When we are looking at an existing space and it feels dated and is crying out for a rejuvenation, we often start dreaming of things beyond reality and beyond budget scopes. That is our nature. What we want to do is find out how we can maximize our output for minimal input. We as people always try to maximize our output while having a lower input. Is that possible to do? How can you get the most out of something if you only put a little effort in? Well, this is where we tell you a couple little tricks of the trade that really help accomplish that.
Painting is one of those things. Painting can be done by anyone with the right preparation work with very nice results after words. The impact of a good painting and prep job will make even the most inexperienced DIYer can obtain tremendous results.
With painting, it's all about the prep! All of it!! We found over time that the more detailed and minutiae oriented that prep job is, the greater results. Taking the time to patch cracks and low spots, caulking in seams, filling nail holes, and sanding every nook and cranny to a 150 grit finish. Sanding to the point where you contemplate how someone's fingers possibly are so sore? Do I even have fingers anymore? This is the point. In order to achieve a truly amazing paint job, you must prep. And then prep some more.
If you have large wall cracks, joint compound is your friend. Build the crack up in steps and sand it nice and smooth once it's dry. A hair dryer will help speed up the process. If you have large dents or dings in millwork, molding, or doors - wood putty and Bondo are your friend. Build up the layers of your dented/dinged area and then sand perfectly smooth once dry.
Once you have created smooth surfaces, you are ready to prime. We always like to do a minimum of 2 coats of primer on anything. Our first coat is referred to as a “wash coat” to basically get the coverage on the walls, give us a bonding agent to the following primer and paint coats, and start removing the previous tones of the old color. The second coat goes on after the first has dried and creates a nice and smooth uniform finish of the walls. This is where we see how good our prep job was. If we still see our previous paint tones, usually from darker colors, we will prime again until the darker tones mute and go away.
When we have 2 or more coats of primer on the walls, it's going to be white and bright and with a good LED light, we can really see how good our prep was and if we have any major imperfections left to touch up. People tend to think that once they paint an imperfect area, that it will go away. The opposite is true. This will only exacerbate the problem area and really make it stick out like a sore thumb once finish paint is on. The finish paint is like a microscope for your prep job. Everything that you decide to not fully fix will shine and stick out. Especially to you if you did all the prep, all the paint and then have to live in the space everyday and see it.
If you don't feel comfortable taking on a task like this on your own or just simply don't have the time, reach out to us and we can schedule a time to do a home visit and create an estimate for the work. If you are gonna do it yourself, but need some tips or have some questions, please feel free to reach out and we will happily help any way we can! We love seeing people get their hands dirty and do something themselves in their own homes. The immense pride you feel after a job well done, is a feeling sparingly topped.
We wish everyone the best of luck on this project. We’d love to see how your project came out, so share it with us and tag us on social media. If the project did not come out the best and it needs to be redone, give us a call. We’ll come help. But most importantly, have fun and enjoy yourselves, and create some memories!
