Painting is a great way to give a room a new look, whether to completely renovate the room or simply change the way it looks a bit. This project is also inexpensive and can be done yourself even if you've never painted a room before. Start by clearing the room before you clean and sand the walls. Next, apply 1 to 2 coats of primer, or use a 2-in-1 primer and primer mix so you can start painting right away.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Room and Equipment
Step 1. Use an oil or water based paint designed for the interior
Interior paint has a smooth finish that is easy to clean. On the other hand, exterior paint is added with chemicals to keep the paint resistant to exposure to various elements. So, the safest material is interior paint if you want to paint the interior of the room.
- The two main options for interior paint are oil-based and water-based. Water-based paints are versatile paints that can be used almost anywhere. It also dries quickly and contains very few chemicals so it doesn't emit harmful fumes. However, if your walls have been previously painted with oil-based paint, water-based paint may not stick.
- Oil-based paints give off strong fumes, but they give a dense, glossy appearance and can last a very long time. This paint is very suitable for use in rooms that have high humidity, such as bathrooms and kitchens. If you're not experienced with painting, a longer drying time will give you enough time to correct your mistakes.
- Another option for painting the interior of a room is latex paint. However, these paints are not as durable as oil or water based paints.
Step 2. Use 4 liters of paint for every 37 m2 of surface
To determine the amount of paint needed, measure the width and height of the walls. Next, multiply your measurements to find the area of each wall. Combine the areas of each wall to get the area for the entire wall. If the area is less than 37 m2, you may only need 4 liters of paint. If the area is more than that, you will have to increase the amount of paint.
- Usually, you'll need to use more paint if you want to paint a dark color, have a textured wall, or want to switch a dark wall to a light color.
- This estimate also applies to the base paint.
- You can also use an online paint calculator to find out how much paint you need. Type "paint calculator" into a search engine.
Tip:
Try painting in small strokes in a few different shades before you decide on the final color. This way, you can see how it looks in different lighting.
Step 3. Remove the furniture, wall art, and carpet from the room
Before painting, clear the room of as much furniture as possible. Remove anything stuck to the walls, move small furniture to another room, and roll up the carpet for storage elsewhere. If there are objects that cannot be moved, such as large pieces of furniture, push them into the center of the room.
Also remove the outlet cover and light switch cover to avoid getting paint! You may need a plus screwdriver to do this
Step 4. Cover anything left in the room with a plastic sheet
Spread a tarp or plastic sheet on the floor or any object in the middle of the room. Even if you've been very careful, the paint could drip or splatter in all directions. You may find it difficult or even impossible to remove paint from certain surfaces without damaging them.
- Sheets of plastic can be purchased at a paint shop or construction store.
- Do not cover floors and furniture with fabrics, such as sheets or towels. The paint can soak into the fabric, and the stain will be difficult to remove if you don't treat it right away.
Step 5. Wash the walls using a sponge and TSP (trisodium phosphate)
TSP is a cleaner that can remove oil and dust. Oil and dust prevent paint from sticking to walls. You can buy it at a paint shop or building store. You can choose TSP in the form of liquid or concentrate that must be mixed with water. Read the instructions on the product packaging carefully before using it.
- Wear gloves and long sleeves when using TSP as this material can irritate the skin.
- If you can't get TSP, use soapy water instead.
- You'll also need to remove any nails, adhesive, or anything else you don't want to paint.
Step 6. Glue the tape around the trim, receptacle, or casing
Use your fingers or a caulk (a tool for applying putty) to press 30 cm of tape along the line you want to paint. Next, take another piece of tape of the same size and stick it on top of the previous tape. This is to avoid the appearance of gaps that can allow paint to flow between them.
Use tape specifically designed for the type of wall you want to paint (such as gypsum, wood, or wallpaper)
Step 7. Open windows and doors so that the room is well ventilated
Paint fumes can be dangerous so you should have good ventilation in the room. Open the doors and windows in the room, and turn on the fan if you have one.
- Unfortunately, open doors and windows carry the risk of bringing dust, dirt, pollen, and insects into the room, and can stick to the paint. If possible, only open windows that have a screen, or tape the sheet to the window using masking tape.
- Paint fumes can give you dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, and headaches. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to an open area that has fresh air, and double-check the ventilation in the room.
Step 8. Lightly sand the walls of the room that has a glossy finish
If the walls have a glossy or slick finish, the new paint will have a hard time adhering. Use sandpaper with a fine grit (eg 220 grit), and scrub the wall in a circular motion. Sand the wall just enough to remove the glossy finish. Next, wipe the wall using a dry cloth to remove the adhering dust.
- Do not sand until it reaches the paint or the wall behind it. This can make the walls look uneven after you finish painting.
- This task can be done quickly if you use an sanding machine. If you don't have one, you can rent this machine at a home supply store. However, you can still sand it by hand if you have no other choice.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Base Paint
Step 1. Use a primer on unpainted walls, or if you want to drastically change the color of the paint
The use of primer before applying the main paint is not mandatory. However, if the walls have never been painted, or you want to change the paint color from dark to light (or vice versa), or if there is a hole in the wall that needs to be patched, you will need to apply a primer first. This will provide a smooth base coat so that the main paint will adhere evenly to the wall.
Tip:
If you want to use a 2-in-1 primer and primer mixture, you don't need to apply a separate primer!
