Paint can completely transform a room. It is simple enough that you can do it yourself while being cost-effective. However, if you have never painted before now, there are several questions that may concern you. To help, we gathered a few of the most commonly-asked questions to give you a better idea. Here is everything you should know before starting a paint project:
Q: How Much Paint Do I Purchase?
A: A general rule of thumb is one gallon covers 350 square feet. To calculate your wall’s square footage, measure the height and length of each wall. Multiply these numbers together to get your square footage of each wall individual then add all of the numbers together. Remember, some paints will need more than one coat, so a little more is always a safe bet.
Q: Where Do I Start?
A: Typically, you can start by “carving in” the room. This process is done with your paintbrush rather than a paint-roller. You will want to paint all of the areas that will be hard to get to with a roller. These areas can be seams of corners, where the ceiling meets, and at the baseboard. Next, you will choose to paint from the bottom up or vice versa. We recommend painting top to bottom since running paint can be inevitable.
Q: How Do I Remove Wallpaper?
A: Decide if your wallpaper was made to be stripped. If so, take a knife or a scraper and peel back a corner. This feature can make a project much easier, and it comes off in strips. That being said, you may need to use chemicals to help break the wallpaper free. Note that any chemicals used on the walls need to be removed before painting. You can also use a steamer to help break the bond of the adhesive. Typically, this will allow the wallpaper to peel off with ease.
Q: Does the Paintbrush Really Matter?
A: Experts and novice painters alike will agree that a quality paintbrush can make or break a project. In fact, the higher the quality of the brush, the better it will be at holding and releasing paint onto your walls. This feature will help minimize streak marks left behind by the brush. Additionally, you will want to clean the brush appropriately. Do not let the brush sit overnight with excess paint on it.
Q: Do I Need a Primer?
A: If you are using traditional paint (i.e., not a paint-and-primer option) then yes, you will ideally want to use a coat of primer. We recommend primers because of their helpful properties. Primers smooth the texture of a wall while properly sealing it for your paint. In essence, it creates the very foundation of your paint job.
Painting is one of the easiest do-it-yourself projects. It is quite cost-effective and can make an incredible difference in your design. Before you start, make sure you get all your supplies and clear the room of any furniture. Additionally, you may want to get a ladder and tarp the ground as well before starting.
Did you ICC Home features Benjamin Moore products? We are your one-stop-shop for everything design related. Be sure to stop in today for all of your paint needs and let us know if you have any additional painting questions.
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