How to Paint Like A Professional Part 1

Painting is the most cost-effective way to transform any space into something clean, fresh and new. Maybe you’ve just moved into a new home, and the previous owner had a different idea of tasteful décor than you. Or maybe you’re looking to sell your home, and it’s time to get rid of that sky-blue bathroom ceiling with the golden stars. Maybe you’re bored with those four beige walls in the living room, and look forward to a dramatic accent wall in a deep chocolate hue. Maybe it’s time to freshen-up the kid’s play area and paint over those grubby handprints on the walls. There are so many reasons you might want to paint the interior walls of your living spaces.

In the last installment, we discussed how to properly prepare your walls, select the paint color and sheen, and some basic tools you will need to paint like a pro. In this installment, let’s discuss how best to apply that paint to your walls, in order to lend fresh life to your living spaces.

So your walls are free of wallpaper and sanded smooth. You’ve removed all pictures, shelving, switch plates and outlet covers. Of course, you want to remove all furniture from the room, so you can move your ladder along the walls freely. If the furniture has to remain in the space you’ll paint, push everything into the center of the floor, and cover with a drop-cloth. You also want to protect your flooring and any counter areas, if you’re in a kitchen. You gather your tools, make sure you have access to running water, and put on a good radio station. Now you’re ready to begin the actual painting, which usually starts by applying the primer to the walls or ceilings.

The first thing to do it the ‘cut-in’. Because expert painters know that taping off trim around doors and windows causes paint ‘bleeds’ under the tape, we advise against using any kind of masking tape. This will give you a cleaner cut-in line, save you a few bucks, and accelerate the painting process, because you don’t have to spend a few hours painstakingly taping around all walls. Take your angled paintbrush, dip half-way into the paint, run both sides along the edge of your paint can to get rid of excess paint that might drip, and paint along your edge lines with a smooth, stable stroke, applying just the right amount of pressure on the bristles to not bend them, but ‘flow on’ the paint, so you avoid streaks that will cause you to have to paint everything again. You want one-coat coverage for maximum efficiency.

When all edge lines are cut-in (approx. 2inches deep), you can get out your roller (make sure you chose the right nap thickness for your type of surface), and lightly wet it with water, then blot it dry on a rag or newspaper, and work out any nap that ‘fuzzes’ off. This way you don’t end up with unwanted fuzz spots on your walls. Then apply paint to your roller, and begin painting your walls in a clock-wise direction, starting at the entrance door to the room, if you’re right-handed. For south-paws, go counter-clockwise. Be careful your roller doesn’t have excess paint that might drip, and watch the spray-back when you roll the paint onto the wall. Apply paint in smooth strokes and go over all areas from different directions, so the paint covers any imperfections from all angles and you can avoid having to apply a second coat. Once you have painted all walls, wait for the paint to dry, and again closely examine your paint job with a critical eye, and find any spots where the paint is too thin and touch them up with fine-feathered brush strokes.

Your paint job will dry to touch within about an hour, depending on humidity and air-flow. After that time, you can re-install switch plates and hang pictures. You can move your furniture back into the room as well, but be careful still, because paint requires approx. 72 hours to properly cure. Maybe you now have that chocolate accent wall, or maybe you’re moving on into a new home, and will need to paint again soon. Whatever the case, remember that with a lot of knowledge and practice, you too can paint like a pro.

Susan has wonderful decorating taste.  When we first entered her kitchen, we were greeted by tasteful artwork on the walls, stylish counter-top appliances, and a baker’s rack that displayed her dedication to fine wine.  All of this, however, couldn’t quite mask the fact that this kitchen had that lived-in look that often comes with a few years of passionate use.

The cabinets, although sturdy and custom-built from solid wood, showed their age.  At this point, the once white paint was less than white and chipped in places, so the original dark wood peeked through.  The old porcelain knobs and discolored copper hinges were partially covered with paint. The countertop was an outdated off-white, severely scratched and discolored, and the faded, shallow sink and faucet looked no better.  Dark wallpaper overpowered the shine of the large rectangular neon ceiling light, and made the space seem smaller than it was. The apartment-grade linoleum sheet flooring had seen better days as well.  All of that was why Susan had decided it was time to revitalize the space, and do the whole kitchen over.

Susan contacted us for a detailed consultation and a free estimate. When we listened to her, it became clear that Susan wanted an updated, brighter, and more welcoming feel in her kitchen, with additional lighting over a new, deeper sink with new fixtures.  In addition to new walls, floors, countertop, and cabinets, she wanted more cabinet and counter space, and a built-in wine cooler for her collection.

After some deliberation about her wants and needs, we convinced Susan that the sturdy, custom-measured, solid-wood cabinets could be renewed, and she could limit her budget by avoiding a complete tear-out and replacement cabinets.  We also agreed to custom-build some additional storage and counter space, and install the desired wine cooler, along with new lights, sink and fixtures, and quality laminate flooring.  We settled on paint color and sheen, advised on new hardware and fixtures, clarified expectations for the end product, and Susan was getting very excited.  So, to work we went.

The first thing to accomplish is the prep.  We always like to make the mess first, then clean it up and start with a fresh slate.  In this case that included wallpaper removal, un-installing the cabinet doors and hardware, and sanding them down.  We battled the stubborn wallpaper, washed the walls, filled in the larger imperfections, and sanded them smooth.  We sanded the cabinet framework, the doors, and the drawers, and removed the factory-looking ceiling fixture.  Next, we coated the ceiling, walls, trim, baseboards, and cabinets with primer.  After drying time, we applied two coats of paint, allowing for curing and sanding between applications, for a smooth, long-lasting, quality finish.  Then we replaced the old light with an elegant oval fixture, and installed a tear-drop light above the sink. 

In the meantime Susan had selected the countertop, new hardware, her new sink and faucet, and the cabinets and wine cooler to be custom installed, so we drove to the store to pick everything up.  Since these new cabinets had to match our overall look, they got the same detailed sanding and finishing treatment as the others.  The next step was installing the new laminate flooring to prepare the space for the cabinet placement.  We also added new ‘quarter-round’ wood trim along the baseboards. Then we measured, cut, and installed cabinets, countertop, sink, faucet, wine cooler, and finally, two additional shelving units Susan fell in love with.
 
Our last order of business included re-installation of all hardware and cabinet doors and drawers, removal of plastic sheeting with which we contained the dust and debris, any paint touch-ups, and a thorough cleaning of our work area.  Then we enjoyed a long moment where Susan admired her transformed, welcoming and usefully designed kitchen.  She asked us to return soon to consult about her dream of repainting her whole home, and we left with a smile for a happy customer, and the pride of a well performed job that’s truly appreciated.