Tyrone

One of the best home improvement projects for updating the look of your home is a fresh paint job. You can achieve the look of a professionally painted room with these easy, basic tips.

Lets start with the tools you will need. I suggest that you buy good quality tools and supplies, (brushes, rollers, paint, etc). Its not necessary to buy the highest priced tools and supplies, but good quality tools and paint will allow you to achieve a professional look. And, if you take care of your tools by washing and drying them after each use, you will be able to use them for years.

A list of supplies and tools you will need includes:
Paint
Primer (optional - see below)
Paint Brushes (suggest 1 wide - 3 inch and 1 narrow - 1 inch for "cut in" and trim)
Paint Roller
Roller Covers
Extension Pole (for ceilings and high walls)
Paint Tray (metal is best)
Caulk (to repair seams, fill in spaces)
Caulk Gun
Painters Putty (to repair holes, scratches)
Putty Knife (2 inch, 4 inch, or 6 inch, depending on size of holes)
Sander (to smooth walls after patching with putty)
Sandpaper
Plastic or drop cloths to cover furniture and floors

When shopping for a paint roller and extension pole, look for comfortable grips, and a roller and extension pole that are not too heavy. This will allow you to roll the paint on the wall using smooth strokes without struggling. You will be rolling the paint with a "push-press" motion that may be difficult with a heavy roller or extension pole. If you're not comfortable with selecting your tools, ask an experienced salesperson to make suggestions for you. Describe your project, and your salesperson can recommend brands for you to choose from.

When buying paint, a great way to get a rich, professional look is to choose a color that complements some decorating aspect of the room. As a suggestion, pick a color from a piece of furniture and select paint in that shade for the walls. You may want to pick a slightly lighter shade than the color you are matching. This creates a soothing background look that decorators and home improvement consultants often suggest. Also, purchase paint for your trim if you are using a different color for the trim than on walls. Again, I suggest buying high quality paint. Better paints will roll on with a beautiful finish, without streaking, and you will not have to apply as many coats for complete coverage.

Depending on the paint finish you want, select:
High or Semi Gloss, (shiny - great for bathrooms, and wall areas you would like to be able to wash)
Eggshell (my favorite - a very slight gloss that dries with the beautiful texture of an eggshell)
Satin (a slight gloss finish between semi gloss and flat)
Flat - no shine or gloss.

A note on primer: If you are painting walls with a lighter color than is currently on the walls you will need primer. Primer serves two purposes, it covers and neutralizes the darker color you are painting over, and it serves as an adhesive for the paint, allowing it to be applied evenly for a smooth finish.

Step 1: To get ready to paint, prepare your walls by patching holes, scratches, and minor wall separations with putty or caulk gun. Allow caulk or putty to dry. Gently sand for a smooth surface.

Step 2: Remove light switch and outlet covers, and apply masking tape to wall mirrors, (example: bathroom wall mirrors).

Step 3: Cover furniture with plastic or drop cloths. As an alternative to covering the entire floor with drop cloths, you can spread the drop cloths on the floor for protection where you are painting, and move them around as you paint the room.

Step 4: Now you are ready to paint. Its best to "cut in" walls first by using your brush to apply paint from the top edge of the wall next to the ceiling using horizontal brush strokes down to about 6 inches away from the ceiling. You are creating an area that you will roll up to with your roller. I like to "cut in" 2 walls at a time then fill in by rolling on paint. Start rolling at the bottom of the cut in area with even up and down strokes, and blend into the cut in area for a seamless appearance. Watch for drips and remove them with a damp cloth, or work paint drips in with your roller right away. Roll walls with even pressure. The correct motion is push-press, for smooth, even, paint application. Again, check for drips, and work them in or remove them with a damp cloth.

Step 5: After painting walls, apply paint to molding and trim with your brush. Apply a light, even coat with horizontal strokes.

Now you're finished. You can admire your freshly painted room that looks great, with the appearance of a professional paint job!

This article was written to provide professional home improvement techniques for crafters and hobbyists. For expert home improvement, home repair, renovation, and contractor services in Atlanta, GA and surrounding counties visit: http://www.craftprodirect.com