16 tips for properly painting your rooms

Tips for properly painting your rooms

(i) Rectory any existing surface problems such as dampness, creaks, etc. before painting.

(ii) Thinners, primers and undercoats form the basis of any beautifully finished surface. Insist on good quality ones, manufactured by major paint companies.

(iii) Test a small swatch of paint on the wall for finish and shade before buying the full quantity.

(iv) Make sure you have enough paint for the job before starting work.

(v) Stir and strain paints thoroughly before application. The paint should also be thinned properly (as per instructions given on paint container) to ensure adequate application viscosity.

(vi) Buy ready-made shades as far as possible, mixing and tinting of shades (other than colour dispensers) may give different results from wall to wall. However, if you buy tinted shades made through colour dispensers, you can be sure of consistent shades as you would get in the case of ready-made shades.

(vii) Left over paints can be used innovatively – paint a motif on the wall, paint a stool, a door etc.

(viii) It is not advisable to paint in humid conditions. Avoid painting in the monsoon as the paint takes longer time to dry and the film will not cure properly.

(ix) The room to be painted should be well ventilated and free from dust.

(x) Always clean spilt or splashed paint with the recommended thinner while it is still wet.

(xi) To guarantee a neat edge around window panes, protect the glass with a paint shield or apply a masking tape before painting. Remove it before the final coat is dry to avoid peeling a layer of paint.

(xii) Always allow the paint to overlap slightly on the glass to prevent moisture from seeping into the joint between putty and glass.

(xiii) When spraying paint, mask other surfaces around the area with sheets of paper or plastic to protect them.

(xiv) Avoid inhaling vapors/ sprays.

(xv) Keep paint away from food, drink and animal feed. As far as possible, use water-based paints for your interiors to make the process of painting comfortable to the people living.

(xvi) Wear eye protection masks when painting. In case of contact with eye, rinse thoroughly with water and seek medical advice.

Some Maintenance Tips –

Like painting once in 2-7 years to give a new look to the wall, maintaining painted surfaces is also necessary to give a good look. Take some time at least once in a month for this activity.

(i) To remove stains and dust from a painted surface, use a clean white cloth or a sponge, dipped in mild detergent solution. After cleaning, wash away all traces of detergent and wipe dry.

(ii) Never use water to clean wooden surfaces.

(iii) Never use water for spot cleaning unless the wall is totally free from extraneous dust.

(iv) For distempered walls, minimum pressure should be applied while cleaning.

(v) Enamel surfaces should be cleaned with a detergent solution and immediately wiped dry.

(vi) Never use thinners to clean enamel painted surfaces.

(vii) If paint on metal steel accessories is damaged, have it touched up immediately with primer and paint to avoid rusting.