Knowing how to paint a wall is not a big mystery, the first step is to sand the surface using 220 or 240 sandpaper if it is firm.
The walls of a house are much more than just an artifice to ensure privacy. In the internal environment, they are essential for decoration and just a well-painted wall can transform the look of the place. And the best of all is that you don’t even have to spend a lot for this, just do it at home.
Therefore, we at Área de Mulher have brought you step-by-step instructions and 11 infallible tips for you to learn how to paint walls and finally make your home look like you.
List of materials
First, you need to separate the materials you will need to use. Below is the list:
- Sandpaper with granulometry from 150 to 180
- Ink
- Low pile wool roller (anti-splash)
- 2 to 2.5 inch paint brush
- paint tray
- Masking tape (25 mm or 50 mm wide)
- His
- Paper or plastic to cover the floor
- Paint stirrer or some ruler-shaped material
- Screwdriver for removing mirrors, sockets and switches
- Protective glasses and rubber gloves
- Spackling
- Spatula
Now that you have everything you need, just get your hands dirty.
1- Sanding
The first step is to sand the surface. If it is firm and without too much excess plaster, opt for 220 or 240 sandpaper. On the other hand, in the coarser parts, use 80 or 100. Therefore, sand until you realize that the area is smooth enough to receive the sealer.
2- The sealer
First of all, mix all the material inside the can well. The second step is to place a good amount inside the application flag and, using the wool roller, apply it to the wall. Therefore, make an effort to fill all the spaces, as this way you will not need to apply a second coat. Furthermore, it is also important to pay attention to the amount recommended by the manufacturer for dilution.
3- Pasta
Apply the putty with a trowel or spatula. According to professionals in the field, the best option is to use a spatula to correct small holes and imperfections that end up remaining. Finally, just let it dry for 3 or 4 hours and then sand it so that the wall is very smooth.
Okay, now your wall is ready to receive the paint.
4- Paint – 1st coat
First, read the manufacturer’s guidelines. There it will be explaining how to paint walls. Afterwards, open the paint and dilute as recommended and mix until homogeneous.
Pour a good amount onto the application flag and thus wet the roller with the paint. However, be careful that it doesn’t get soaked and spill on the floor.
So, start painting the wall. According to professionals, for a more uniform application, move the roller imitating an N. This way, you prevent any part from missing or with less product.
5- Paint – 2nd coat
Generally, 4 hours after the first coat are enough to start applying the second. Therefore, dedicate yourself even more intensely to this step. This is because this will be your final finish. Therefore, pay close attention to all corners, doors and windows.
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But in addition to the step-by-step guide on how to paint walls, there are some tips and tricks that can help you when it comes to getting your hands dirty.
1- Check the weather forecast
This is because if the weather is rainy or humid, it can make it difficult for the paint to dry. On the other hand, if it is too hot, it can also end up causing stains on the walls. Therefore, take the ideal humidity of 10% as a parameter.
2- Clean well before starting
If the walls are very dirty, clean them well with water and detergent. If you have a lot of scratches – with a marker pen – use alcohol, but if you use a ballpoint pen, it’s easier to sand. However, if your walls are moldy, try cleaning with bleach.
3- Start with the corners
Instead of starting work with the largest parts, it is best to do the opposite. Start with the brush, covering all the details corners. Oh yes, paint the rest. If there are differences between the corners and the rest, don’t worry! They will disappear with the second coat.
4- Cover the floor with cardboard
Just like baseboards, hinges and doorknobs, we don’t want the floor stained with paint. Therefore, cover it with cardboard, newspaper or even old sheets or canvas.
5- Mix paints of the same color
This is something that few people know, but paints of the same color and from different batches can have differences in tone. So if you need more than a gallon, mix the paints to a uniform shade.
When calculating the amount needed, it’s simple: measure the width of the wall and multiply it by the height. Then multiply by the number of coats, which is usually two to three. The final number corresponds to the total square footage, and then just check on the can how much that volume of paint covers.
6. Don’t dispense with the brush for small touch-ups
For painting, the best option is a roller. But for corners and small details, using a brush is essential. A cool option is to purchase a complete mini painting kit.
7- Use aluminum foil in the roll tray
If you paint walls frequently or are going to use several different colors, line the roller tray with aluminum foil. This makes it easier to clean the tray.
8- Place an elastic band around the can
The trick of putting an elastic band around the paint can is certainly one of the best for anyone who wants to learn how to paint walls. The elastic band will help eliminate excess paint from the touch-up brush. This way, you avoid wasting paint, dirt and even painting incorrectly.
9- Cover baseboards, hinges and doorknobs
In the meantime, when painting, it is essential that you cover the parts that will not be painted. This way, you will prevent any accident from happening. For the baseboards, use thick masking tape. A good tip is to start painting from the center of the wall towards the floor, so that the brush reaches the end with less paint. If you want to paint doors, apply liquid Vaseline to the hinges and cover the door handles with aluminum foil. Also, don’t forget to remove covers from switches and sockets.
10- Wear protective glasses
It may seem silly and unlikely, but paints are usually quite toxic. Therefore, wear protective glasses to prevent splashing into your eyes.
11- Store leftover paints carefully
And don’t forget: leftover diluted paint should never go back into the can! This may end up bringing forward the expiration date of the product.
Now as for what’s left in the can, it depends on how much is left. If the can is more than half its volume, and is stored in a dry and well-closed place, it can last the same shelf life as described on the label. However, if the volume is less than half, try to use it within three months after opening, as the air can cause the product to dry out.
And there? Now that you know how to paint walls, are you ready to renovate the entire house?
After all, did you like this article? Therefore, read also: 25 genius ideas to transform the walls of your home.
Sources: Pedreirão, Thony, decorfacil, casavogue.
Featured image: leroymerlin
