Painting 101
Painting is not as easy as it looks. If you have watched a professional painter zip around a room ‘cutting’ the top of the wall you may have thought that painting a room was easy. That painter has most likely spent a year or two refining that ability. Painting a room without leaving unsightly lines on the wall, or applying paint where it’s not supposed to be requires a least a slight amount of attention to detail. No lazy people need apply.
Prep work is a must when you are starting a painting project. A professional painting contractor will always patch small holes, sand rough spots, remove outlet covers, and use painter’s tape to ensure paint doesn’t get on your outlets or switches. However, do not put paint everywhere if you can help it. We’ll talk about this more later.
Mold and moist walls should not be painted over. You can buy stain, and mold blocking primers for a preventative measure but they should never be applied to live active mold problems. Mold is a result of moisture. Find out where the moisture is coming from and stop that problem first. Then wash the mold with detergent or a water/bleach mixture. Ensure the area is completely clean, then wait for the area to dry before priming and/or painting.
Make sure to always use a primer on new drywall before painting. It fills pores in drywall and wood and allows for paint to have a much smoother finish, and you will also get more coverage out of you gallon!
Remember when I said don’t use tape if you can help it? Professional painters don’t use tape because it takes too long and usually lets paint bleed through if not applied perfectly. This is why removing outlet covers is important. “Cut” with fine angled brush around trim and along the ceiling. It takes patience but it will take less time and if your patient it will provide a much nicer finished product.
Although we know a tight budget is required, we strongly recommend using a quality paint. It goes on better, lasts longer, and has much nicer colour. Keep in mind you will be looking at these walls for a while so the extra $15 a can may be well worth it!
Do not use throw away brushes to paint. A good brush will handle paint well and can become part of your ‘tool room’ for years.