Painting the house may seem like a piece of cake, but in fact, there is way more to it than just putting paint on the wall. To achieve a flawless effect, you will need appropriate preparation. Below, we explain how to prepare your house for painting and decorating.
Even though it may seem it is enough to just grab some paint and get the work done, the reality is much more complicated. In Ignas, we know it very well since for almost two decades we have been working as painters and decorators in London, exploring the industry behind the scenes. During all these years, we have learned that good preparation is the only path towards success. Without it, there is no guarantee that after drying, the paint will look as good as just after applying. The durability of it also depends on the thoroughness of the expertise.
It is not only how you prepare the walls - but the whole house should also be ready for the works, too. Otherwise, you risk destroying the existing interiors.
How do to it thoughtfully? Here are some tips you may appreciate. They will be helpful if you are planning to carry out the works on your own. However, they apply also to the projects passed into the professional's hands. If you prepare the house appropriately, the work can start with no delay, and the team can carry them out in comfortable conditions.
#1 Remove the furniture from the room
You can cover them with a masking foil, but there is always a risk that some paint spills and marks it forever. In order to avoid that, it is better to move it - this way, it will also be easier to access all the wall surfaces.
#2 Cover the floor with a protective film
Some use the old newspapers - that is a great way to recycle! However, to make sure that the floor is entirely protected, place some protective film over it. The best is to attach it to the corners with tape to avoid sliding. Once dry, the paint is very difficult to remove, particularly from the wooden floor. That is why it is better to prevent any spills.
To achieve a flawless effect, use the masking tape on the corners of the windows, doors and all the other frames.
#3 Provide the painting team with the appropriate equipment
A stable ladder is a must - but that is just the beginning of the list. You will need brushes - at least in two sizes, wider and thinner ones. Rollers will be perfect for large, flat surfaces - they minimize the usage of paint and make the work faster and more efficient. However, in the corners and other problematic places, it is impossible to avoid using a brush. For the roller, you will also need a fitting box where you will place the paint.
#4 Prepare the walls
If you cooperate with a professional team of painters and decorators, they will most likely take care of that. If you are doing it on your own, prepare yourself for some hours spent on filling and sanding. Without this step, it is impossible to achieve a flawless effect unless your walls are completely smooth.
Filling the cracks and deficits is the first thing to do after you clean your walls. You can do it with a filler which usually comes already mixed. After using it, you should let your walls dry for at least 2 hours.
Then, it is time for sanding - it will allow you to polish the surface. Start with the sanding paper with the highest grammage and switch to the lower one once the wall is smooth enough. After all these works, remember to vacuum the wall and its surroundings. This way, you will be able to remove the little particles that can affect the final effect and lower the level of paint adhesion.
#5 Use a primer
It is essential to put the layer of primer before applying an actual paint. This way, you can make sure that the colour will not change its look with time, and the layers will adhere well. Make sure that the primer is completely dry before starting to paint. It usually takes one hour for it to dry up, but it is better to wait for at least three to avoid any problems. Note that the factors like high humidity can significantly slow down the process of drying up.
Sounds like quite a lot of preparation, doesn't it? Fortunately, a big part of these duties can be passed to the hands of the professional team. Their knowledge of techniques and materials can save you worries and time! Reach out to Ignas - painters and decorators in London - if you are searching for a reliable partner with all the necessary qualifications.
