Are your walls cracked, peeling or flaking? Is the paint fading over time, leaving you with a dull, lifeless surface? We know how tempting it can be to just grab a brush and start repainting, but it’s important to be aware of some painting fundamentals, which will save you time and effort in the long run. Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to paint your walls, just like a pro!
Preparation is key
If you’re painting over old paint, start by filling any holes or cracks. Wash the surface of the hole to ensure there aren’t any dust particles or grease, then use a flexible scraper to work wall filler into the hole. Allow the patches to dry, and sand them down with fine sandpaper. Try to ventilate the area while sanding, and make sure to wear a mask.
Next, using a new piece of sandpaper, sand the entire wall, rubbing in a circular motion. The goal is not to remove the paint, but to add texture, giving the new paint a better surface to bind to. You can also use your sandpaper to remove any peeling paint.
To remove grease, dirt and grubby finger marks, wash down the wall with sugar soap, or a mixture of detergent and warm water, and rinse with plain water after. Be sure to wear gloves, as sugar soap is slightly acidic, and can irritate the skin.
Don’t want to get your hands dirty? There’s no shame in calling the experts. The Handy Squad’s team of London decorators can help with the whole process, from filling cracks in walls, to plaster patch repair and painting. Give your local handyman a call on 0800-0-12-12-12 or request a free quote today by filling out our online form.
Protect your surroundings
Once the wall is dry, start covering switches, sockets, and skirting boards with masking tape. Between coats, remove and reapply any masking tape to avoid the adhesive removing any paint.
Try to move as much furniture as you can out of the room, to avoid ruining it with paint, and to give you a larger area to work in. Change into some old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and lay a sheet on the floor to catch any paint droplets.
Painting
Primer is great for helping new paint stick and stand out while cutting down the number of coats you need to use. It’s essential to use if you’re painting a light colour over a darker one, or the new coat may be drowned by the latter.
Start by mixing your paint and primer with a stirrer – do not shake as this could allow dried paint from the lid to fall into the mix.
Dampen a paint roller with a wet rag and place a pan liner in your paint pan for easy cleaning. Pour your primer into the pan and apply the primer in a ‘W’ or ‘M’ motion on your wall with a roller. This ensures an even coat is applied throughout. Use a smaller brush to work the primer into tight cervices and harder to reach areas. Allow around four hours for the primer to dry.
Before you start with your paint, check that you have enough for your wall and then mix it thoroughly. Grab a new paint liner for your paint pan and pour the paint into it.
Use a small brush to start painting around the edges of the wall and around any sockets or switches, which should be covered with masking tape. Don’t overload the brush with paint, and take your time with it, to achieve a professional finish.
Using a paint roller, paint in ‘M’ or ‘W’ motions, making sure not to go too fast or the paint will splatter.
Once the first coat has dried, it is advised that you add at least one additional coat on top of this, for a good finish. When everything has completely dried, remove any masking tape to reveal your finished wall.
As well as professional decorators, the Handy Squad has an expert team of London plumbers, electricians and London carpenters who can help with almost any DIY-related and home improvement tasks.
Additionally, we offer help with bigger projects such as kitchen installations and tiling. If you’re seeking professional advice or want to request a free quote today, you can give us a call on 0800-0-12-12-12 or simply fill out the online form.
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