If your home is in need of a facelift, why not round up the whole family for a DIY painting project? Besides being able to personalise your own spaces, you’ll be surprised at the wonders a fresh new coat of paint can do. But before you jump right in, make sure to be prepared and know what to do for a hassle-free process.
Before painting:
- Use sandpaper to smoothen out uneven surfaces so you can paint over easily and nicely. Wrap the sandpaper around a block to make it easier to handle.
- Use a good tape to mark out the area you’re painting, so you get a clean finish with no smudges or splatters outside the border.
- Clean dirty surfaces with a damp cloth, letting it dry after. This allows the new coat to be applied smoothly, and prevents the paint from chipping or peeling off.
When painting:
- If you’re using ready-mixed paints (paints that have been mixed to a customised colour), always stir first so that the paint sediments get mixed evenly for homogeneous colour.
- Always begin from the ceiling or top of the walls and work your way down. This is to prevent any dripping paint from ruining a newly completed surface.
- Apply several thin coats, rather than one thick coat of paint. Brush on the paint with long and even strokes.
- Even when you’re taking a break, close the paint cans tightly so it retains its consistency. When you resume, stir the paint to ensure it is mixed thoroughly for an even coat.
- Use turpentine to remove stains caused by oil-based paint. Also, soak brushes and rollers in it for easy washing up.
Information from AzkoNobel, which manufactures Dulux paint.