Whether you’re getting ready to paint and decorate an entire house or just a few rooms, these painting and decorating tips are a lifesaver. Decorating a room can be a breeze when you follow tips used by the experts. Whether you’re a novice or already have some experience, use this advice for your next project.
Know Your Paint
There are two primary types of paint: oil and water based. Oil-based paint used to be popular, but today, you’re better off choosing a water-based paint. Water-based options dry faster, meaning that you can finish painting projects in much less time. They also don’t have a tendency to pick up odors and come in glossy options. You’ll also find that cleaning them is a breeze. Just make sure that you purchase a good brand. Bargain paints aren’t going to give you a good result, so don’t skimp when it comes to your budget.
Use a Calculator
When you’re trying to decorate a room, a calculator and floor plan are your best friends. Draw out the dimensions of a room to scale and use that to arrange your furniture and other items. Taking time to work in this step will save you time and effort in the long run. There is even a lot of programs online which let you rearrange your space virtually. You also want to make sure that you’re buying enough paint for the room. A general rule is one gallon of paint for every 250 square feet. Use online paint calculators for a simple estimation as well. You’ll save time and stress this way! Keep in mind that you should keep an extra quart for simple touch ups that you’ll definitely need.
Skip the Primer
Primer used to be an important part of painting and decorating tips used by the experts but you probably don’t need it. If the walls are stained or if you’re painting a light color over a dark one, look into this option. However, even if you run into this scenario, you can purchase an all-in-one option which works like a paint and primer. Not only is this option easier on your budget, it also saves a significant amount of time.
Get Your Order Straight
The biggest mistake that people make is forgetting to clean before they start. To make sure that you get a great final product, start by cleaning the entire space, especially the baseboards and ceiling corners. After this step, apply painter’s tape and then put down your drop cloths. Work on the corners to start with and then start painting from top to bottom. Paint the ceiling first, then the walls and then finally, finish on the trim. This order helps to avoid mess and you’ll be much happier with the final product.
Use these basic painting and decorating tips to get a great start on your next project. When you’re doing the work yourself, you don’t want the product to look like an amateur one, so this advice will ensure that you’re happy with the final product.