PAINTING TIPS: 7 STEPS TO A SMOOTH FINISH
I'm *this* close to being finished with painting the ground floor. A few more tweaks in the living room and vestibule and we'll have a freshly hued look in every corner. With all this painting going on, I've done a fair bit of research on how to best tackle painting a room, and I'd like to think I've learned a thing or 2 along the way. Because I'm so generous I thought I'd put together my favorite painting tips for a smooth finish.
STEP 1:
Test paint colors. I recommend trying at least 3 shades BEFORE choosing your favorite hue.
Pro Tip: Paint a 1' x 1' square in 1-2 locations around the room to see how the paint will look in different light. I love the testers size at Home Depot!
We went with the bolder coral color - Behr's Marquee Paint in Cockleshell
STEP 2:
Fill holes + CRACKS. CAULK ANY SEAMS ALONG WOODWORK, putty HOLES and DIVETS IN WALLs.
Pro Tip: If you're going to rehang something (like curtains) in the same place you don't need to fill in the holes.
STEP 4:
Prep the space to paint. Tape ALONG floor, cover any non-moveable features, and lay DROP CLOTHS.
Pro Tip: Don't worry about taping windows, use your paint scraper to remove any painting mishaps instead!
STEP 6:
Cut in along woodwork. Using an angled brush paint around all windows, doors, and baseboards before starting on the walls.
Shh - I cheated a little...
STEP 3:
Smooth surface. Scrape bumps and sand filled holes.
You can buy drywall sanding blocks for the wall, and I'm addicted to my Warner Steel Paint Scraper from Lowes.
STEP 5:
Ceilings + Woodwork first! For the cleanest finish always start with painting the details before starting on the walls.
Pro Tip: Don't be stingy around woodwork, allow about 1-2" of overlap on the walls so your paint job will be seamless
STEP 7:
ALLOW PAINT TO FULLY DRY BETWEN COATS. SECOND COATS ARE RECOMMENDED.
Even "one coat guaranteed" brand paints may require a second coat depending on how porous your wall surface is, or how generous you are with your paint-filled roller. I say better safe than sorry.
Do you have any painting tips you'd like to share? Head over to Instagram and share them on the partner gram to this post. - b.
