Take the Pain Out of Painting
TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PAINTING
DIY Painting tips and hacks
We often think of painting as an easy DIY chore, but poor planning and the wrong approach can lead to things quickly turning into a real mess!
Try these tips and advice when starting your next painting project.
First things first
What do you want to paint? Where is it - Is it inside or outside? All these factors play a role in you selecting the right paint for the job at hand. For example, use enamel and red oxide primer if you’re painting outside palisades or security gates. Exterior walls require a more durable product than interior spaces.
NOW THAT YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO PAINT, FIND OUT HOW.
Preparation is key to making your paint last longer. Each surface needs to be prepared differently because if a surface is raw, it will cause the paint to flake and peel.
Preparing different surfaces prior to painting:
Painting your house:
When painting your home’s outside walls, the general rule of thumb is to fill any cracks you might see with exterior crack filler, and also to treat any rising damp you may have. This may mean that you will have to chisel some concrete away.
Paint your home with a layer or 2 of plaster primer, wait around 4-6 hours, and start painting with the PVA paint of your choice.
Painting your gates or palisades:
Carefully sand down your gate to roughen up the surface. Where there’s rust, try to get the most of it off. Apply a layer or 2 of red oxide primer and leave to dry.
Once dried, paint your gate/palisades with the colour of your choice. We recommend you use enamel paint for this because it’s harder to wear.
These scenarios are just to give you an idea of the process for each of the applications. We implore you to visit your nearest BUCO store to get professional advice on your specific application.
5 TIPS TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY!
It’s natural for us to take some shortcuts when painting, but simply following these easy tips can help you avoid falling into any pitfalls, costing you time and money.
1. Always paint colour samples
One of the first mistakes we make is to choose the wrong colour or shade of colour. It’s important to paint samples in the room you’re looking to decorate as colours are influenced by light, décor, and the colour of your floor. Look at the paint samples in natural light before deciding.
2. Always prepare the surface before painting
We’ve briefly touched on this. Make sure your walls are dust and grease-free before painting. Washing your walls with Sugar Soap works amazingly well to remove dirt and dust. Choose the right primer for the job.
3. Never use the wrong paint for the surface
Choose a well-known brand and use washable PVA paint for interior and exterior walls. If you want to change from enamel to PVA, you will first have to prime the surface again.
4. Always mask off areas not meant to be painted
For a neat paint job, use masking tape for straight lines, even if you think you have a steady hand. And remember to also cover light switches, handles, and light fittings to keep them splatter-free. It’s much less work covering everything with masking tape or unscrewing handles than trying to get paint off afterward.
5. Never water down the paint
Never ever water down your paint, except if you want a see-through washed effect.
LET’S GET PAINTING!
These tips and advice should get your next painting project off to a smooth start. For additional expert advice on paint, primers, and other painting products and accessories, visit your nearest BUCO store.