Published in Ciao Magazine - 04/12/10 - Painting like a Pro!

The first step is the paint colour selection. It's a good idea to try a small sample on the wall or hang up a paint colour swatch to see how light affects the color at different points in the day.

Sheen.
A flat/matte sheen helps hide surface imperfections. Low-lustre flat enamel sheen is very washable and perfect for high-traffic areas, while eggshell enamel offers superior scrub ability. Satin enamel has a silky warm, pearl like finish, while semi gloss is sleek, radiant and scrubbable.

Prepare the room.
Cover your floors with a drop cloth or plastic sheeting. Items that should not be painted should be completely covered with plastic sheeting or masking paper. Repair any holes or dents in the walls. Remove any loose debris from the damaged area using 100-grit sandpaper or a lightly water-dampened rag. Using a putty knife, apply a thin layer of patching material to any cracked or dented area, feathering the patching material one to two inches away from the repaired area to blend the surface evenly. Allow to dry. Sand finished area with 220-grit sandpaper, blending the patched area evenly with the surface. Scuff sand glossy surfaces.

Application.
Stir the paint thoroughly. Dip a third of the bristle length into the paint. Remove the excess paint from the brush by tapping the bristles against the inside of the paint can. Apply paint to the perimeter edges of the project area with a brush prior to rolling. Start at the top and brush the paint from the no painted area to the previously applied areas. Reload the brush as necessary to maintain a wet edge, approximately every five inches. Once the perimeter of the wall is done, pour the paint into a paint tray or a five-gallon bucket. Dip the roller cover completely into the paint, covering the entire roller cover area. Remove excess paint by rolling onto the ribbed section of the paint tray or bucket grid. Starting in an upper corner of the wall, place the loaded roller cover approximately three to four inches away from the painted perimeter. Working in a three-by-three-foot area, roll a "W" onto the wall. Roll back into the previously applied paint to maintain a uniform finish. Continue the "W" technique three to four inches away from the last section applied. Work from the top down, until the wall is completely covered.

Don't Wait, Come On and Renovate!

All the best,

Salvi Messina
Owner of Renovation Boys