Redecorating the interior of your home is a great home improvement task and those that plan their interior painting Leicester projects from start to finish will generally save time and money. With a clear plan in place, there are fewer opportunities for errors and mistakes. Consider these basic preparation skills before you speak to your interior painter and decorator Leicester and start your next interior painting project, to help ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Timeline. When considering an interior painting job in Leicester, best practices call for at least an hour to two hours of drying time for most interior latex paints. Developing your plan will also involve estimating the amount of paint and primer you need. There are different conditions that you must consider when you estimate your paint needs. For example, is the current paint colour dark? You may need extra paint for an extra coat to achieve an even colour. A rough textured surface will also require more paint. Your plan must also include securing all the right tools and other materials you will need to complete the job to your own satisfaction.
- Prep the surfaces. Wash surface and spackle any holes in drywall caused by nails or other causes. Read articles specifically on interior prep so that you will not to overlook the common things. Ensure that the room is ready to paint before starting.
- Gather all the tools.
- Step ladders and extension ladders – to help you reach elevated areas
- Paint scraper – to remove loose or peeling paint from wood, plaster, and other surfaces
- Triangular-load scraper – to remove paint in small or tight areas
- Steel wool – to remove corrosion from metal surfaces
- Bristle brush – to clear loose material from masonry
- Wire brush – to remove efflorescence and loose material from masonry, or to remove loose, flaking paint
- Putty knife – to scrape away loose paint, or to apply filler
- Broad putty knife – to fill in and smooth patching compounds in plaster and wallboard
- Glazing compound – to replace cracked, broken, or missing panes of glass
- Filler – to fill nail holes and small imperfections in walls
- Long-handled brush – to clean large exterior surfaces
- Scrubbing brush – to remove mildew and dirt
- Sandpaper (various grits) – to smooth and feather previously painted surfaces, or to roughen glossy surfaces so paint will adhere better
- Sanding block – to hold sandpaper and help you sand surfaces to an even finish
- Caulking gun – to apply caulk to cracks in walls, gaps, and seams in woodwork, and the junction of different surfaces (e.g., wood siding and stone)
- Tubes of caulk – same as above (note that all-acrylic and siliconized acrylic caulks are paintable; silicone caulk is not)
- Masking tape – to protect window panes and trim from paint
- Paint guide – to protect carpets and walls when painting baseboards and other trim
- Roller tray – to load rollers with paint
- Brush comb – to clean brushes
- Paint pail – to mix paint and carry it to the worksite
- Dust sheets – to protect furniture, floors, and shrubbery from paint
- Primer. Applying primer will cover existing paints especially if darker, helps paint to stick thereby preventing cracking and peeling.
- Quality paint. You can save time and avoid multiple coats by simply purchasing better paints. Generally speaking, cheap price means cheap quality. Look for quality paints are those manufactured specifically for durability and easy-clean finishes. A painting project is a lot of work, don’t make any more for yourself. Purchasing quality interior paint makes application easier. Spend the money on a good brand.
- Colour Selection. This is probably the most fun you’ll have doing a painting project. Give it some real thought. Don’t forget the rooms adjacent to the one you’re painting so that colours that will flow from room to room.If you are having trouble deciding on accents, like the trim, wait until the ceiling and walls are done. This way you can see how the decor is affected and adjust the trim colors accordingly.
- Paint finish. Flat, gloss, semi-gloss, eggshell. Each has differnt look, but each finish also has different features or benefits. For example, the higher the gloss it’s easier to clean, but also quicker to show finger prints.
- Apply paint samples to the walls. Take it from a painter. When it comes to color, take your time and apply paint samples to the walls. It is cheaper to purchase a couple of quarts than repaint an entire room.
- Calculate paint. By calculating how much paint you need, lining up all the tools you need and ensuring you have the right paint for the job, your interior house painting project will go much more smoothly than if you start the job without careful planning.