Step 2. Open the tin of primer, and stir with a paint stir stick
The main paint and primer will usually settle or separate if the material is left for a long time. When you first open the tin of primer, stir with a small stick so that the mixture is evenly distributed.
If the primer has not been used for a long time, you may need to shake the can vigorously before opening it. After that, stir with a paint stir stick until well blended
Step 3. Apply the base paint around the perimeter of the wall using an angled bristle brush
This technique is known as "cutting" and can make it easier for you to paint using a roller. Dip a 6 cm angled-handled brush into the base paint, then tap on the side of the can to remove excess paint. After that, carefully brush the basecoat along the doors, trim, windows, and ceilings, using the tip of the brush to reach areas near the trim without getting paint on it.
When doing "cuts," an experienced painter may not need to use tape to cover the areas you don't want to paint
Step 4. Use a roller brush to apply the base paint to the wall
Pour the primer into the paint tray and add the grate gauze. Attach a clean roller brush to the roller wand, then dip it into the primer in the tray. Roll the roller over the gauze grate to remove excess paint, then sweep the roller along the wall. If any part of the wall is not covered with paint, the roller is starting to dry and you need to dip it back into the primer.
- Sweep the roller in an M or W motion to help avoid streaking the basecoat.
- You can buy roller wands, roller brushes, paint trays, and grate gauze at a paint store or hardware store.
Step 5. Allow the primer to dry and add a second coat if necessary
You may need to apply 2 coats of primer to fully cover the wall. Allow the primer to dry according to the manufacturer's directions, then take a look at your room. If the wall behind the primer is still visible, you need to add a new coat. If the walls look solid, maybe one coat of primer will suffice.
Step 6. Rub the primer with sandpaper before you apply the main paint on the wall
When the primer is completely dry, buff it off using a 220 grit sandpaper. Don't sand the entire coat of primer because all your work so far will be in vain. Just rub the primer until the surface becomes a little rough.
This is useful so that the main paint can adhere to the wall properly, which makes it look smoother after the painting is complete
Part 3 of 3: Painting the Walls
Step 1. Open the paint can and stir the contents
The paint will settle if left for long periods of time, which can sometimes cause the dye to clump at the bottom of the can. For an even color, stir the paint with a kneading wand after you open the can. If the paint has not been used for a long time, you should shake the can vigorously before opening it.
Cover paint cans using a flat screwdriver or paint can opener
Tip:
If you're painting a large room, mix several cans of paint into one large bucket if the colors in each can are slightly different. You can pour the paint into the paint tray or place the grate gauze in a bucket.
Step 2. Use a 6 cm angled bristle brush to apply paint along the edges of the wall
Dip the brush into the can and tap against the rim of the can to remove excess paint. Next, carefully sweep the brush along the length of the trim, about 1 cm from the edge of the part you don't want to paint. After that, return to the same area a second time to apply the paint until it reaches the trim.
For best results, we recommend that you do this "cutting" technique on only one wall at a time. After that, apply paint with a roller brush before moving on to another wall
Step 3. Pour paint into the hollow end of the tray (if using a tray)
You'll need to use a paint tray, unless you're using a large bucket that has added gauze. Carefully pour some of the paint into the tray. You don't need to apply a lot of paint, but just enough to cover the bottom of the deepest tray.
Also place the metal grating gauze in the paint tray
Step 4. Dip the roller brush into the tray and roll it on the gauze to remove excess paint
Place the roller brush on the roller wand and dip it into the deep part of the paint tray. After picking up the paint, roll the roller brush over the metal grate gauze to remove any excess paint.
Roller brushes are sold based on the thickness of the nap (the fabric in the roll), or the fibers that make up the roll. To paint the interior of a room, a 1 to 2 cm nap can provide a wide coverage, but it doesn't wet the walls with too much paint as with a thicker nap
Step 5. Place the roller brush on the top of the wall, about 15 cm from the edge
After picking up the paint with the roller brush, lift and place the roller on the wall near the junction between the wall and the ceiling. However, do not start painting at the corners or edges as this will result in a thick coat of paint that will be difficult to apply. Instead, start painting about 15 cm from the edge of the wall and work your way down.
Do not stick the roller brush to the top end of the wall, as the paint could hit the ceiling
Step 6. Sweep the paint over the wall in a V or M shape
This is useful for avoiding scratches on the paint. Try applying the paint until it reaches the "cut" spots along the ceiling in the previous step, then brush the paint down to the "cuts" spots on the bottom trim.
If you find it difficult to paint from the top of the wall to the bottom in an even motion, draw an imaginary horizontal line across the bottom half of the wall. Brush the paint in a V above the line, and another V below it, lightly overlapping the wet edges of the paint
Step 7. Wait for the paint to dry completely before adding a second coat
Usually you need at least 2 coats of paint to get the perfect finish. Allow the paint to dry for the time recommended by the manufacturer, then apply a second coat of paint to the entire wall.
Don't just focus on certain points because the end result will be messy. Make sure you apply an even coat of paint over the entire wall
Tip:
If you have to dry the paint overnight, wash your brushes or place them in a plastic ziploc bag to prevent the paint on the brush from drying out.
Step 8. Clean the room once the walls are dry
If you are satisfied with your painting results, now is the time to do some cleaning! Carefully remove the tape you stuck to the paint border. After that, remove the drop cloth (furniture cover), wash the paint brush, and return everything back into the room.
