painting yourself, make it look professional.  Use an edge pad for clean lines around doorframes, ceiling edges, and corners. Paint will not stick to the wall if you have not taken the time to prep the wall.  The surface must be clean, non-glossy, and in good condition.  If the old paint on your wall is flaking off, it’s a good idea to buy a paint scraper and get it out of the way. Once all the old paint is gone, sand the surface smooth, prime and your new paint will look great. Paint does not always adhere to glossy surfaces. It is a good idea to use a light grade sandpaper to take the gloss off the surface so new paint sticks like it should

Determining how much paint is needed is an important step.  The pros recommend one gallon for every 400 square feet.  If you are painting textured or unprimed surfaces, it may require more paint. If you are painting in high-traffic areas, semi-gloss is the recommended choice. Semi-gloss is a good choice for parents of small children and yes, even older children. Plan to paint on dry days.  Moisture in the air keeps water-based paint from drying properly.

Preparing the room for painting will save you frustration in the long run.  Cleaning paint off of fixtures and floors can be tedious.  Use small plastic bags over the doorknobs and tape the edges to avoid getting paint in places where paint is not supposed to be. Use drop clothes for the floors and carpet.  It will save you a good bit of frustration.  Before you start to paint, remove wall plates and tape around the light switches and electrical outlets.

Once you have started painting and the drying process has begun, do not go back over areas that have already dried.  It can leave color streaks on the painting surface.  Rollers will paint more walls in less time.  Foam brushes are well suited to intricate work such as painting molding or window casings. These brushes are normally good only for one use, as they’re hard to clean and easy to tear. Polyester synthetic brushes are available with straight bristles or split-ended bristles. Split ends give good coverage so fewer strokes are needed to paint a surface. These brushes are used with latex paints.

Choose colors, prep the walls.  Ready! Set! Paint!

Source: “DIY Network.” 15 Painting Tips to Paint Like a Pro: Home Improvement: Web. 19 Feb. 2013. “DIY Network.” Choosing Paintbrushes and Rollers: Home Improvement: Web. 19 Feb. 2013.

Call us today to view our new home plans: 713-539-0048 – Sign up for our New Home Buying Tips

Visit our website: https://fairmontcustomhomes.com/

View Our Communities – View our available new home floor plans – View our photo gallery

Follow Us: Facebook – Twitter – YouTube – LinkedIn – Google Plus