How to paint a wall like a DIY pro | The Sun

WE don't all want to call in the professionals when it comes to painting and decorating – and you don't have to.

Here's everything you need to know on painting a wall like a DIY professional.

How to paint a wall

Are you getting ready to renovate? Here's everything you need when it comes to achieving a professional paint job.

It may seem like a tiresome job – but painting your walls can be an easy task when using this step-by-step guide.

Step one – Choose a colour

Have you picked out the perfect colour for your wall?

A good starting tip is to test colour samples on different parts of the wall to really get a feel for the paint colours.

It is also important to considering buying a paint primer alongside your primary colour – using a primer will create a base coat that will create a professional finish.

Step two – Prepare your walls

Before you open the tin of paint – make sure you have prepared your walls.

Make sure you examine the walls surface for any dirt, grease or damage – if this is apparent then you will need to clean and repair the wall.

Read More on Painting

How to paint a room like a professional

DIY fan reveals easy hack to avoid mess when painting your house

If the wall is damaged or still has existing satin or gloss paint, make sure to sand the wall down using sand paper – this will create a smooth finish.

Most read in Fabulous

You can clean your walls with sugar soap and a bucket of water – use a large sponge to apply the cleaning solution and wipe the wall clean.

Then you can go ahead and apply a coat of paint primer over the wall before painting – If you are painting over a darker colour, apply two coats.

Step three – Cover any switches and skirting boards

You're nearly ready to paint – but first make sure you cover any switches, sockets and skirting boards.

The best material to use when it comes to covering the trim is painters tape – this will ensure a nice clean line remains once the tape is removed.

You should also consider covering any furniture and your floors – this will protect them from any paint splatter or spills – you can do this by using a drop cloth or plastic sheeting.

Step four – Cut in the walls

Instead of just taking a brush to wall, it is good practice to cut in one wall at a time – this means painting around the edges.

You can do this using an angled brush and pouring around three cups of paint into a small container.

If you are taking a break or going back to cutting the walls another day – you can wrap your brush in plastic wrap or place it in the freezer to avoid the bristles drying out.

Step five – Paint the walls

Before you start to paint, make sure to get a paint stick and stir the paint for around five minutes before you begin.

Take a roller tray and fill with just over half-full with paint – too much paint may cause the tray to spill over.

Then you can load your roller or brush of choice with paint and begin to roll on the wall, from the baseboard to the ceiling.

Continue this process to create a professional finish.

Step six – Remove tape and clean up

Before removing any tape, take a flexible putty knife and score along the edges – this will ensure the tape is removed smoothly.

Then you can go ahead and clean any brushes and rollers you have used with hot soapy water.

How to prepare a wall for painting?

It is important to prepare your wall before painting.

To prepare your wall you will need paint primer, sandpaper, a suitable filler, a sugar cleaning solution, a bucket and a large sponge.

Take a look at the step-by-step guide above – step two will give you a detailed guide on how to prepare your wall for painting.

Can I paint over old paint?

The answer is yes – but there a few things to consider before you do.

If you're painting over a wall with a paint that is similar to the previous colour then you don't need to get the paint primer out – but you do need to prepare the wall first.

It is important to wash the wall before painting to remove any built up dirt or grease.

Read More on The Sun

My baby bump is so big people think it’s fake – giving birth terrifies me

My son’s terrified to go to school after travellers pitched up outside the gates

If the wall is damaged, make sure to fill any holes and cracks with a suitable filler – you will then need to sand a prime those areas to ensure the new paint job has a professional finish.

In a well light room, you can then start to re-paint the walls – two coats of paint will be needed to cover any existing paint.

Source: Read Full Article