Painting Project Tips

Starting a do-it-yourself painting project may seem overwhelming. You must make sure you have the right products for the project. Picking the right product can be confusing. In addition, different mediums require different applications. The key to it all is to keep it simple. Even if you are attempting a large project or a complicated faux finish, focus on one step at a time. Here are some painting project tips that can help you stay organized.

Prep the Surface

Carefully inspect the walls, trim, and ceiling for any cracks, holes, or peeling paint. Wipe down walls, remove cobwebs in the corners, and dust the trim. If you are tackling the exterior of your home, you should pressure wash the entire surface. Fill in any holes and scrape and sand away peeling paint. Apply painter’s tape around trim or where the wall and ceiling meet. Make sure to remove outlet and light switch covers to ensure a professional job.

Caulk or Patch

Check the areas around window trim, door frames, molding, and exterior fascia boards. Use caulk to seal cracks or gaps. You may need to invest in a patching kit for larger holes. Otherwise, use spackle. Once dry, sand the surface smooth.

Take the Time to Prime

Primer/sealer contains a higher resin content. It will go over the old paint and patching products. Priming will create the perfect surface for new paint to adhere to. Some consider this an unnecessary step. However, priming creates a professional finish.

Calculate the Amount of Product

Know the square footage of the room you are painting before you head to the store. Most pros recommend a gallon for every 400 square feet. However, covering un-primed, textured or rough surfaces may require more. Having a hard time choosing a color? Sneade’s Ace offers free paint samples with coupon (*when you purchase your selected 1 gallon of paint) so that you can test the color “in real life.”

Choose the Right Finish

You may not realize it, but your paint finish is just as important as the color. Is a glossy finish best for trim? Should you use a satin finish in the bedroom? What is the longest-lasting finish for your front porch? Do your homework. Then, take your research into our Paint Studio and ask questions, lots of questions. Trust the experts.

Gather the Appropriate Tools

When protecting your floors, consider old sheets or drop cloths as opposed to plastic sheeting or a tarp. Using plastic could create an unsafe, slippery environment.

Additionally, nothing is more frustrating than having to stop and start because you need a different brush or roller. You may need to buy a few different styles. For example, you would use a large napped roller for surfaces with heavy texture. This type of roller could reduce the number of paint coats. However, using a large nap for smooth surface could result in wasted product. Click here for a complete paint prep checklist.

Research Techniques

Do your due diligence if you are attempting to use an unfamiliar product or create a faux finish. Decorative finishes have varying degrees of difficulty, so you may want to rehearse on a practice board. It is also a good idea to practice first, especially if you are working with wood stain.

Whether you are getting ready to refinish furniture, paint a single room or the entire exterior of your house these painting project tips are an excellent way to get organized. The next time you plan a project head into the Sneade’s Ace Paint Studio. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help you get organized. Plus, we offer free paint samples* so that you can try the color in your home. Let us help you select the best paint, colors and painting tools to get your paint project finished like a pro!