It is not always necessary to get a professional to paint walls for you. You can do it yourself as well. It will be a labour of love and you can be sure that it will be done the way you want it, seeing as you have done it! There are certain precautions you have to take before you get to the walls themselves.

INITIAL PREPARATION

The first and foremost thing that should be done before starting the painting work is to remove all the curtains and fixtures, place all furnishings in the centre of the room and cover them with some covers or dustsheets if possible. Remove any other type of loose floor covering if possible, such as rugs, and cover them in a similar manner in order to avoid any kind of paint splashes and dust.

Wash the entire wall with sugar soap or any other kind of appropriate soap or detergent to remove any kind of dust and debris if there is any. After the washing is completed a thorough inspection of the wall surfaces should be done to check for any kind of holes, cracks or loose plaster.

For smaller cracks use fine filler, but for the bigger cracks and holes use appropriate filler. Tap the wall on or around the doubtful areas to check if there is any loose flaky plaster. When filling the holes or cracks try for a nice smooth finish, it is always wiser to leave the filled up area raised from the other area. This can then be gradually rubbed down with fine sandpaper.

PAINTING THE CEILING

The ceiling has to be done before the walls and not the other way round.

To paint the ceilings use the brush very carefully. First paint in line with the top of the wall and keep the position of the brush angle in such a way that the edge of the brush is held tight towards the ceiling. Try using steady and firm strokes in order to give a perfect edge. Then gradually turn the brush and run over the paint for the second time. Doing this with steady strokes will smoothen the previous coat. A similar technique can be used to paint around the horizontal sides of any windows, sockets doors, and switches.

Now, in order to paint the skirting boards follow a similar process but just remember to hold the brush at an angle of around 90 degrees with the skirting board, and then to give the second coat turn the brush and go over the paint again gradually giving a smooth finish.

Now you are ready to paint the walls just the way you want them.

Tags: decoration, diy, home, painting, walls