Don’t skimp when buying paint supplies and tools
People looking into painting walls in their home sometimes make the job harder than it needs to be, because they are looking for the cheapest way to get it done.
Ron Sankey, building construction teacher at Butler County Area Vocational-Technical School, said using cheap paints may end up being less cost-effective than expensive paint, because cheap options usually require two coats, plus a layer of primer.
“Primer is only if you’re using a lower-level paint. I use the best paints out there because I want to do it in one coat,” Sankey said. “If you get a professional painter they’re all using name brand paints.”
Sankey has been a building contractor for years, and has painted the interiors of homes after he has erected them. He said getting a good coat of paint in a room comes down to not only using good-quality paint, but using better-quality paint brushes and rollers. He said using cheap supplies to spread the paint can leave spots open which could be evident even with more than one coat.
“A homeowner has to have best equipment to paint to get a good finish,” Sankey said. “If you don’t spend money, you’ll get a substandard finish.”
People who consult with Sankey on painting a room in their homes sometimes ask him what color he recommends for the walls, but he said people should feel free to use whatever color they prefer. While there are some evergreen color preferences, Sankey said he is sometimes surprised when a color he didn’t expect to look good in a room works well.
“Grays and whites are still most popular; all different shades of gray and white, they’re basically timeless,” Sankey said. “I’ve painted everything from fire engine reds to pumpkin oranges.”
Sankey said people should follow their color preferences when painting, because they will most likely be the ones who see it the most.
“Your wall is what everyone sees when they walk into the house,” Sankey said. “It brightens it, it softens it, changes mood.”
How to get started
- Clear the area: Try to move furniture out of the room so you can work easily. Cover with can’t be removed with sheeting.
- Remove hardware: Take off window locks and lifts, doorknobs, electrical cover plates, and light fixtures. Carefully package the screws to each item and label where it goes.
- Protect floors: Some people use rosin paper and plastic-lined canvas drop cloths to prevent spilled paint from seeping through.
- Inspect the walls and trim: Patch holes, dents, and dings by using ready-mix spackle on walls or wood filler on trim.
- Sand and remove dust: To create a smooth, even surface for painting, scuff-sand moldings, doors, and windows. A pole sander can be used to smooth walls.
SOURCE: Home Depot
