Painting Like a Pro - Basic Tips for Professional Results
By Kim Mujahid

One of the best home improvement projects for updating the look of your home is a fresh
paint job. You can achieve the look of a professionally painted room with these easy, basic
tips.

Lets start with the tools you will need. I suggest that you buy good quality tools and supplies,
(brushes, rollers, paint, etc). Its not necessary to buy the highest priced tools and supplies, but
good quality tools and paint will allow you to achieve a professional look. And, if you take
care of your tools by washing and drying them after each use, you will be able to use them for
years.

A list of supplies and tools you will need includes:


Paint

Primer (optional - see below)

Paint Brushes (suggest 1 wide - 3 inch and 1 narrow - 1 inch for “cut in” and trim)

Paint Roller

Roller Covers

Extension Pole (for ceilings and high walls)

Paint Tray (metal is best)

Caulk (to repair seams, fill in spaces)

Caulk Gun

Painters Putty (to repair holes, scratches)

Putty Knife (2 inch, 4 inch, or 6 inch, depending on size of holes)

Sander (to smooth walls after patching with putty)

Sandpaper

Plastic or drop cloths to cover furniture and floors

When shopping for a paint roller and extension pole, look for comfortable grips, and a roller
and extension pole that are not too heavy. This will allow you to roll the paint on the wall using
smooth strokes without struggling. You will be rolling the paint with a “push-press” motion that
may be difficult with a heavy roller or extension pole. If you re not comfortable with selecting
your tools, ask an experienced salesperson to make suggestions for you. Describe your project,
and your salesperson can recommend brands for you to choose from.

When buying paint, a great way to get a rich, professional look is to choose a color that complements
some decorating aspect of the room. As a suggestion, pick a color from a piece of furniture and
select paint in that shade for the walls. You may want to pick a slightly lighter shade than the color
you are matching. This creates a soothing background look that decorators and home improvement
consultants often suggest. Also, purchase paint for your trim if you are using a different color for
the trim than on walls. Again, I suggest buying high quality paint. Better paints will roll on with a
beautiful finish, without streaking, and you will not have to apply as many coats for complete
coverage.

Depending on the paint finish you want, select:

High or Semi Gloss, (shiny - great for bathrooms, and wall areas you would like to be able to wash)

Eggshell (my favorite - a very slight gloss that dries with the beautiful texture of an eggshell)

Satin (a slight gloss finish between semi gloss and flat)

Flat - no shine or gloss.

A note on primer: If you are painting walls with a lighter color than is currently on the walls you
will need primer. Primer serves two purposes, it covers and neutralizes the darker color you
are painting over, and it serves as an adhesive for the paint, allowing it to be applied evenly for
a smooth finish.

Step 1: To get ready to paint, prepare your walls by patching holes, scratches, and minor wall
separations with putty or caulk gun. Allow caulk or putty to dry. Gently sand for a smooth
surface.

Step 2: Remove light switch and outlet covers, and apply masking tape to wall mirrors, (example:
bathroom wall mirrors).

Step 3: Cover furniture with plastic or drop cloths. As an alternative to covering the entire floor
with drop cloths, you can spread the drop cloths on the floor for protection where you are painting,
and move them around as you paint the room.

Step 4: Now you are ready to paint. Its best to “cut in” walls first by using your brush to apply
paint from the top edge of the wall next to the ceiling using horizontal brush strokes down to
about 6 inches away from the ceiling. You are creating an area that you will roll up to with your
roller. I like to “cut in” 2 walls at a time then fill in by rolling on paint. Start rolling at the bottom
of the cut in area with even up and down strokes, and blend into the cut in area for a seamless
appearance. Watch for drips and remove them with a damp cloth, or work paint drips in with
your roller right away.

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The correct motion is push-press, for
smooth, even, paint application. Again, check for drips, and work them in or remove them
with a damp cloth.

Step 5: After painting walls, apply paint to molding and trim with your brush. Apply a light, even
coat with horizontal strokes.

Now you re finished. You can admire your freshly painted room that looks great, with the
appearance of a professional paint job!

This article was written to provide professional home improvement techniques for crafters and hobbyists. For expert home improvement, home repair, renovation, and contractor services in Atlanta, GA and surrounding counties visit: http://www.craftprodirect.com

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