9 painting tips that will make you look like a pro

Here are nine tips that will help you achieve a quality DIY paint job at home. Don’t be surprised if your friends start asking you for painting advice!

There are three types of paints you should consider.

• Water-based paint (latex) is washable and dries quickly. It takes well to most surfaces but is less resistant than oil paint.

• Oil-based paint is durable, resistant and offers excellent coverage. However, it has a strong odour, is polluting (because it’s not water soluble), and dries slowly. Those who have odour sensitivities should avoid it.

• The newer water-based alkyd paint dries quickly, does not smell strong and gives good coverage. It can be made from plant-derived sources.

There are also three different finishes.

• Chalky to the feel, matte paint is good for hiding imperfections, but it is not readily washable. It is the paint of choice for ceilings.

• A gloss finish makes a room feel bigger, but it doesn’t forgive any imperfections in the surface to be covered. Several coats are required for a good final result.

• Satin finish paints are versatile and suitable for all kinds of spaces and rooms.

One of the most important painting tips is to be sure to buy the right amount of paint.

• To do this, you’ll have to measure the total square-footage of wall space to be covered.
• Give the dimensions to your paint retailer, who will calculate the amount of paint you need.

It's always best to work in an empty room.

• If you have to leave some furniture, gather it all together in the middle of the room and cover it with a tarp for protection from splatters.
• Cover all floors and remove all light switch plates and wall outlet covers, plus any other hardware you would otherwise need to paint around.

Before painting the walls and ceilings, seal any cracks with spackle.

• Remove old, peeling paint.
• After any repairs, sand the surface to be painted and then wash the wall with a clean cloth.
• Use masking tape or painter’s tape to delineate surfaces to be painted and those to be left alone.

Opt for flat brushes for baseboards and rounded brushes for mouldings.

• Use synthetic bristles for water-based paint and natural bristles for oil paint.
• Use a short-nap roller for gloss paint and a regular roller for satin or matte paint.

This stage is often overlooked, but it is one of the most crucial painting tips.

• Applying a primer will give you better paint adhesion and coverage.
• One layer of primer will save you an extra layer or two of your tinted paint.

If you need more than one can of a same colour of paint, mix all the cans together in one big container.

• Although paint pigment is measured carefully to standard at the hardware store, it’s still good to make sure there are no variations in tone on all your walls.

Talk to your paint retailer or paint specialist at the hardware store.

• A real painting pro is the best person to help you choose exactly what you need for your moving or renovation project, and to help you stay on budget!

Now you know how to paint like a pro. Although for a truly impeccable job, you could always leave it to the real pros!