How to get the perfect finish when painting a room
It can be easy to transform a room by painting it, but ensure you put in the work to get a high quality result.
Image: @design_at_nineteen for COAT Paints
If you’re thinking about home improvements during this second leg of lockdown, it’s the perfect time to get busy with a paintbrush. If you’re not a DIY pro, however, take heed our these expert tips to get the best result for your project.
We spoke to COAT Paints founders Rob Abrahams and Rob Green who offered their best painting advice on how to get the perfect decorated finish.
1. Do the ceiling first
Painting your ceilings first will prevent drips from falling onto just-painted walls or being left with the fine mist from rollering a ceiling. This will make the entire process more straight forward and less fussy.
2. Time to sand
Make sure you sand your surface beforehand. If you are painting a glossy or heavily painted surface, it’s wise to spend time sanding it down until you have a totally even wall or space.
Image: Unsplash
3. Don’t cut corners
It get me tempting to purchase cheap paintbrushes and rollers just to get the job done. But unfortunately these don’t necessarily mean value for money. Cheap brushes don’t cover the walls as well and will cost you more time and money in the long run.
Read more: Best paint colour ideas for small spaces
4. Two coats a charm
Painting can be a lengthy task and once you’ve finished the first coat of paint it can be easy to sit down and call it a day. However, to get the best colour pay off and overall finish, two coats are always recommended. Plus, the second coat is always quicker.
Image: Cox & Cox
5. Prep woodwork
Painting woodwork can be a tricky task. Before painting your skirting boards or other types of wood, get a bright light and examine it for any small dents. Be sure to fill these first, let that dry and then sand before painting.
6. Clean lines
Use a damp cloth to get rid of residue paint from glass windows, skirting or window sills. Use it in combination with decorating tape to get those clean lines and wipe up any paint that happens to overrun.
Image: COAT Paints
7. Do the skirting last
Following the logic of start at the top and finish at the top, make sure you paint your skirting and trim last so it doesn’t get any paint splatter on it. If you’re using the same paint as your walls you may need to varnish it for extra protection.
Are you planning on redecorating during lockdown 2.0? Let us know! Tweet us @goodhomesmag or post a comment on our Facebook page.
