You’ve decided to freshen up your home with a new coat of paint. You’re not alone! Painting is an easy, cost-effective way to smarten up your space.
But where do you start? From choosing the interior paint colours, choosing the interior paint types, required tools, the painting timeline, the cost of painting the whole house and comparing between DIY vs hiring a professional painter, we’ve got you covered.
First, we’ll take you through the 8 step-by-step processes and share our tips and techniques.
So grab your brushes, and let’s get painting!
1. Prepare the Room
Before you plunge into painting, you must prepare the room properly to ensure a smooth process. Start by removing all the furniture or push it to the centre of the room and cover it with dust sheets. It prevents any accidental paint splatters from ruining your items.
Next, clean your walls thoroughly. Dust and grime can affect how well the paint adheres. Once done, use masking tape to protect areas you don’t want painted, like window frames, door frames, and skirting boards.
Remember that preparation is vital when painting; skipping these steps could lead to messy results. So, take your time in preparing for a smoother, more effortless painting experience. You’ll thank yourself later!
2. Protect the Painting Area
You’ll want to safeguard your furniture and flooring from drips or spills. Therefore, protect the painting area diligently using plastic dust sheets. They’re inexpensive, easy to lay out and offer excellent protection against accidental paint splatters.
Firstly, move your furniture away from the walls. If removing them from the room is impossible, group them in the centre and cover them entirely with plastic dust sheets. Secure with tape if necessary.
Next, shield your floor by spreading out additional dust sheets along the perimeter of your walls. Make sure they extend a few feet out for maximum coverage. Tuck the edges under skirting boards or use painter’s tape to keep them firmly in place.
This step is crucial – don’t miss it! Your future clean-up will thank you.
3. Prepare the Walls
After protecting the furniture and flooring, it’s time to concentrate on preparing the surfaces for a smooth finish.
The first step in preparing the walls is to clean them. Dust, dirt or grease can prevent the paint from adhering correctly, so make sure you have a clean surface before you start. Using warm water and mild detergent should do the trick.
If you are working with a new plasterboard, seal it with a high-quality primer. It will create an even base that enhances the paint’s adhesion and prevents stains from showing through.
Preparation is crucial: fill holes or cracks with filler, then sand until smooth.
With these steps correctly, you are now ready to apply the paint to your walls in the next phase of your DIY painting project.
4. Apply the Primer
Applying a primer before the actual colour is crucial as it ensures a smooth and long-lasting finish. The primer/undercoat provides an ideal surface for paint adhesion, preventing later peeling or cracking.
To apply the undercoat, you’ll start in the corners and edges of your wall with a brush, then use a roller for larger areas. Apply it evenly, ensuring no spot is left unprimed. It might seem like extra work now, but trust me, it’ll save you from repainting far sooner than you’d like.
Let the undercoat dry completely before proceeding with your chosen colour. This step is not just about aesthetics—it’s also about durability and giving your walls a professional look they deserve.
5. Paint the Edges (Cutting In)
We’re now moving on to the ‘cutting in’ process, which involves painting the edges of your room.
First things first, you’ll need decorator tape and a good-quality brush. Apply decorator tape along skirting boards, windows, and door frames, protecting these areas from accidental strokes.
Next, get your trim paint ready. Instead of dipping the entire brush into the paint tin, only dip half of it; this prevents paint clogging at the base of the bristles and gives you more control. Start applying your trim paint an inch away from where the wall meets the trim, then carefully work towards the edge for precision.
Remember to take it slowly; rushing often leads to mistakes in detailing. After drying, remove the decorator’s tape gently to avoid peeling off any fresh paint.
6. Let the Paint Dry
Now that you’ve meticulously painted the edges, it’s time to let the paint dry. It is crucial in painting your interior walls, and patience is key here. Rushing this process can lead to unsightly streaks or uneven colour distribution.
Generally, it takes around two hours for water-based paints to dry to touch. However, this doesn’t mean it’s ready for another coat yet! For best results, I recommend waiting at least four hours before applying subsequent coats of paint.
It’s worth noting that humidity and temperature can affect drying times, too. So, ensure your room has adequate ventilation and isn’t overly humid or cold.
Letting the paint dry properly is essential to achieving the professional-looking interior walls you aim for.
7. Apply the Second Coating
You’ll notice a significant difference in the overall appearance once you’ve applied that second coat. A good paint job isn’t just about slapping some colour onto your walls; it’s about patience and precision.
