TIPS FOR PAINTING YOUR HOMES INTERIOR WALLS AND CEILINGS

Home improvement projects are important if you want to keep your house looking fresh and up to date. Painting is one of the easiest ways to improve the value and appearance of your home.

Here are a few tips if you are considering painting the interior of your house.

1. Choosing the Right Paints

Since there are so many paints on the market these days, it’s important to choose the right one. The two main ones are oil-based and water-based paints, but these come with a variety of finishes like matte, eggshell, satin or semi-gloss and gloss paint. Dulux Wash & Wear products are ideal for a family home.

You want to buy the best quality paint that falls within your budget. The more expensive paints usually have a llonglasting and thicker protective coat, as well as a variety of colors.

2. Read the Label

Even though the small print on the label may seem insignificant, do not ignore it. There is a lot of helpful information on it such how to prepare the surface or the correct temperature that the paint should be applied. Before you actually start painting, read the label!

3. Prepare the Surface

You need to clean off the walls if you want the paint to properly stick to the surface. This is also a good time to fix any small holes or dings in the wall. Make sure you let the putty dry then sand it off.

If you see any old paint that is flaking or peeling, make sure to scrape it off before you paint. Any wooden surfaces will need to be primed before you can paint them but this is not likely for most interior walls.

4. Paint Top to Bottom.

When you start painting, make sure you begin at the top. First paint the ceiling, then move to the walls.

5. Roller and Paint Brush Techniques

For Ceilings

1. Begin with the areas where the roller doesn’t reach. Use a brush to paint around lights and edges, ultimately creating a border. Make sure you approach one area at a time, that way it will blend when you eventually do paint with the roller.
2. Once your roller is loaded evenly, begin in one corner then continue in a parallel motion. For the best results, do one metre in sections at a time – paint across, then down.
3. Since you’ve finished the large section of the ceiling, you can begin laying off the paint while it is damp.  This crucial step helps to accomplish a smooth, consistent finish. With an unloaded roller, start at the top left corner of the ceiling. Pull towards you with no pressure in a straight line, this will prevent new brush strokes. Repeat this and barely overlap your last movement so the last line created is rubbed away.
4. Let the first coat dry and repeat the entire process again if needed.

For walls

1. Begin by using a brush to get the edges and areas that the roller cannot reach.
2. Apply a good amount of paint to the roller from the tray.
3. For these areas close to the end, you want to move the roller in a ‘M’ pattern. Start closer to the natural light source then move away. Continue over section so the wall appears evenly covered.
4. For the main body of the wall, use a technique called laying off. For this, you start at the top left corner of the wall and carefully move the roller down to the baseboards. Do this movement with no pressure in a straight line. The light touch will help you avoid adding visible brush strokes. Repeat this and barely overlap your last stroke. This will rub away any lines created.
5. Reapply paint and repeat until the entire wall is complete.
6. Let the first coat dry and repeat the entire process again with a second coat.

If you are thinking of selling now, or even if you’re in a planning phase ahead of time it’s important to get in touch with an experienced team of Professionals. Call Professionals The Wright Team (08 9349 4655) for a free, no obligation market appraisal and find out what your property is worth.

Professionals The Wright Team located in the heart of Balga & services the entire region with a particular focus on suburbs including Balga, Girrawheen, Westminster, Mirrabooka or Koondoola.