Making sure you have the color you like is very important. The best way to know before you actually buy all the necessary paint is to buy a small sample first and apply it on the wall.
Generally walls and ceilings look best in flat. An eggshell is also a good choice for the walls depending on your taste. Trim is usually done in semi-gloss. If outside the best combination would be flat on walls and satin/low luster on trim.
3 Calculate how much paint you are going to need
Usually it takes one gallon to cover around 350-400 sf.
Finding out you don’t have the right tool at the last moment will cost you time and money. Make a list of all the tools you will need.
5 Prepare the working area
Make sure that the area where you are going to be working is easily accessible. This will prevent any accidents caused by tight spaces or objects on your working area.
Cover any furniture or other items with plastic and use drop clothes for the floor.
6 Prep
Prepping is very important for a paint job to look good and to last. Fill holes and cracks with spackle, compound or caulk as needed.
7 Use a brush to cut
There are many different devices marketed for cutting corners with paint but the brush has been around for thousands of years and is still the best. It might take you a little time to get used to it but it will be well worth it. Here is a trick, put the brush against the corner you are trying to cut, and then drag it across, even if it doesn’t cover the first time it’s OK go over it again and you will have a straight edge.
8 Use a roller for larger surfaces
Unless it’s a very big surface you are trying to cover, a 9 inch roller is always the best for regular rooms. Start at one corner and work your way across the wall.
9 One wall at a time
Be it inside or outside the best way for achieving a smooth finish is to take it one wall at a time. Cut first and then roll, it is best that you roll while the edges are still wet. Flat paints are easier to work with. If working outside on a clapboard wall, take 4 boards and paint them all the way to the end without letting the edges dry.
10 Clean up
If there are a few drops on the floor don’t freak out. Try to remove it by rubbing it with a wet rag and if that doesn’t work use some paint remover. Be careful when using paint remover on the carpet because it might discolor it, tiles and hardwood floor is fine.
We have a question from Bob in Kankakee Bradley, IL. Bob asks: How can I price for repeat customers, do I give them the same price I worked for ten years ago? How can I make sure that my customers feel comfortable and don’t think I am abusing with their trust?
The answer to the first question is: can you afford to give the same price you were giving 10 years ago? If you can afford that go ahead, but I’d suggest you do your pricing based on the scope of work. For many reasons pricing the same house or building after many years is not the same.
The time from the previous painting might not be the same, thus more or less work.
Scope of work might be different. (i.e. customer might have replaced sash windows that take a lot of work with vinyl ones.)
Maintenance throughout the years.
Inflation, are you still paying the same amount for labor, paint, gas etc.?
All of these factors will have a huge impact in price.
How can I make sure that my customers feel comfortable and don’t think I am abusing with their trust? Well if you do your job right I don’t think there will be that kind of confusion. That means if you go and price the job like you always do, and specify what you are going to do for what price, it will be pretty obvious that you are taking the project seriously. On the other hand if you can arrange some kind of promotion and offer a discount for your loyal customers, they always appreciate that.
I hope I have answered your question Bob and wish you the best of luck.
Make sure you got everything before you start painting. Here is a list of tools you are going to need