11/18/2011
You’ve navigated your way through a myriad of colours and have finally narrowed it down to a selection that will work for you and your needs but where do you stop and finish colours and what type of paint do you choose where? Is there an order of procedure? Read on if you cannot answer these questions.
Choosing a paint system
- When choosing paints to apply to a brand new wall, it is advised to use a three coat system. Choose the correct primer/sealer and undercoat for the surface and make sure that it is the same high quality as the finishing coat. You need less for changing the paint colour on an existing wall. So, if using a particular brand of paint specify undercoats etc. of the same brand.
- The paint must be chosen to ensure the greatest adhesion to the particular surface being painted. Is it timber, plasterboard, bricks or metal? Also consider whether it is being used interiorly or exteriorly. The exterior paint will need UV protection.
- With paints, the higher the gloss content the harder the paint is. This needs to be considered for surfaces that take knocks such as doors and skirtings. At the moment it is common to use a semi gloss or satin finish interior paint for these applications. High gloss paints can dribble and run and show every imperfection so may not be as user friendly.
- Only use matt paint on the ceiling as matt shows all the dirt. You may like to put ten percent of the main wall colours in the ceiling paint so that it doesn’t look so grey. In a child’s room you may want to put an energetic colour on the ceiling to get them up in the morning!
- If you have a wall that has a lot of imperfections even after cleaning and repair then choose paints with a textured finish that will hide these imperfections. Just remember that once the texture is on the wall it will take a lot to make it smooth again.
- If you wish for low emission paints to be environmentally friendly then speak to the experts at the paint company that you are using and get them to recommend what they would use.
What goes where and in what order?
- Make sure all your potential paint surfaces are repaired, cleaned and dry before commencing work. Put drop sheets down to protect existing floors.
- Work from top to bottom. That is, start with the ceiling and work your way down so do the ceiling and cornices first, then the walls, then the doors and skirting boards.
- When painting a feature wall or a wall with a tonal change in colour stop at the inside edge of the corner rather than the outside edge.
- If you have raked ceilings or bulkheads keep them the same colour as your main walls to define the space.
Painting your own home is an easy and cheap way to save money. It is well worth the effort providing that all the initial preparation is done well. If you have a new home why not paint before you put your floor coverings down and then you don’t need to worry about cleaning the floor so much. All you need now is the energy, time and a lot of cups of tea and food to keep you going. Who knows you might enjoy it!
Still not sure of what to do then call Kate and she can help you to make a decision.