When getting into the art of painting for the first time, you might be taken aback by how tough it can be. Painting looks easy when you watch a professional using a brush and/or roller. However, painting is a unique skill that requires a very precise approach and, frankly, a bit of luck as you go. If you want to make your painting a bit more precise, though, here are some effective painting tips to ensure you get the cleanest, sharpest finish that your hands are capable of.
Don’t buy cheap brushes
Many assume that buying basic brushes is a good place to start, but you should always invest in good quality premium brushes. This avoids things like the brush bristles wearing out, falling out, or becoming ruined otherwise. Premium quality brushes are a wise investment, as are quality rollers. Look for anything 9” or smaller, and you can get rollers that last for many years to come.
Quality tools make the difference, and can ensure that you avoid patchy finishes and lines where you want to avoid them. If you are going to buy an extension pole for ceilings and long distances, make sure that it locks into place!
Always take your time before starting
Many people look to dive into the paint before they properly prepare the room for a painting session. So, make sure you clear the room entirely of as many bits of furnishing as you can. Some things will just need to be worked around, but others will need you to really remove if you want to get the best finish on each of the walls.
Also, make sure you properly strip the walls of any previous wallpaper etc. – don’t leave anything for the paint to compete against when on the wall.
Sand the walls first
Also, before you start putting any paint on the wall, sand the walls down on any parts that stand out and/or look rough. This is vital for making sure you don’t want up with a lump and uneven wall. A bit of sand paper and a bit of effort should be enough to get any of those big bumps and marks on the wall that are putting you off so much. Always sand a wall down before you start painting it to avoid that uneven, ghastly finish.
Make sure to make a mask
If you are going to be going around skirting boards and other areas where you want a very smooth finish, then you should use some masking tape. This allows you to create a much smoother finish; simply pull off the tape once it has dried and you should be left with a very crisp, professional finish. Instead of trying to spend hours going around each part of the edging, use a mask to help you avoid the problem and get the best finish the first time around.
Use these simple but important painting techniques, and you can make a headache of a DIY job a whole lot easier!