Interior designs often say that a fresh coat of paint offers the quickest way to freshen up a room.
Those who actually do the painting know what a chore that fresh color can be! So here's how to make painting less of a chore, and more of a home decorating accomplishment.
Start out by getting organized.
Gather everything you'll need - paint, brushes, paint can opener, rollers, screwdrivers, plastic wrap, rags, plastic bags, hammers and drop cloths - in the center of the room where you'll be working.
Always return tools to this area when you're done with them.
Prepare wisely.
Start by getting yourself ready for this messy work.
Take off all your jewelry and put on some old, comfy clothes and slip-on shoes.
Cover your hair or head with a scarf or cap and wrap your eyeglasses in plastic wrap.
To get the room ready, first remove all the room's furniture, or gather it into the center of the room and cover it with a drop cloth that you tape closed.
To be extra careful, put a second covering of an old sheet or another plastic drop cloth over top.
Then go around the room and patch all cracks and holes.
Remove ceiling light fixtures, or cover them with plastic bags.
Mask the doors and windows with blue painter's tape.
Now remove all the hardware - doorknobs and hinges, outlet covers, light switch plates, and light fixtures.
Put each set into a separate plastic bag and mark the contents and where it came from.
This will be invaluable when it's time to put them back on.
So it's time to start painting, right? Wrong! Before you apply a single coat, check the walls, trim and moldings for holes, cracks or dents that should be fixed.
A local hardware or home supply store can advise you on how to fix nicks and dents in wood with wood putty, spackle over holes in drywall or bridge cracks or big holes with fiberglass tape.
Once your prep is complete, it's finally time to start painting.
The tools you'll need for this job include brushes with natural or synthetic bristles, foam brushes and rollers, pad painters, and paint rollers.
Each tool has its own uses.
For example, natural-bristle brushes are intended only to apply oil-based paints.
Brushes with synthetic bristles can be used for any type of paint.
Brushes come in different shapes and sizes, so get some advice on which brush is right for your job.
Foam brushes and rollers are used mainly for touch-ups and for smooth walls.
Pad painters can give neat application if you don't put too much paint on the pad so that it drips.
If the pad drips, then you'll have to take it apart, clean it and let it dry completely before starting over.
Paint Rollers can be a lifesaver for bigger painting jobs.
It's essential to choose a roller according to the wall texture.
The "nap" of the covering should be thick and plush for texture walls, while smoother walls can be painted with flat roller.
When it's time to clean up, soak rollers or brushes used with latex paint in a solution of laundry fabric softener and water for about 10 minutes, then swish and rinse.
Wipe or roll off moisture, then completely air-dry brushes and rollers.
Store small amounts of leftover paint in a glass jar marked with information from the paint label, including date, color name and number, purchase location and where it was used.
In a few hours you'll be able to enjoy a clean, bright, newly painted room.