While DIY painting is very easy and popular, giving it a professional finish like a seasoned Painter Brisbane requires knowledge about certain things.
The whole process can be divided into different parts, each of which has its timelines and sub-processes that need to be executed within it.
Preparing a room for painting
The room should be devoid of all furniture, light fixtures, hardware etc., if possible. Large-sized furniture that is difficult to take out can be covered and secured to protect it from dust and paint. After this, the room needs to be prepared for painting by:
- Finding and fixing cracks, dents and holes in the walls by using painter’s putty, lightweight spackle and even plaster of Paris for deeper cracks. The areas need sanding to make them smooth.
- Sanding the whole room helps to smoothen the walls and enhance paint adhesion.
- Sponge-bath the walls to remove the dust and dirt from them.
- Lastly, the walls have to be checked for cracks again and the cracks need to be caulked.
When using tape, it is best to use painter’s tape since masking tape tends to bleed or peel off the paint adjacent to it.
Selecting primer and paint
Most people think that a primer is required just to thin the paint. But it does much more than that. Primer is so formulated that it:
- Helps to establish an even and solid base
- Seals all stains
- Ensures the smooth application of the topcoat
- Forms a secure bond with the walls
While it is important to select the correct primer, when buying paint too, the stress needs to be on quality. However, good paint does not come cheap and hence DIY painters should not try to save money on the quality of paints. Some paints come with mildew fighters and these should be preferred for bathrooms and kitchens.
Choosing the equipment
The right equipment helps to make the painting process proceed with smooth precision. Some of the pieces of equipment that are mandatorily required are rollers, buckets, painter’s rod, paintbrushes etc. The choice of the paintbrush is important since it gives a professional look to the paintwork. Brushes with tapered ends are preferred as painting edges, folds and corners become easy.
Some professional painting tips
Following these tips would magically impart a professional look to the painting. They are:
- Loading only so much paint as the brush can hold without dripping or blobbing.
- Cutting is a skill that is acquired. The best way to do it is to load the paint onto the brush, spread out whatever excess paint is there and work the brush.
- Work from top to bottom and double-check the work.
- Windows are best tackled during the mornings while there is a right way of doing the doors and it should be followed.
- Touch-ups are expected and painters should not be alarmed by them.
If the painting has to continue on the next day, daily cleaning of brushes and rollers can be skipped. Most house painter Brisbane, wrap used brushes and rollers in plastic bags and put them in the refrigerator. Roller covers are difficult to clean thoroughly and hence should be changed after every painting job.
