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How To Paint Like A Pro

Dec 1, 2017 6:00:00 PM

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Paint? Check. Drop covers in place? Check. Electrical plates and light switch plates removed? Check. The room marked with painter's tape? Check.

You've done most of the prep work, now it's time to grab your brushes and rollers and actually get down to the task of painting. But while painting may seem like the easy part, there's a lot more to it than what might initially meet the eye if you want a good end result. This post is designed to take a closer look at some key painting tips for DIY'ers to help you with your next painting project. 

5 DIY Painting Tips

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  1. Make sure you sand and clean: Before you paint any room in the house, make sure you go through the proper prep. This includes cleaning the walls to ensure that the paint adheres properly as well as filling in or sanding out any irregularities with the wall texture to ensure a smooth universal finish. 
  2. Painting outside? Prep accordingly: Preparation is also important if you're painting outside, notably when it comes to cleaning the material you'll be painting, whether it's siding, porch columns, stucco, etc. This is best done by using a brush to wipe away dirt and grime that has built up. More intensive buildup may require a power washer. Also make sure to fill in cracks or holes. 
  3. Know whether you need primer: Are you painting over something that's glossy? Simply just painting over it may not yield the best results because it may struggle to adhere properly to it. For high-gloss surfaces, consider either sanding it down or using a bonding primer before applying the paint. 
  4. Paint in low humidity conditions: We're not saying that you can't paint at all in humid conditions, but you'll have to work slowly. Why? Because humidity causes slower drying times, which can lead to drips and an unsightly end job if not caught before it dries. If you can't avoid the humidity, consider moving a dehumidifier into the room as you work to accelerate dry times.
  5. Trim tips: Tape around the wall's edge where it meets the trim to avoid slippage onto the wall itself. Then, select a 2-inch brush and paint in smooth strokes, going one way on the widest part of the trim. For best results, make long, smooth strokes with the brush. We should also note that it's important to remove the painter's tape from around the trim before the paint fully dries. This helps to avoid peeling.