Top Five Painting Tips and Tricks
We understand as well as anyone that painting can be tedious and time consuming.
But it is also one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to spruce up a space and give it new life. In addition to being simple and not breaking the bank, one of the biggest benefits of painting is that it doesn’t require a professional to achieve clean, sleek results!
Looking for an affordable, painless way to transform a room and give it fresh character? Follow these pro painting tips to minimize time and effort, and achieve a flawless new look!
Box Paint for Consistent Color
Many people are unaware that the “same” paint colors can vary between cans. To ensure consistency across the board, professional painters mix their cans using a technique called “boxing.” To use this process and make sure your color stays consistent, pour your cans of paint into a 5 gallon pail, stir all the paint together and then return the paint to its original cans. The boxing method will create one consistent color and allow you to pick up with one gallon where you left off with another.
Edge in with Paint
When it comes to getting a nice, smooth finish to your walls, the pro secret is edging. "Edging in" is the process of painting around the corners and edges of the room with a paintbrush and covering all of the spots a roller can’t reach. Once the edges are complete, fill the rest in with a roller and you’ll achieve a solid, non-streaky finish. Make sure to edge in one wall at a time, as you’ll want the edged paint to remain wet while you finish rolling out the wall to reduce lap marks!
Use the “W” Method
To elevate your paint job to the perfect, flawless finish, use the “W” method when filling in the rest of the wall with a roller. Start by painting a big “W” using diagonal strokes, then continue by rolling over the W horizontally until the section is entirely filled in. Continue to do this in sections until the wall is complete. Using this paint technique will ensure the wall is fully covered and leave the paint job looking perfect.
Punch Holes in the Rim of the Can
To reduce the mess of painting and properly store the excess product once you’re finished, use the best pro secret in the book and punch holes in the top rim of the can! Punching holes in the rim of the paint can allows for excess paint to drip back into the can as you’re painting to avoid drippage, reduce waste and ensure the biggest bang for your buck. Additionally, piercing holes into the top rim of the can will help to avoid the lid getting stuck after resealing and storing.
Add Floetrol to Your Paint
Lastly, achieve a professional looking paint job by adding floetrol to your paint. Floetrol reduces the little flaws such as brush marks for a nice, smooth finish. Floetrol may lighten your paint color slightly, so take that into consideration when choosing a shade. You'll be amazed at how it elevates your painting!
By following these five simple pro tips, you can ensure a smooth, hassle-free paint job and seamlessly transform your home in a matter of minutes! For more paint tips or color selection consultation, stop by the shop and say hi!