A fresh coat of paint not only elevates the aesthetic of your home, but can also help to increase its curb appeal and overall value (by up to $5,440!). But, that’s really only the case if the paint job looks polished. Messy paint jobs, on the other hand, can have the exact opposite effect. However, hiring professionals to do the work for you doesn’t run cheap..
Whether you’re freshening up your space with a new coat of paint, or are getting ready to sell your home and want to boost its exterior curb appeal, we’ve collected six insider tips that you can leverage to give your next DIY paint project a professional touch.
Wait for Dry Weather
Nothing ruins a paint job potential more than a humid, rainy day. To avoid drippy, slow drying paint, wait for dry weather to do the job.
Invest in Good Quality Materials
One of the biggest benefits of hiring a professional to paint your home is their quality tools and materials for the job. While you may want to save a few dollars on materials, cheaper brushes and rollers will not only have a cheap effect, but can also end up costing you more in paint in the long run sinice substandard products don’t provide the best coverage.
Do your research and invest in quality materials (including your paint!) to get a professional, lasting result once everything dries.
Scrub Your Surfaces
Cleaning the area you’re painting is one of the most neglected tips that amateurs forgo, but is one of the key secrets to a well-polished paint job.
Before cracking the lid on a fresh can of paint, check the surface you will be painting for cracks or peeling from any existing paint. Sand or scrape the area down, then wipe your walls and other surfaces that you’ll be painting with warm soapy water and a clean cloth to remove any dust, grease, or dirt. By doing so, the paint can better adhere to the surface, and won’t peel like it would if it were on a dirty surface.
Pick a Powerful Primer
As the pros at This Old House advise, don’t skip, or skimp, on primer. Primers have a specific purpose other than covering up old paint. They serve as a base on which paint can more easily adhere to, and help keep your paint from peeling while also helping it look fresher, longer.
Tactics for Taping
If you’ve ever used painter’s tape to mask off your trim or angles where the ceiling meets your wall, you know it’s a handy secret weapon to leverage to help get the job done faster and cleaner. But nothing can be more discouraging than when you peel that tape off and see a small line of paint bleeding through.
To avoid this, the pros recommend using a putty knife to ensure the tape is adhered before you start painting. Also, be sure to only use painter’s tape, as it’s designed specifically for this job, while masking tape and other types of tape can leave a sticky residue behind that can become impossible to clean off.
Aim for Streak-Free Strokes
Nothing can feel worse than seeing your paint dry in streaky patches. To avoid this when using a brush (for example, while painting your trim), load up your brush with paint and heavily coat small sections at a time. Then smooth it out using short, quick strokes, finishing off by using a long, one-directional stroke to avoid having your paint dry in streaky lines.
With this new insider knowledge, your paint job will look like it was done by the pros! Afterall, how could it not with these tips and tricks up your sleeve?
