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Do the colors around you not resonate anymore? You want to change the living room by giving it a makeover, and you feel confident that you can do it yourself.
Since it’s one of the most common DIY jobs around a home, it shouldn’t be too difficult. A bucket filled with paint, a roller, and some inspiration is all you need, right?
Actually, it might be better to plan your work and take things step by step.
Planning and Preparation
First of all, how much paint will you need? One gallon can cover up to 400 square feet, or about 4 liters per 37 square meters in the metric scale.
Simply multiply the length and height of a wall to get its surface. You ended up saving some paint because you bought too much of it? Don’t worry, it might come in handy later.
There are a few things you need to do before you start working.
You should clear the wall by taking off all of the pictures, move furniture closer to the center of the room and cover it with plastic sheets. Clean the wall as well, as dirt, dust, and greasy spots could ruin the result.
Also, try to fill any gaps or cracks in the wall. Caulk could come in handy, for instance.
Next, you should use painter’s tape for the trim, windows, and door frames as protection from unwanted splatters.
You can use paper sheets instead of plastic to cover the floor since you don’t want it to be slippery.
If you’re painting the ceiling as well, you will need to protect the fan or hanging lights, if you have any. They needn’t be taken down entirely, simply loosening and lowering them a bit gives enough working space.
Using a Primer Coat
In some opinions it is unnecessary, but the experienced say it is a must. To put it simply, primer is a thin and sticky layer of white paint that serves as adhesive for the layer you are going to apply later.
It increases the sheen and you can cover more surface area with less paint. Some walls have a necessity for a primer coat if it’s bare wood or drywall, or a previously repaired area.
What if you don’t use a primer? You’re likely going to apply multiple layers of paint, as it won’t catch on to the wall as easily.
A good primer will also help to cover older colors already on the wall and ensure you get even coverage with the new color.
The Tools
We’ve already mentioned drop cloths, and buckets for the paint are a no-brainer.
The tape you will use to cover the trim and windows will ensure neat and tidy edges. In a coloring book, you need to be careful not to color over the lines. Using tape relieves you of such a worry, saves a lot of time and makes the job a lot cleaner.
For the out of reach spots, it is recommended that you invest in a ladder. While it may seem alluring to use a chair or a table, this is the safer option.
And lastly, the paint roller and a brush. The brush can be a smaller type, and its main purpose is to fill in smaller areas that the roller can’t cover. But still, innovations are coming every day. Companies such as Cubic Painting need to stay on top with new tools and ideas. If you hear about something new from a friend, don’t be shy to try it out when you get the chance.
Stay Organized Throughout
There are a few things you should keep in mind throughout the ordeal.
Opening the windows and having a fan speeds up the drying process. It also helps to ensure that you’re not breathing too many paint fumes, which can be harmful to your health.
Painting top to bottom will make the job run smoothly, as you simply follow the dripping paint with your roller.
Also, when you paint, it’s smart to do it part by part. Divide your work into sections. Cut off one-quarter of the wall with a stroke of paint, then fill up the section. When doing the next section, be sure to slightly overlap.
And lastly remember to rest if this is a one-man project, as it may take some time.
There are several things you should keep in mind, so be careful not to make mistakes and you’re good to go. If you find that you can’t devote enough time to the project from start to finish, take asking a team of professionals into consideration. Never be afraid to ask for help, and who can do the job better than someone who specializes in the field?
Mia Johnson is a freelance writer with a ten-year long career in journalism. She has written extensively about health, fitness, and lifestyle. A native to Melbourne, she now lives in Sydney with her 3 dogs where she spends her days writing and taking care of her 900 square f00t garden.