If you’re planning on decorating your home or office space, then you’ll want a good finish. However, if you are a novice decorator, this can prove tricky. Of course, to achieve the best results, our advice would be to always call on the painting and decorating experts. However, if you are going to give it a go yourself, here are a few painting tips and tricks from the team at Warwickshire Decorating Contracts to help get you started.
Don’t cut corners with the prep
It can be tempting just to start painting your walls, but the finish you’ll end up with will not be good. Take time to inspect your walls for cracks and scratches so you can sand and fill them before painting so they do not show up once you’ve painted.
You’ll also need to clean any surfaces before you paint to ensure there is no dust or dirt. Mask areas such as skirting boards and light switches to avoid getting paint on them. Lay dust sheets to protect floors and reduce the clean-up afterwards.
Never paint directly from the tin
Always stir your paint and use a tray to ensure the colour and quality of your finish. When paint sits, the colour pigments can fall to the bottom of the can, so make sure you stir it thoroughly. Once you’ve put your paint in your tray, put the lid back on your paint and move it out of the way to avoid messy accidents.
Don’t overload your brush or roller
Those new to painting and decorating might think getting more on the walls at once will make the job quicker. But you’ll end up with a lumpy, uneven finish and possibly drips. Instead, get an even paint coverage on your brush or roller, and take your time to ensure each coat of paint is even.
Not all paints are the same
When buying your paint, make sure you select the right finish for the job. This will help you get the perfect result. For example, do you want a matte, sheen or gloss finish? Additionally, consider using specialist bathroom and kitchen paints in these rooms for extra moisture and stain qualities.
Start at the top and cut in your edges
You should always cut in your edges first. Use a one to two-inch brush to paint the ceiling line, corners and trim to ensure even coverage where rollers may not fit. Once you’ve cut in, you then want to focus on painting the ceiling to avoid drips on coloured walls.
Then, paint your walls with a roller, starting from the top and working down. Focus on a section at a time to ensure even coverage. When your walls are painted and dry, you can start on your woodwork, such as window sills, skirting boards and doors.
Ready to start your next project?
If you’re looking for first-class, high-quality results then contact the experts at Warwickshire Decorating Contracts.
We take a customer-first approach to every decorating project we work on, from the initial consultation to aftercare. Whatever your requirements, whether you want to update your office, refresh your commercial space or revitalise your home, get in touch with us to see how we can help you.
