10 Tips for Home Painting Projects

The best time to paint your house is when the weather is mild and dry. In the hot summer, paint dries too fast, and in cool or damp weather, it takes longer to dry. Sudden temperature changes can lead to cracking, so avoid painting when there are sudden shifts in the forecast.

If you’re repainting an existing surface, make sure it’s clean. Remove dirt with a hose or power washer; strip away old paint with a scraper and wire brush; remove mildew with a solution of one cup bleach per gallon of water; remove loose caulk and fill holes with caulk or spackling compound. Coquitlam Painters If you find peeling paint, scrape away as much as possible, then sand the area down to bare wood. Fill any gaps or cracks with caulk or wood filler and sand smooth. Any exposed wood needs to be primed before painting begins.

•   Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

Use professional exterior house painters near me or an online visualization tool to see what different colors will look like on your home’s exterior.

Don’t feel like you are limited to the colors that are already in your home. You can paint a brick house, for example. Just keep in mind that brick absorbs lots of heat, so a dark color can increase heating costs in colder months. A light color can work well with brick, but choose one that has some body to it (not pure white) or it will look washed out.

For siding, try shades of the same color as your neighbors’ homes to create a sense of harmony and belonging. For trim and accents, use lighter or darker shades of complementary colors. To get an idea of what works best, drive around your neighborhood and see what other people have done. The more coordinated you are with other houses in the area, the more pleasing on the eye your own home will be.

•   Choosing the right paint

When it comes to picking paint, you don’t have to be an artist to know what looks good. It can help, however, if you know a little about the color wheel. Warm colors (reds and oranges) offer a sense of comfort and security, while cool colors (blues and greens) evoke a calming mood. Pale shades tend to make spaces appear larger, while dark hues make spaces feel cozier.

Before you start painting, make sure you understand the differences between types of paints, as well as their pros and cons. You’ll want to choose a paint that’s easy to apply, cleans up easily and is resistant to scratches — but don’t sacrifice quality for convenience. Bottom line: When in doubt, choose a higher-quality product.

•   Use light colors

Light colors will help make your space look larger, and they are also great for hiding imperfections in the walls. They are also a great choice for rooms where you want to create a bright, airy feel.

•   Do a test patch

Before beginning the whole project, test out the color on a small portion of the wall. This way you can experiment with different colors and finishes until you’re happy with the results.

•   Cover your floors and furniture

In order to protect them from paint splatters, cover any furniture or flooring that might get damaged during your project. You can use drop cloths for this purpose, but old sheets or towels can work just as well.

•   Do any necessary fixes first

Any cracks or holes in your walls should be filled in before you begin painting. You should also sand any rough spots of drywall before applying primer or paint over them. This will ensure that the paint adheres properly to the surface and leaves it looking smooth and even.

•   Clean Up First

To prepare for painting, you’ll need to put cloths on the floor to protect them from paint drips and spills. If you plan on painting a room inside your home, remove all furniture from it before you start so you don’t have to work around it as you paint. If you plan on painting outside, move any outdoor furniture out of the way so you can easily get to all parts of your house.

•   Paint Your Trim First

If you’re going to be painting both your walls and trim, it’s best to start with your trim first. This will ensure that if anything happens to drip onto your wall while you’re painting the trim, it’ll be covered when you paint over it.

•   Use a primer

Primer will help you get a better finish with fewer coats of paint. If your walls are stained or have gloss paint on them, use a high-quality stain-blocking primer before painting.

•   Prepare the room well

If you don’t prepare properly, your paint job could suffer. Remove all furniture from the room. If possible, remove switch plates and outlet covers, then taper off any surfaces you don’t want to get painted, such as trim, windowsills or doors. Cover the floor with drop cloths to protect it from drips and spills.

•   Prepare the wall

Patch holes and dents with spackling or drywall compound and sand them smooth when dry. Apply painter’s tape where you want clean lines along moldings, trim or ceiling edges.

•   Use plastic sheeting to keep dust down

Cover everything in plastic sheeting so you can easily clean up dust and dirt during sanding and prevent it from getting into your fresh paint job.