A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a room, set the tone or mood, and show the personality of your space. Painting may seem simple, just slapping some paint on a wall but before you dip that brush into the paint can, there’s a lot more to painting than meets the eye. At Floor and Wall Guys Inc., we’ve mastered the art of preparation and precision, and we’re here to share our expertise. Whether you’re a homeowner refreshing your living space or an investor preparing a property for sale, this guide will help you get started on the right foot. Let’s dive in:
Every professional painter has a reliable toolkit, and as a homeowner or investor you should too. Even if it's just to make small touch-ups. Some of our clients own commercial properties have multiple units that constantly need touch-ups and some are homeowners that get there homes painted once every few years. Speaking with them over the pass few years, most are willing to roll up their sleeves for small projects to save a buck. Unfortunately there is definitely a lot of cool and unique tools out there but no need to rattle your brain. Here’s a list of the essentials you’ll need to do any kind of paint work.
Essential Tools for Interior Painting
Brushes and Rollers: A 2.5-inch angled brush is perfect for cutting in around edges, while a high-quality roller is your go-to for covering large surfaces.
Paint Trays and Liners: Keep things clean and organized with reusable liners.
Extension Poles: Save your back and reach ceilings effortlessly.
Drop Cloths: Essential for protecting floors and furniture (more on this later).
Painter’s Tape: A must-have for sharp lines and clean edges.
Sandpaper or Sanding Sponges: Smooth out imperfections before painting.
Preparation Steps: The Key to a Flawless Finish
Preparation can make or break your paint job. Take these steps to set yourself up for success:
1. Safety Equipment / PPE:
Gloves and eyewear are essential for almost every project. For painting it’s no different, especially when painting a high wall or even a low ceiling over your head. Remember, Safety should always be the first step in any and all projects.
2. Repair Imperfections:
Fill holes, cracks, or dents with spackling compound, then sand smooth. Use caulk to fill gaps on door trims, window trim and floor moulding. Caulk may also be applied on inner corner hairline cracks but never on cracks more than a half inch thick or a half from the corner and never on cracks in the middle of the wall no matter how thin
3. Clean the Walls:
Remove dust, grease, and dirt using a damp sponge with mild detergent. Be careful not to use too much detergent, it may achieve the opposite effect. Most of the time warm water and a sponge will do the trick. Rag may leave behind little hairs that may be visible when the paint dries.
4. Tape Off Edges:
Use painter’s tape to protect trim, windows, and ceilings. Make sure to use the right tape for the right place. This can cause a world of frustration if not taken into consideration.(more details coming later) I personally know from experience.
5. Area Prep:
Use drop cloths to protect flooring, furniture, and appliances. These are essential for a Rookie or Veteran, drop cloths are a must. There are things we do that are not done on purpose, they are called accidents. Tape on the other hand depends on skill level. Overall, Please use drop cloths, you'll thank me later.
Choosing the Right Painter’s Tape May Be Tricky.
Not all painter’s tapes are created equal. Here’s a quick breakdown to give you a little more insight on which tape is best for your project.
Painter's Tape Types:
Blue Tape: General-purpose, great for walls and baseboards.
Green Tape: Stronger adhesion, ideal for rough surfaces like brick or concrete.
Delicate Surface Tape (Yellow): Designed for freshly painted or wallpapered surfaces.
Drop Cloths: Using The Right One To Protect Your Space
The right drop cloth can save you hours of headaches and cleanup. It is highly recommended to have multiple drop cloths and different kinds. Just like painters tape there is the right type of drop cloths for every space.
Drop Cloths Types:
Canvas Drop Cloths: Durable and reusable, perfect for hardwood or carpeted areas. Some have a non-slip grip on one side that is very helpful for stairs and smooth surfaces where a regular drop cloth may slip or move around.
Plastic Sheeting: Lightweight and inexpensive, best for furniture and smaller areas. Also best for creating dust barriers walls to protect the rest of the home from any sanding dust or airborne particles.
Paper/Poly Drop Cloths: A mix of durability and affordability, great for covering floors during short projects. This type is best used for floor covering because it has good durability back and forth traffic, as well as great protection for spackling or painting.
6. Prime the Surface:
A coat of primer goes a long way. It ensures even coverage and enhances the paint’s durability. It allows for even coverage over the surface of the area. Not to mention, it helps use less paint to cover an area.
After the primer dries, you're ready to paint. Just remember to mix your paint properly. A good rule of thumb is to mix all gallons of the same color into one container to keep the paint’s color consistent. You may think, “they were all mixed at the same time, they should all be the same” but that's not the case. The paint mixing machine is very similar to a household printer. Using that example you can understand there are only so many colors and only so much of a single color that can fit in the machine. (I know I change my printer ink more than I would like.) When a machine mixes a color it may at then end come to look and have the same result in the can but the dry time and dry color can all be affected by the different shades used to create the different gallons of the same color. That being said, it’s highly recommended to mix them into one container to ensure your paint job is smooth and successful.
Know When it’s Time to Call the Pros:
DIY painting can be rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. If you’re tackling a large space, dealing with intricate trim, or simply want a flawless finish, our expert team at Floor and Wall Guys Inc. is here to help. With over 35 years of experience, we’ll save you time and ensure a professional-grade result.
Stay Tuned for More Painting Tips:
This guide is just the beginning. In a future blog post, we’ll take a deeper dive into color psychology and the latest trends to help you choose the perfect palette for your home. While we’ll dive deeper into color trends in a future post, here’s a sneak peek to inspire your current projects until then:
Painting Techniques for Beginners
Cutting In: Use an angled brush to paint edges and corners before rolling the walls.
Roller Technique: Work in “W” or “M” shapes to evenly distribute paint without streaks.
Don’t Skimp on Drying Time! Allow each coat to dry completely before adding another coat paint to avoid uneven texture or streaks.
Cool Prep Tools:
Tape Applicators: Make taping faster and straighter without frustration.
Edge Guards: Perfect for cutting in without using tape, when used properly. However if used improperly this can cause more work.
Plastic Masking Film Dispensers: Combine tape and plastic sheeting for quick and efficient coverage.
Color Trends and Where to Use Them
Neutral Tones: Whites, grays, and beiges create a calming, timeless look and work well in living rooms and bedrooms.
Earthy Greens and Blues: Perfect for creating a serene atmosphere in bathrooms or home offices.
Bold Accent Colors: Deep navy, emerald green, or even black can add drama to dining rooms or entryways.
Pro Tip: Consider the room’s natural light and purpose when selecting colors. For example, warm tones make a space feel cozy, while cool tones create a refreshing vibe.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Contact floorandwallguys.com for a free estimate today. From drywall to painting and flooring needs, we’ll bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship and personalized service.
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