If you’ve never undertaken the task of painting a room or a house before, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. Painting can be challenging, but if you prepare properly and follow the below guidelines, you’ll get it done right the first time around.

• Choose Your Colors: Go to the paint section of your local hardware store and select paint swatches. Bring them home, and compare them with your flooring, furniture, decor, etc. Once you’ve decided on the color, you’ll also need to choose the finish – flat, semi-gloss, gloss, eggshell, or satin. If you’re not sure, talk with a paint expert to help select the best option for the room or project you are tackling.
• Select the Right Brush and/or Roller: Consider the size, type, and quality of the brush or roller you will need. Brushes will be labeled for their designated uses – staining, oil painting, varnishes, etc. Purchase the best brush you can afford, as if it’s cared for properly, it will last a long time. Also make sure it’s size appropriate – painting a giant wall with a two-inch brush will be a waste of time. When buying rollers, follow the same guidelines as when buying a brush. You can buy a cheap roller, but you won’t get a professional-looking final appearance.
• Purchase the Paint: Before buying a gallon – or several – of paint, purchase your chosen color in the smallest size/quantity possible. Paint a small area of the room and examine it at different times of the day under different lights and angles. If you’re not satisfied, buy another color and repeat the same process until you find the perfect one. When you are ready to purchase, buy enough paint to finish the job – leftover paint can always be utilized for touch-ups.
• Prepare the Surface: Remove any old paint or stain from your walls because a clean surface is critical for the paint to adhere properly. Use painters’ tape to tape off any areas that you don’t want painted. If you’re painting new and/or bare wood, make sure to apply a quality primer first.

If done the right way, your first home painting project will be smooth sailing.  If you don’t have the time, energy, or resources to take on a DIY Painting Project, contact Williamsburg Painters at 757-223-7063 to schedule a free painting estimate today.