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Read These Pro Tips Before Your Next Painting Project
Follow this advice from Dulux and your home will have a professional finish that will stand the test of time
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Many of us like to think we could handle a spot of decorating, but when it comes to the hard graft of preparing, filling and cutting in, not to mention the actual rolling or painting, a rookie paint job doesn’t compare to a professional finish. So the next time you’re considering a painting project, whether it’s for the interior or exterior of your property, consider these tips from the experts on what it really takes to achieve a quality renovation.
We asked the professionals at Dulux Accredited Painters the secret behind a swoon-worthy paint job, and what to look out for when seeking a contractor.
We asked the professionals at Dulux Accredited Painters the secret behind a swoon-worthy paint job, and what to look out for when seeking a contractor.
Think Like a Professional
Choosing a paint colour can be one of the trickiest decorating tasks out there. Firstly, you have to consider the style and mood you’d like to capture. Maybe light and bright for a refreshing look, or dark and sultry for a cosy feel? A professional colour designer can help you take all the guess work out of this tricky step.
Secondly, picking the right paint finish is also key to the overall look. Jim Baker of James W Decorating, and a Dulux Accredited Painter, explains why: “The type of finish to apply greatly depends on the condition of the surface to be painted. If there are noticeable imperfections, use a lower sheen level. If you want high washability, use a semi or full gloss finish.”
Eliminate the hard work. Search online for a Dulux Accredited Painter who can help you make the right choices. Entry to the program is strictly by invitation, ensuring every contractor is certified and trusted by Dulux, and also agrees to uphold their Charter of Values, which includes integrity, client satisfaction and excellence.
Choosing a paint colour can be one of the trickiest decorating tasks out there. Firstly, you have to consider the style and mood you’d like to capture. Maybe light and bright for a refreshing look, or dark and sultry for a cosy feel? A professional colour designer can help you take all the guess work out of this tricky step.
Secondly, picking the right paint finish is also key to the overall look. Jim Baker of James W Decorating, and a Dulux Accredited Painter, explains why: “The type of finish to apply greatly depends on the condition of the surface to be painted. If there are noticeable imperfections, use a lower sheen level. If you want high washability, use a semi or full gloss finish.”
Eliminate the hard work. Search online for a Dulux Accredited Painter who can help you make the right choices. Entry to the program is strictly by invitation, ensuring every contractor is certified and trusted by Dulux, and also agrees to uphold their Charter of Values, which includes integrity, client satisfaction and excellence.
Measure Your Room
Nailing the correct quantity of paint you’ll need can also be challenging, and opening up a 2-litre can when you only need a fraction more can seem wasteful. You could try calculating the quantity on your own by measuring the width and height of the walls and multiplying these to get the over all square meterage. Then subtract the space used for any doors and windows, and divide the final sum by the paint coverage (approximately 16 square metres per 1 litre).
Experience is key. A professional decorator not only takes the stress away, but also allows you to tap into their expertise and knowledge, particularly when it comes to quantity and quality. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing inferior paint, usually because it’s cheaper and people have the mindset that ‘paint is paint’,” says Baker. Choosing a premium paint with the latest technology provides stain resistance and toughness, so your walls stay looking fresher for longer.
Nailing the correct quantity of paint you’ll need can also be challenging, and opening up a 2-litre can when you only need a fraction more can seem wasteful. You could try calculating the quantity on your own by measuring the width and height of the walls and multiplying these to get the over all square meterage. Then subtract the space used for any doors and windows, and divide the final sum by the paint coverage (approximately 16 square metres per 1 litre).
Experience is key. A professional decorator not only takes the stress away, but also allows you to tap into their expertise and knowledge, particularly when it comes to quantity and quality. “One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing inferior paint, usually because it’s cheaper and people have the mindset that ‘paint is paint’,” says Baker. Choosing a premium paint with the latest technology provides stain resistance and toughness, so your walls stay looking fresher for longer.
Don’t Forget to Test
Having a collection of colour chips at home isn’t going to represent what the paint actually looks like on the wall. Prepare some large pieces of lining paper and paint your chosen colour over a big area on the paper, then stick the swatches to the wall. Some shades will appear lighter or darker depending on surrounding colours and lighting in the room, while over a larger surface, most colours appear darker. And don’t forget, the type of paint finish you pick also affects the colour.
Steal top tips from the pros. The magic of employing a professional is that they’ll often share golden nuggets of information, such as Baker’s solution for spilling oil-based paint on carpet. “Fully wet the area around the outside of the spill with water first to stop it spreading, remove as much of the paint with paper towels,” he says, “then use turpentine to remove the remaining paint. Dab dry with paper towels.”
Having a collection of colour chips at home isn’t going to represent what the paint actually looks like on the wall. Prepare some large pieces of lining paper and paint your chosen colour over a big area on the paper, then stick the swatches to the wall. Some shades will appear lighter or darker depending on surrounding colours and lighting in the room, while over a larger surface, most colours appear darker. And don’t forget, the type of paint finish you pick also affects the colour.
Steal top tips from the pros. The magic of employing a professional is that they’ll often share golden nuggets of information, such as Baker’s solution for spilling oil-based paint on carpet. “Fully wet the area around the outside of the spill with water first to stop it spreading, remove as much of the paint with paper towels,” he says, “then use turpentine to remove the remaining paint. Dab dry with paper towels.”
Preparation and Priming
To prime or not to prime, that is the question, but you most definitely have to prepare. Whether you’re painting inside or out, always cover flooring, windows and furniture that cannot be moved, with protective sheeting. Then ensure all the surfaces that are to be painted are clean and free of dust or old flaky paint. “In most cases you don’t need to use a primer. It’s mainly required if the surface is new or un-painted, deteriorated (such as rusty metal), water damaged or needs a key [a slightly rough surface which enables a coat of paint to achieve good mechanical adhesion to the surface],” says Baker.
No job is too big or small for an expert. If clambering up a ladder fills you with dread, best call in the professionals. From painting house exteriors to decorating a compact ensuite, Dulux Accredited Painters adhere to strict health and safety legislation, so ladders aren’t a problem. What’s more, they offer their own five-year Painter’s Workmanship Warranty on residential projects.
More: For more information on the program and to find a Dulux Accredited Painter near you, visit Dulux’s website.
Your turn
Would you call in the pros for your next painting project? Tell us why in the Comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
To prime or not to prime, that is the question, but you most definitely have to prepare. Whether you’re painting inside or out, always cover flooring, windows and furniture that cannot be moved, with protective sheeting. Then ensure all the surfaces that are to be painted are clean and free of dust or old flaky paint. “In most cases you don’t need to use a primer. It’s mainly required if the surface is new or un-painted, deteriorated (such as rusty metal), water damaged or needs a key [a slightly rough surface which enables a coat of paint to achieve good mechanical adhesion to the surface],” says Baker.
No job is too big or small for an expert. If clambering up a ladder fills you with dread, best call in the professionals. From painting house exteriors to decorating a compact ensuite, Dulux Accredited Painters adhere to strict health and safety legislation, so ladders aren’t a problem. What’s more, they offer their own five-year Painter’s Workmanship Warranty on residential projects.
More: For more information on the program and to find a Dulux Accredited Painter near you, visit Dulux’s website.
Your turn
Would you call in the pros for your next painting project? Tell us why in the Comments.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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