Interior painting is one of the quickest and cheapest home renovation projects you can do, but there are some rules to live by. If you’ve never taken on a project like this before, it’s essential to know how to do it right before you start. Along with the things you should do, there are also many things to avoid doing to make the process as efficient and successful as possible.
So, what are these do’s and don’ts of painting the interior of your home or condo? The painting pros here at Encore Painting have painted thousands of homes across the Greater Toronto Area and share the best (and not so best) practices of interior painting below.
Condo Painting Dos
Before starting any interior project – and that includes painting the interior of your condo – you’ll want to follow these best practices.
Gather Supplies
After you’ve decided to take on a painting project and know what look you are going to go for, the first thing you’re going to need to do is gather the proper supplies. A paint or hardware store will have everything you need. Of course, the first thing you will need is the paint, but in addition, you’ll need primer. Primer is always needed in any painting project for best results. Primer is applied to a surface and left to dry before the first coat of paint is applied.
Next, you will need the brushes, rollers, and painters tray to apply the paint and primer, as well as a paint roller extension if you plan on painting ceilings or hard to reach surfaces. Paint roller extensions are a very common tool used in many condo and loft painting projects.
To help prep the room, get some painters tape, and some sandpaper if you need to smooth any surfaces. If this is the case, also pick up some goggles and a mask to avoid ingesting any residue while sanding. You’ll also need drop sheets for the floor to protect that surface, as well as to place on any larger pieces of furniture that you won’t be able to take out of the room. Finally, find some old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as well as something to cover your hair, and you’ll have everything you need for your project.
Prep the Room
Now that you’ve gathered supplies, before you get to actually painting, it’s essential that you prepare the room. First, remove any furniture that you can from the room. This is not only to protect it from any paint, but will give you more space to move around. If there is furniture that is too big to remove, cover it completely with a cloth or plastic sheet – something you don’t mind getting paint on.
Next, remove any electrical casings from outlets or lightswitches. Then cover the floors with drop cloths in order to protect the floor from any dripping paint. Place painter’s tape on any edges or lines that you want to protect, such as along the ceiling or door frames, in order to paint clean lines and to protect areas you don’t want painted. Finally, thoroughly clean the walls and let dry fully before applying any paint – a cloth and soapy water is all you need. Once this is finished, the room is ready to be painted.
Paint in the Proper Order
If you’ve never painted a room before, you might just start painting whatever surface you feel like, but there is an order you should follow, and painting the right parts of the room in the right order is going to save you a lot of hassle.
Assuming you are painting all parts of the room, begin with the ceiling. Start along the edges, following the painters tape and then work your way inward. Next, move to the walls. Again, start with the edges, painting inward from door and window frames, as well as electrical sockets. After this, do any fine brush work you might need like trim and door frames. Finally, do the floor, painting the edges and working your way from one side of the room to the other, ending at the side where you’ll be exiting. You don’t want to paint yourself into a corner, after all!
Be Prepared to do Multiple Coats
To get a solid, lasting coat of paint, usually three coats are required – one coat of primer and two coats of colour. If you are going from a dark colour to a light colour, you may need to do even more. Be prepared for this when you are planning how much paint and primer to purchase, as well as how long a painting project is going to take. This includes drying times between coats, as you need to wait for one coat to fully dry before applying another one.
Condo Painting Don’ts
Painting can be quite straightforward, provided you follow the proper guidelines. When it comes to painting the interior of your condo or home, it’s important to trust the pros. Here’s what not to do.
Don’t Paint Directly onto Wallpaper
Paint is not designed to adhere to wallpaper, so it’s important to remove as much of it as possible with a steamer or wallpaper remover. If the wallpaper is old and not coming off, remove as much of the loose pieces as you can and then sand down the remaining surface in order to create as smooth an area as possible. Once this is complete, apply the primer.
Don’t Use Incorrect Paints
Always carefully read the label of any paint that you’re buying to ensure that you don’t use exterior paint indoors, and vice versa. As well, some paint is designed for specific materials, so if you’re painting brick, don’t get paint that’s especially designed for wood.
Never Rush the Job
A painting project can take time, especially if you are a less experienced painter. Plan on taking all day to complete the project to avoid rushing and doing an uneven or incomplete job. This includes being patient when the painting is done. Wait 24 hours before bringing furniture back into the room, and wait 30 days for the paint to fully cure before washing or wiping any areas.
Forget About Safety
Though painting your condo is an incredibly safe home renovation project, there are still precautions you should take. Always paint in a ventilated area, so be sure to open some windows when doing any interior painting. If you are doing any sanding, wear protective eyewear and a protective mask in order to avoid ingesting any dust or residue. Finally, be careful if you are planning on using a ladder to paint ceilings or high walls and trim. Always have another person present to hold the ladder and make sure it is secure!
Now that you know what to do and what not to do for a professional paint job, you’re all set to paint your condo. But, if you would still rather leave the professional painting to the pros, that’s where Encore Painting Ltd. comes in.
Since 2008, our team of Toronto painting contractors have been transforming homes and businesses, and have the skill and experience to bring whatever vision you have for your condo to life. See why Encore Painting Ltd. is one of the industry leading painting companies in Toronto. Book your free detailed quote today and find out how Encore can transform your condo.