DIY

DIY Painting Guide:

Sep 26, 2022

Are you considering giving your home a fresh coat of paint? Painting can be a DIY project or a great opportunity to bring in a professional. Either way, it's important to carefully plan and prepare for the job to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. In this blog post, we'll share some tips and considerations for painting your home, from selecting the right paint and color to preparing the surfaces and protecting your belongings. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time painter, these tips will help you achieve a flawless finish and transform the look of your home.


Preparation is key:

Before you begin painting, make sure to properly prep the surface you will be painting. This includes cleaning the surface, filling any holes or cracks, and sanding down any rough areas. Cover any areas you do not want to paint with drop cloths or painters' tape.


Drywall:

If the drywall is completely bare and has never been painted before, use a PVA primer to help the paint adhere and provide good coverage. If the drywall has been painted before, clean it with a product like TSP before applying primer.


Wood:

Sand the wood to your desired level of smoothness and use a quality primer to ensure good paint adhesion and coverage.


Metal:

Sand the metal to remove any rust or flaking paint and clean it with a product like mineral spirits. Use a metal primer to help the paint adhere and provide good coverage.


Glass:  

Clean the glass with a product like Windex and use masking tape or a stencil to protect any areas you don't want to paint.


Choose the right paint:

Select a paint that is suitable for the surface you will be painting and the type of finish you want (e.g. matte, gloss, etc.). Consider the type of room you will be painting and the amount of foot traffic it receives, as this can affect the durability of the paint.


Oil-based paint:

Oil based paint is a traditional type of paint that is made with a base of oil, such as alkyd or linseed oil, instead of water. It is known for its good coverage and durability, but it does have some drawbacks. One of the main concerns with oil-based paint is that it contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are chemicals that can off-gas into the air and potentially contribute to air pollution. For this reason, it is important to use proper ventilation and protective gear, such as a mask, when working with oil-based paint. Typically used with floor trim, crown molding , metal and other wood projects such as furniture.


Latex paint:

Latex on the other hand, is made with a base of water and is generally considered to be a more environmentally-friendly option. It is easier to work with and dries faster than oil-based paint, but it may not provide as good coverage or durability. Most commonly used on walls and ceilings


Gather your tools:

You will need a paint roller, paint brush, paint tray, and any other tools specific to the type of surface you will be painting (e.g. paint pad for textured walls). Make sure to have a supply of clean rags on hand for cleaning up spills or mistakes.


Here is a list of tools that may be useful when painting a room:

  1. Drop cloths or plastic sheeting: used to cover floors and furniture to protect them from paint spills and splatters.
  2. Painters' tape: used to mask off areas you don't want to paint, such as trim or corners.
  3. Sandpaper: used to smooth rough surfaces before painting.
  4. Primer: used to prepare the surface for painting and improve the adhesion and coverage of the paint.
  5. Paint brushes: used for painting edges and corners, as well as for touch-ups.
  6. Paint rollers: used for applying paint to larger surfaces quickly and evenly.
  7. Paint trays: used to hold the paint while using a roller.
  8. Ladder: used to reach high areas, such as ceilings or high walls.
  9. Extension pole: used to extend the reach of a paint roller, eliminating the need for a ladder in some cases.
  10. Scraper: used to remove old paint or wallpaper.
  11. Putty knife: used to fill holes and cracks in the wall before painting.
  12. Sponge: used to clean up spills and splatters.
  13. Rags: used to clean up spills and splatters, as well as to wipe down surfaces after sanding.
  14. Buckets: used to hold cleaning solutions or paint.
  15. Stir sticks: used to mix paint and primer.
  16. Protective gear: such as gloves, a mask, and goggles, to protect your hands, face, and eyes from paint fumes and splatters.



Mix the paint:

Follow the instructions on the paint can to mix the paint properly. Be sure to mix the paint thoroughly to ensure an even finish.


Apply the paint:

Start by painting the edges and corners of the room first, using a paintbrush. Then, use a paint roller to apply the paint to the larger areas. Work in small sections and overlap your brush or roller strokes to ensure an even coverage.


Allow the paint to dry:

To ensure that your paint has time to dry properly before applying a second coat or moving furniture back into the room, it's important to follow the recommended drying time listed on the paint can. In addition to giving the paint time to dry, you can also help the process along by using fans to blow air over the freshly painted surfaces or opening windows and doors to create a cross breeze. This helps to circulate air and speed up the drying process. Make sure to use caution when moving around the room while the paint is drying, as it can be easily damaged if it is not fully set. By taking the time to allow the paint to dry properly, you can achieve a professional-looking finish and ensure that your paint job lasts for years to come.


Clean up:

To clean up after a paint project, follow these steps:

  1. Remove drop cloths and painters' tape from the room.
  2. Wash paintbrushes and rollers with soap and water. (mineral spirits for oil based paints)
  3. Rinse and dry any containers or trays used for mixing paint.
  4. Dispose of any unused or leftover paint according to local regulations.
  5. Wipe down surfaces that may have gotten paint splatters or drips, including windows, flooring, and baseboards.
  6. Vacuum or sweep the floor to remove any debris or paint chips.
  7. Store all tools and materials properly for future use.

It's important to properly clean up after a paint project to ensure that all surfaces are clean and all tools are properly stored and maintained for future use.


By following these steps, you can successfully paint any room in your home with a professional-looking finish. Remember to take your time and be patient, and you'll be able to transform your space with a fresh coat of paint.


Painting projects can be overwhelming, especially if you're tackling a large room or multiple rooms in your home. Between preparing the surfaces, selecting the right paint, and ensuring a professional-looking finish, there are many steps involved. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to handle your painting project, TX Handyman Here is here to help. Our team of skilled craftsmen have the expertise and experience to handle all your painting needs, from prep work to final touches. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us take the stress out of your painting project.