Sometimes we take a step back and look at our homes and realize that it’s time for a makeover. It’s amazing how much of a difference just a paint job will do, and how it can totally transform any space into looking brand new and completely different than what it was before. In most cases, you would call up a professional to come and get the job done for you, but have you ever considered doing it yourself?
It is absolutely doable and it will certainly be a fun experience for you. Considering how we keep finding ourselves in lockdown situations, it doesn’t hurt to preoccupy yourself with something constructive, learn a new skill and save some money while giving your home the makeover you’ve always dreamed of. Read on to know more about what you’ll need when it comes to a DIY paint job.
Decide on the Color
The first thing you want to do is decide on the color (or colors!) that you’re going to be using for the makeover. The best way to do this is to get paint cards of different color schemes and put those up against your decor or use them as a reference as you work out the new design that you’re planning to go for. Once that’s been decided, you have to make sure that you get enough paint and that it’s the same brand. You can get the same color from 2 different brands and they will probably not be identical, and the last thing you want is a splotchy wall.
Paint Sprayer, Rollers & Brushes
It’s important that you have your painting tools ready way beforehand. Look at the size of the space you want to paint, and in all likelihood, you’ll find that using an air sprayer is your best bet for getting an even distribution of the color. There is even the airless option now, and these get the job done in half the time, with more accuracy. This is a great option if you want to get the job done without any hassle. Alternatively, you should also have rollers and brushes available for the hard to reach spots and the corners as well. Generally, if this is going to be a family activity, then rollers is the way to go.
Filler, Sealant & Sanding
Make sure you inspect your walls closely to check for any cracks or holes that you might need to fill and even out your wall. Use filler and sealant to make sure that it is properly filled, then sand it to ensure that it is level with the rest of your wall so that it looks like nothing was ever there to begin with.
Painter’s Tape
You must have painter’s tape to ensure that all your edges are clean and precise. Painter’s tape is also useful when it comes to covering electrical outlets or any fixtures on the wall so that you don’t get any paint on them. If you’re looking to get a little creative with your walls and would like to do something geometric, for instance, then painter’s tape is amazing for creating these lines and separating the colors so that they don’t bleed into each other.
Primer
This is a step that you definitely don’t want to miss out on because it really will make a difference to the quality of the outcome. Primer is the coat that you put on as a base to ensure that the color you choose sticks and stands out the way it’s meant to and the way you expected it to when you picked it. It gives an even base so you won’t have to worry about patchy work all over your walls.
Drop Cloths
You’re going to get quite messy, so you need to prepare for that to be able to paint freely. If you’re able to move the furniture out, this is your best option. However, if you find that you can’t do that, just bring everything away from the wall and to the middle of the room, and cover it all with drop cloths. Do the same with your floors, or cover those with plastic instead, and make sure you tape them so they don’t move as you move around the room.
This list is sure to help you get started and really carry out a professional-looking job, without a doubt. As long as you prepare yourself beforehand and ensure that everything is in its place, you shouldn’t have any trouble. Make sure that you look at the color both in natural light as well as under the lighting that you use in the evenings to ensure that this is the effect that you’re after.