Whether you are tackling a home renovation or a new construction, one of the most important tasks to cover is the paint job. There truly is nothing like the right coat of paint to give a building a polished appearance and a load of personality.
There are so many paint hues to choose from for the purpose of home beautification. You have a vast range of conventional paints and there are interior decorative paints to consider as well.
These days, a lot of homeowners gravitate toward the latter options because they do not only create a unique look for surfaces, but they also achieve the look of texture which you cannot get with the traditional options. Surfaces can take on the luxurious look of wood or stone when interior decorative paint is used.
It is important to note, however, that whether you are using decorative paint or the conventional option, professional house painters say it is crucial to uphold age-old principles for a perfect paint job. These rules do not just ensure the intended visual impact for the paint job, but they also improve the longevity of the lovely result of the effort. So, what are these principles?
#1 Always prep the surface properly.
Repairing and priming surfaces to create the perfect canvas should always be done, especially for home makeovers. A lot of people take the quicker route by just applying a thick coat of paint to conceal the old one. Although this process achieves the look in a faster manner, it, however, does not guarantee the durability of the result.
It is only a matter of time before issues like cracks and bubbling resurface if you perform a cover-up job this way. This means that you will need a new paint job sooner than you want, which can cost a considerable amount of money.
So, prep surfaces to be painted properly. Make sure you have a smooth canvas. Cover cracks, holes, and scratches with spackling paste. Also, just apply a thin layer of spackle to fill in the issues. This way, it will dry faster and be easier to sand down to create a smooth base.
#2 Choose your paint and apply it in the middle of the project.
This job is so much easier to get right when rooms are completely empty. You will get a better idea of the potential impact of light and darkness, and other variables on the colour and finish of paint. For this, obtain samples of the paints you like and apply them on the walls. Doing this will allow you to see what the color and finish look like when dry and in various light conditions.
Painting in the middle of the project is the smart thing to do, say professional painters, because you can avoid the extra work of cleanup. It’s always tricky to paint when the floors are laid and the carpet, furniture and appliances are already in place.
#3 Get the experts’ help on the best primer to use.
The right primer can do wonders for the durability and the look of the paint. There’s a specific primer for every surface. You need to make sure that you are using the best performing one for the surface you will be painting, especially if you have decided on decorative paints, which are slightly more expensive than flat paints.
If you cannot find an expert to help you out, check out the paint manufacturer’s website and send in the question. Or, go through the FAQ page. Typically, manufacturers provide a lot of information on how to best use their products. Take their advice for a hassle-free process.
#4 Create a clean work area.
Before completely launching into the process, dust and wipe surfaces. As opaque and thick paint is, dirt can alter its appearance and texture. Likewise, it can affect the adhesion of the paint to the surface.
Therefore, do take the time to clean up surfaces, even just a bit, before painting.
So, these are the top rules to uphold when you want to pull off a perfect paint job. They are just a few so follow them to a T and save money from a seamless process and ensure the most satisfying results.
AUTHOR BIO
Ralph El Eid is the Business Development Manager at COLORTEK – Wall & Floor Fashion. EQUIPAINT is the franchise owner of COLORTEK in Dubai (U.A.E.) and Doha (Qatar); an international paints manufacturer specializing in the widest range of decorative paints and seamless concrete & resin flooring, with a unique showroom concept, and thus an ideal destination for homeowners, consultants, architects, interior designers and paint applicators.