Painting done right – it seems so easy, doesn’t it? Get a few cans of paint, some brushes and rollers and a few hours later your finished, right? Well…
Maybe this is an exaggeration of the the holes and nicks you have in your walls, but no matter how small they are, they need to be taken care of before you paint. Don’t neglect the little things because they can have a big impact!
DIY or Call a Professional
Painting done right is a little more time consuming than most people think, but it can be a good DIY project if you are prepared to do your homework, invest the time and do it right. Here are some insights into what it takes when you are getting ready to paint the interior of your home.
Prep Time
What does this entail? Going over the whole project with an expert eye to determine any problems. First, look for nicks or nail holes in the drywall. Patch these with lightweight spackle using a putty knife. Make sure the holes/nicks are completely covered and the patch is as level with the wall as you can get it. Allow spackle to dry completely. Once dry, use a fine-grit sandpaper to smooth the repair completely and clean away any dust and debris from the repair. (NOTE: Some larger holes and cracks may require a drywall patch). How to Patch Drywall. Now, make sure the rest of the walls are clean. Furniture must be moved away from the walls and protected. Many professionals include this in the estimate, and even if they don’t, having someone else move your heavy pieces is a big plus if you are unable to move the furniture yourself.
Taping and tarping – These are two things that are very time consuming for most DIYers. A professional painter usually doesn’t have to tape everything and they come prepared with the appropriate tarps and other coverings. What might take them an hour or so may take you all day.
Ready to Paint
Tools for the task – You’ll need a lot more than just a paint brush and paint. Professional painters have all the right tools, but if you decide to do the painting yourself you will need:
- Spackle and/or caulk to fix hole/nicks and caulk around windows (if needed)
- Sandpaper or an electric sander
- Paint can opener
- Paint/primer (determine ahead of time whether you need one coat or two and purchase enough paint)*
- Stirrers
- Roller and roller covers
- Brushes (in a range of sizes)
- Paint trays
- Rags or old towels
- Extension pole and/or ladder
- Painter’s tape and tarps
- Paint spout (optional)
*You will need to estimate the amount of paint you need and pick it up from the paint store. That may require several trips if you underestimate and wasted dollars if you overestimate. Also, consider what type of finish is best for your different rooms, hallways and trim. Check out our guide on Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss, or Eggshell .
To prime or not to prime – Many paints on today’s market include primer and that may be sufficient if you are not changing colors. However, if you are going from a darker color to a lighter color priming first is highly recommended for the perfect paint job, so don’t skimp. Primer can also be tinted to the color you have chosen to use. This allows for a better, smoother paint job.
Finishing Up
Clean-up – When everything is said and done, this is the last BIG step. Paint brushes must be cleaned, all other accessories need to be cleaned and stored, leftover paint needs to be shelved in a temperature controlled area for possible future touch-ups. Partially empty or empty paint cans must be disposed of properly (which means they can’t just be tossed in the trash – you may have to find a hazardous waste site), and furniture must be replaced.
FINALLY
If your walls are in good shape and you are repainting using the same color go ahead and DIY if that’s your thing. If you are doing several or all rooms, walls are higher than average or there is repair work, it will be worth it to call a professional.
DIY can be fun and exciting and it provides a great deal of satisfaction when the job is done, but remember the old saying – time is money. With a professional painter you are paying not only for their time, but their expertise. Only you can make the final decision about what you want to tackle, but if we can help… let us know! Call Britt at ColaTown Painting 803-603-6486 or e-mail ellisb@colatownpainting.com and let us do the rest. You won’t be disappointed!
Please leave your comments or questions below. Let us know there is something you would like to see in our blog posts. We welcome your input.
Recent Comments