6 Interior Painting Tips For a Flawless Finish
One of the simplest, most affordable ways to add character to your home is to paint your interior walls. The benefits of painting interior walls extend beyond aesthetics. When applied properly, a fresh coat of paint on your walls can help seal out moisture, preventing moisture damage.
To help ensure a flawless finish, we have put together a list of interior painting tips for Sonoma homeowners.
Use a Tack Cloth to Clean Surfaces
A tack cloth (or tack rag) is a special lint-free wiping cloth that is treated with a tacky material – usually beeswax. Professionals use it to pick up loose debris such as sawdust and wood shavings and dust particles before painting or staining. If you do not have a tack cloth, use a damp cloth, but be sure to squeeze it thoroughly before wiping down the surface with it.
Do not use a tack cloth to clean large surfaces. When cleaning your trims, doors, or cabinets with a tack cloth, avoid applying too much pressure or this may smear beeswax on the surface.
Use High-Quality Roller Covers and Brushes
A low-quality roller cover costs less than a top-of-the-line roller cover, but may leave fuzz and lint on your walls, affecting your end product. Also, once fuzz and lint are embedded in your paint and it dries, you have bumpy walls that can be very difficult to repair. A low-quality brush can leave unsightly streaky brush marks on your walls.
Some amateurs use chip brushes for interior painting. A chip brush is meant for applying glues, solvents, and adhesives, not interior painting. A high-quality roller cover and brushes are a worthwhile investment and can help ensure a smooth finish.
Apply Low-Stick Painter’s Tape
Painter’s tape has a low-stick adhesive that comes off easily without damaging the existing paint or primer. Apply painter’s tape to the edge of all surfaces you do not plan to paint.
Maintain a Wet Edge to Prevent Overlap Marks
If you use glossy or semi-gloss paint, keep a wet edge by painting the full height of the wall to prevent stripes. Move over slightly, overlapping the previous stroke with the next.
Use the Right Primer
If you are painting drywall that was recently hung, use a water-based primer to provide an even base and hide imperfections. For paneling and smoke-saturated or water-damaged walls, use an oil-based primer.
Cover Clean Area With Masking Film
Masking film comes in rolls and folded-up squares. It grabs onto flat surfaces and stays in its place on its own. All you need to do is bring your masking film adjacent to the edge of the painted surface.
Mike Chavez Painting is the best painting service in Sonoma. Our pros have extensive experience transforming spaces with a fresh coat of paint. To make an appointment, call(707) 623-5850.
