Painting Interior Walls
Painting jobs around the house need not be such a daunting task. Skill rating : Beginner
As with many DIY projects, the most important elements are the planning, the preparation and the right tools. Interior painting involves either walls and ceilings, or woodwork, old and new. No special skills are required in order to decorate to a high standard. There is another important consideration with internal painting and external painting for that matter, and that is Safety! Always use the correct equipment, even when working just a few feet off ground level.
Always give yourself plenty of room to work in. This isn’t always possible of course, but where you can its worth it. Make sure you use adequate floor and furniture protective coverings.
No matter how careful you try to be; mishaps do happen! Be warned. If you wish to paint over an existing painted wall then take time to inspect the surface condition. This is the time to fill in any cracks or perhaps old picture hanging pin holes. There are a range of products available for this purpose in either ready mix or self mix variety.
Allow the recommended time for hardening of the filler material and when fully set, rub down smoothly and flush using a medium grade glass paper. Ensure adequate ventilation when rubbing down.Always give yourself plenty of room to work in. This isn’t always possible of course, but where you can its worth it.
Make sure you use adequate floor and furniture protective coverings. No matter how careful you try to be; mishaps do happen! Be warned. If you wish to paint over an existing painted wall then take time to inspect the surface condition. This is the time to fill in any cracks or perhaps old picture hanging pin holes.
There are a range of products available for this purpose in either ready mix or self mix variety. Allow the recommended time for hardening of the filler material and when fully set, rub down smoothly and flush using a medium grade glass paper. Ensure adequate ventilation when rubbing down.
Always give yourself plenty of room to work in
Always give yourself plenty of room to work inWhere there are damp patches on walls or ceilings, find out the cause, this must be remedied before proceeding. There is no point in painting over dampness, because it will cause the paint to flake off quickly and the damp patch will reappear. When the damp patch has dried, it should be primed with a damp sealer. If untreated watermarks can permeate through even several coats of emulsion.
Where there are damp patches on walls or ceilings
Where there are damp patches on walls or ceilingsIt may be that the surface you wish to paint is an eggshell finish, and it may need to be cleaned before re-coating. Where necessary use sugar soap or mild detergent and a large decorators' sponge to wash down all surfaces, starting with the ceiling. Rinse thoroughly, but do not saturate the surfaces. Allow to dry before painting. Make sure all electrical fittings are protected from water. If it makes you feel any better, and it’s not too much of a disruption, turn the power to that outlet or appliance off.
It may be that the surface you wish to paint is an eggshell finish
It may be that the surface you wish to paint is an eggshell finishBare plaster needs to be sealed before applying the paint. This is done by brushing on a PVA solution or diluted emulsion paint. Previously painted surfaces do not require sealing. Always ensure walls are clean and grease/oil free before applying paint.
Bare plaster needs to be sealed before applying the paint
Bare plaster needs to be sealed before applying the paintPainting walls is best done by roller with a brush used for cutting in along the edges and corners that cannot be reached by roller. Take care at this stage. Do not saturate the brush, lightly dipped in only, angle the brush, and easy does it. This can be a bit time consuming, but your efforts will be rewarded in the final product
Painting walls is best done by roller and a brush
Painting walls is best done by roller and a brushAfter cutting in along all edges, corners, socket outlets, door surrounds, etc, it’s just a matter of infilling with the roller. Apply the paint rolling in a zig zag pattern even and smoothly. Depending on colour and dilution two or more coats may be preferred.
After cutting in along all edges
After cutting in along all edgesWhen the job is complete and dry, a quick look over will highlight any “missed” spots or areas needing a touch up.
