A fresh coat of paint is the best way to bring life back into any room. Painting a room isn’t too difficult either, but you can’t just open up a fresh coat of paint and get started. There are a few universal tips that even professionals like us use any time we do a job. It comes down to using the right tools, adequate prep time, mixing thoroughly, and more. Here are five tips that will make your paint last for years!
● Quality Products: Don’t just go for any paint brand you can find. Low-quality paints won’t last nearly as long as the higher quality. It will be more watery, taking several coats to cover the walls adequately. A high-quality paint will last for years as opposed to the lower quality paint, which you’ll have to redo a year later anyway.
●The Right Tools:
◦ Painter’s Tape: Painter’s tape ensures that when you pull it off the wall, there will be no damage done underneath. Masking tape or any other kind of tape gives too much leeway for the paint to get under the tape.
◦ Drop Cloths: Bedsheets are far too thin to keep any spilled paint from soaking through, leading to damage on the carpet or hardwood floors. Drop cloths are a much thicker material that can catch the drips and spills without ruining the surface underneath.
● Mix Thoroughly: Even though you get the same color from the store, that doesn’t guarantee the shade is going to be exact. If you paint from two different cans, you will notice the difference. To avoid this, mix all of the paint cans in a larger container before you start painting.
● Remove Outlet Covers: Taping all of the outlet covers can be a waste of time and doesn’t always protect it. It’s better to remove the covers and paint underneath for a smooth, crisp line. Even if you did want the outlet covers the same, remove them and paint them separately.
● Prep Time Is Just As Important: You just got back from the paint store, and you’re itching to get that new color on the walls. Do not jump into your paint job before properly prepping the walls! When you skip the prep, your walls will suffer for it, and the paint won’t come out as nicely as it could. To prep, any chipped or peeling paint needs to be sanded smooth, and your walls need to be cleaned. Dirty walls will cause the paint not to stick correctly, forcing you to repaint it multiple times before you get any results.