A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways of transforming a space, and is simple enough to do yourself. That said, there are some things to keep in mind if you are going to take on the project for your condo. In addition to having the right materials, it’s essential to understand the steps necessary to paint a condo properly.
First of all, you need to prepare the room. Empty it of anything you don’t want painted like furniture, light fixtures, and outlet casings. Remove cracked paint, clean the walls and let them dry. Apply painter’s tape to all the trim, such as door and window frames, and lay down a drop cloth. Next, apply primer to anywhere that will be painted.
Now it’s time to start painting…
If you’re painting your ceiling, do that first. Then move to the walls, and finally remove the painter’s tape and do the trim. With the painting finished, it’s time to clean up by removing all the painting supplies and the drop cloth. Make sure that the paint has dried and most of the smell is gone, then simply put back the light fixtures and furniture, and begin enjoying your newly painted condo!
What do I need to paint a condo?
Now that you know how to paint your condo, you need to gather supplies, most of which can be purchased at your local hardware store. First of all, you’re going to need the paint and primer. Be sure to get a paint that is right for the material you’re painting – paint designed for brick can be different from paint designed for drywall! Next, you’ll need the materials to apply the paint, namely the brushes, rollers, and painting tray. If you’re planning on painting your ceiling, you will need a roller extension that’s long enough to reach that height. Also, if your condo has fine detail work like trim or door frames, you’re going to want to pick up some painters tape to protect those areas and create clean lines. Painting should always be done in a well ventilated area, but if you’re working in an enclosed space, it’s a good idea to wear a respirator mask. Finally, painting can get messy, so anything you don’t want to get paint on should be covered. This means drop cloths for the floor, and old clothes and shoes for yourself!
Is it cheaper to paint yourself or hire a professional?
Despite the initial cost of buying supplies you might not own, it’s almost certainly cheaper to paint your condo yourself than to hire a professional. That said, if you hire a professional painter, the quality of the result and the time and effort you will save might be worth it. Ceilings and detail work can be tricky to paint, and first time painters might end up with patchy, uneven results. As well, if you’ve never painted a condo before, it can be easy to underestimate how long it will take, and what was supposed to be an afternoon could turn into several days, seriously disrupting your life. If you’re up to the challenge, then painting your condo yourself is a great way to save some cash. But if not, it’s best to go with the pros, and that’s where Encore Painting comes in. With nearly a decade and a half of experience painting condos in the GTA, we know exactly what it takes to do a job professionally and efficiently, bringing your vision to life with as little disruption as possible. Sleep easy knowing that you put your condo in the hands of professionals and get your free painting estimate today.