How to Make a Paint Job Turn Out Well
Painting a home is not for the faint of heart. It is a big job that you want to get right the first time. Thankfully, your paint job can last a decade or more if you do it right. Here are three steps to the perfect paint job.
Choose the Right Paint
You might be thinking that you can save a few bucks with cheap paint; however, the type of paint you choose matters. In most cases, skimping on paint is a classic case of false economy. You will end up spending more money in the long run with a paint job that simply doesn’t wear well. For areas exposed to high humidity such as in the bathroom, your best bet is semi-gloss or glossy. A higher sheen will hold up much better to the constant condensation caused by steamy showers. The best types of paint for living areas are either a satin or an eggshell finish, especially if you have kids. Flat paint is hard to clean and won’t wear well. For the outside, go with a premium, high-quality exterior paint.
Prep the Surface
One of the biggest mistakes people make when painting their home is failing to prep the surfaces. The prep required depends on the job. In general, an indoor wall will need to be primed if it has been patched or if you are going from a dark to a light color. Walls should also be free of dust, cobwebs, or other debris. For the outside additional prepping is required. Power washing your home is the first step to adding a new coat of exterior paint. This should remove any caked-on dirt, moss, mildew, mold, lichen, or algae. If that doesn’t do it, you might have to spray it with a commercial siding cleaner.
Paint in the Correct Order
Many people don’t know the proper order of painting. First, paint the ceiling. Next, paint the trim and baseboards. Once those areas have dried completely, tape around the trim and ceilings and remove all of the electrical, cable, and phone panels. Next, cut in your edges with a high-quality brush. When your edges are dry, you can use a roller to paint the rest of the surface. Be sure to allow the first layer of paint to dry completely before adding a second coat.
You can get a professional-looking paint job that will last for years if you do it right. Simply follow the three-step process from above. Choose the best type of paint for your project, prep the surface correctly, and follow the right order as you paint.
Check out this article on must-have home improvements for families of any size!
