With plenty of time on our hands during this isolation period, many of us are looking for ways to spruce up our homes. Few projects freshen up a space like a new paint job and what better time to tackle the job
However, not all paint jobs are created equal, so we’ve listed some of our best tips to prevent a painting mishap!
- Temperature and humidity matter
Temperature has a big impact on paint application and on the finished result, so it’s really important that on the day you decide to paint, you assess the weather conditions first.
Wet and cold days cause drying time of the paint to be extended, and it may result in uneven drying. On the other hand, if it is too hot, paint will dry rapidly, which increases the likelihood of imperfections occurring like blistering and peeling.
Humidity will also affect the end product, as moisture in the air may contribute to bubbles forming in the paint, and it will also increase the drying time of the paint. So keep an ear out for the daily weather report so you can pick the right day.
Also, most paint tins are labelled with the optimal drying temperature for the particular type of paint, so it’s a good idea to follow the instructions to achieve a good end result.
- Not an easy fix for mould
Did you know that bleach doesn’t actually kill the mould, it only disguises it by taking the colour out of the spores? Painting over mould is a no-no as well, as it will result in patchy, bumpy looking walls, and will just exacerbate the problem.
Instead, look for a long term solution by scrubbing off the mould with a product like Sugar Soap to remove the spores altogether. Always remember to take safety precautions before attempting to remove mould, and seek the advice of a professional if it is a major mould problem.
Once the mould is removed, choose a paint that is going to prevent it from reappearing. When you’re at the store choosing the right paint, ask an assistant to help you choose one with an anti-mould formula.
Ventilation is key – so whilst you’re in the makeover mood, assess the ventilation standard of the room. The room will need to be well-ventilated whilst your paintwork is drying as well.
Limit your use of paintbrushes to cutting in only, and do away with that shaky ladder, and invest in extension poles instead. By fixing your roller on the end of the extension pole, you can have easier access to hard-to-reach areas, and you’ll have a professional-looking end result.
A handy tip when using extension poles is to work in large “M’s” and “W’s” across the face of the wall; this prevents streaking and will give your application a professional finish. If you’re finding your paint job is still looking streaky, try easing up on the pressure as your paint, and go over the paint with hardly any pressure at all to even out the job.
When you’re cutting in, create sharp lines by using paint tape to line the edges of windows, door frames and skirting boards.
For the sake of your flooring and your furniture, it’s always a great idea to put down a drop sheet to catch any wayward paint splatters. Also, keep a damp cloth handy just in case.