Monday, June 25, 2012

Painting It Pretty

Last week I got an email from someone who asked me something about painting the walls in her house based on a tip i gave on last Monday's post. Based on that and some comments on that same post I thought it would be nice to give you a few tips I've learned over time dealing with interior design projects.


When selecting a paint color for any space get a paint chip or sample of the paints you would like to use and bring them with you. Tape the sample on the wall of the space your planning to paint and see it during the morning, afternoon and night to make sure you like the way it really looks there. If available buy a small sampl jar of the paintto make this color test.


Clean the walls to be painted with a degreaser and let them dry for a day. In the meantime, repair any imperfections with sackling paste {let dry for a day as well}, take off any light switch and electrical outlet plates {store them in a bag so you don't lose them}, and tape where the wall meet the ceiling and baseboards.


Select a brush that helps you with small hard to reach areas {like corners} and a roller that is right for your type of wall {smooth or texture} that way you not only get the best finish but also you can save a lot on paint.


Start by painting the hard to reach areas for the roller like corners, top and bottom of the walls. Later, paint the rest of the wall in a top to bottom motion that way it look evenly finished. Remember to work in a room well venilated even if you buy eco-friendly paints.


Matte pint is best used in areas of low of no traffic as this is te finish that gets dirty the fastest. Eggshells and satin have a little luster and are the best choice for general wall areas because they are easy to clean and also hide wall imperfections. Semi-glossy and glossy paints are best used in bathrooms, kitchens and baseboards.

Have a great day!

32 comments:

  1. Thanks for all these very practical tips!! great post!


    http://fashion-gourmet.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great tips! I agree with the swatches since the color will change depending on the light in that particular room so it is the only way to be sure.

    I also think that you shouldn't buy cheap paint. They generally have fewer pigment particles in them so you will just have to use more coats {and more paint} to get a good look and who really loves to paint that much?

    Happy Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  3. great post!!! and thank you for the tips!!! so useful!!

    http://profdrskinnybitch.blogspot.de/

    ReplyDelete
  4. ok even if i'm taping paint swatches to the wall...i am HORRIBLE at visualizing it and always end up with a color i don't like. it's funny because i fancy myself the artsier one but mark is so good at picking out paint!

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love all the tips (& accompanying photos) but especially love the first tip - I have only realised this one in recent years and it has saved me many a terrible colour on the walls after Ive brought a small sample home and pinned it up and really not liked it :)

    Anna xo
    http://www.lifesshinyprettythings.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for the tips! I love the tip of making sure you like the color in the morning light, afternoon light and evening light. I've never thought about doing that before.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Great tips! I've never painted a room in my life because I've been afraid of the actual task of painting and doing it incorrectly

    ReplyDelete
  8. really nice bathroom design
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for the tips! I am not the best painter, so I will use these tips as I am planning to do some painting soon :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the tips! I am not a great painter and am planning to do some work soon, so I will use your comments! xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thank you for your tips! I am planning to paint the bedroom and my office soon, so this was perfect for me!

    Kisses,
    Simone

    geewrite! | Follow me | Twitter

    ReplyDelete
  12. J and I have been saying we want/need to paint for like 10 years now. It's really bad. We can't make a decision. At one point I wanted a deeper color for the living room and now I'm back to light. But painting is definitely on the agenda for the Fall when we finally do everything over :)

    Hope you're not getting too much rain. I hear it's been crazy down there. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Great tips! Have a fabulous week!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great tips! Have a fabulous week!

    ReplyDelete
  15. You always have the best tips. I've never painted, but when I do I will come back to this post. Have an awesome day!

    ReplyDelete
  16. this is an excellent post w/excellent tips! especially seeing how paint looks in the morning, day and evening because some shades tend to look different. i love that shade of pink in the first pic!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great, informative post. I love the way paint transforms a room. That bedroom is gorgeous

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great tips! Thanx for sharing! ;)
    xxx
    S

    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great tips...and much needed! Hope you have a fabulous week! xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. You are doing an amazing work with your blog honey. I adore it!!!
    Best Regards
    Miss Margaret Cruzemark
    http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. Good painting tips Elie. Painting walls is my least favorite thing to do--I painted my closet a few months ago and really couldn't wait for it to end--haha. Hope you are having a great Monday!
    xo mary jo

    ReplyDelete
  22. Such great painting tips. I'm going to have to bookmark these for when we eventually buy our own house! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. We agree about testing the paint on your wall. That helps so much!!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

    ReplyDelete
  24. I’m bookmarking this post so that when i buy my first home I can actually paint the walls! living in an apartment has it downfalls because I’m dying to get my hands on a can of paint and go to town.

    xo everything-pretty.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. This is such useful information, and I thank you so much for posting it here!
    I absolutely love the first photograph.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love the mint bedroom. Inspiration for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Aqua mint and white looks so perfect! xoxo
    http://www.hellohellofriday.com/

    ReplyDelete
  28. what a great project! i like the mint walls!

    www.beckspick.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great tips! I'm ready to start painting :)

    ReplyDelete