No matter how attractive your chosen interior paint, one coat won’t suffice. Two coats are necessary for a durable, even finish.
Begin with light strokes from top to bottom, maintaining consistency and avoiding build-up or streaks. Allow the first coat to dry completely – don’t rush this process! Once thoroughly dried, apply your second layer of paint using the same technique.
Remember: good things come to those who wait! The effort you put into applying two coats will be rewarded with a professional-looking result. Your walls will thank you for it!
8. Clean Up
After you’ve applied the final coat, it’s time to tidy up. Slip on your rubber gloves first – this is a top tip from professional painters and keeps your hands smudge-free.
Grab warm water and sugar soap, a hidden treasure in any painter’s toolkit. It cuts through paint residue brilliantly. Apply it to your brushes, gently working out the paint under running water. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear.
Then, turn to your painting area. Wipe down any splatters on surfaces with a damp cloth soaked in sugar soap solution; it’ll remove those stubborn spots easily.
How to Choose the Interior Paint Colours
Choosing interior paint colours for a room can be tricky, but don’t worry, we have some advice to help you make the best decision.
When deciding to paint a room, consider the purpose of the space. For instance, warm colours like red or yellow are perfect for living rooms as they promote conversation and comfort. Meanwhile, cool colours such as blues or greens work well in bedrooms because they create a calming atmosphere.
Consider your house interior’s existing elements, like furniture and lighting, when colouring. Lighter shades can make small rooms more prominent, while darker hues add depth to spacious areas.
Remember: It’s your home—choose colours that resonate with you!
What Types of Paints Are Suitable for House Interior
Let’s delve into which type of paints suitable for house interior of your dwelling.
Choosing paints that will withstand the conditions and usage of your house interior is crucial. Oil-based paint, for instance, is a wise choice due to its durability and easy clean-up. This type stands up remarkably well to high-touch, high-traffic areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
Remember, oil-based paints take longer to dry, so that you will need patience and good ventilation. Additionally, they are more challenging to apply than water-based equivalents. However, you can achieve great results with a good brush and dedication.
What Tools Are Required to Paint a Wall?
You’ll need a range of tools to achieve the perfect look. This includes brushes, rollers, and a tray for dipping.
Your paint roller will be your best mate. It’s your primary tool for covering large areas quickly and evenly. Selecting a medium-pile roller cover should do the trick for most interior walls.
Don’t underestimate the power of an extension pole, either. It helps you reach those high corners and ceilings without straining yourself or needing a ladder. It simply screws into your paint roller handle, making painting more straightforward and quicker.
How Long Does it Take to Paint a Wall?
It is often asked how long it takes to paint a house or transform a room with colour, and the answer depends on several factors. The size of your walls, the type of paint you’re using, and your painting technique all come into play.
As a rule of thumb, you can generally expect to spend 1-2 hours per 10 square metre when painting walls in your house in a single coat.
Remember that patience is key here; rushing through the process won’t yield good results.
Now that we’ve covered time estimates, let’s discuss the costs of painting an entire house.
How Much Does it Cost to Paint a Whole House?
Now that you know how long it takes to paint interior walls, let’s tackle another crucial aspect – the cost of painting a house.
It’s essential to budget efficiently before undertaking such a significant project. Remember, costs can vary based on factors like the size of your home, the quality of paint used, and even regional labour rates.
Typically, for an average-sized 3-bedroom house, you could look at anywhere from $4,000-$10,000 for the whole house interior and exterior. It includes professional labour and materials. However, keep in mind that the price above is only an indication. It will vary depending on the complexity, paint quality, and other factors.https://classicopainting.com.au/house/cost-painting-melbourne/
Of course, DIY can significantly cut these costs, but remember that time is also money! So, weigh your options carefully before diving in.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Painter
Deciding between a DIY project or hiring professionals for painting tasks can be tricky. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of DIY vs hiring professional painting.
Going down the DIY route could save money if you’re confident in your skills, have enough time, and enjoy such projects. However, it’s not as simple as grabbing a brush and slapping on some paint.
Professionals know how to paint your house’s interior walls precisely and efficiently. They’ll take care of all the prep work, handle any unexpected issues that may arise, and leave you with flawlessly painted walls.
Here is a tip: consider your budget, timeline, skill level, and the job’s complexity before choosing between DIY or hiring professional painting.