How to: Paint like a pro three ways
When it comes to painting a rental property, some landlords may prefer to hire a professional painter and decorator to do this-others may decide to do paint themselves especially if only a minor touch up is needed.
So, whether you want to learn more about the technique to painting a wall like a professional, or something like a door, then you’re in the right place.
Remember- NRLA members can benefits from a 5% discount on most items at B & Q, including paint, thanks to the RLA's partnership with Tradepoint.
How to paint a ceiling
So, you’ve chosen your paint, you’ve popped on some old clothes and the room is clear of furniture and covered with old newspaper. Now what?
First things first, you need to use sandpaper to remove any rough parts on the ceiling. Using a cloth or a feather duster, you’re also going to want to remove any cobwebs too.
Then, use masking tape to cover the edges of the ceiling. After that’s done, you’re good to get going.
Using a small paintbrush, paint around the very edges of the ceiling, right next to where the masking tape is. Once this is done, grab an extendable roller paint brush, and taking care not to overload the roller with paint, begin painting the rest of the ceiling.
Once the first coat has been done, let this dry and add a second coat to ensure a finished look. Then you’re good to remove the masking tape.
Pro tip: Removing the masking tape at 45 degree angle will ensure a clean finish.
How to paint a wooden door
Start by placing some door wedges underneath the door to make sure it stays nice and still while you are painting it and when the paint is drying. Cover up any hinges.
Next, you’re going to want to prepare the door for being painted.
Use some sandpaper to remove any rough parts on the door and take a clean dry brush to dust the door down.
If the door is new and has never been painted before, use a damp sponge to wipe it.
If it has been painted before, wipe the door with a damp sponge and sugar soap, then using a brush, paint on some knotting solution.
Preparations complete, you’re good to start painting away.
It’s a good idea to add a primer paint first to any mouldings or panels on the door. Then, starting with the edges, begin painting the verticals of the door.
Leave the first lick of paint to dry, and apply a top coat to the door and leave to dry.
Top tip: Using a mini-paint roller to go over the top coat of the door while this is still wet will ensure a sleek finish.
Then, leave the door to dry.
How to paint a wall
Granted, painting a wall is less of a fiddly job than painting something like a door, but there’s still a technique to it.
As with painting anything else, when painting a wall you need to start by covering the floors and putting masking tape across the skirting boards and the architrave to ensure a clean and even finish.
Then, take a closer look at the wall. If there are any holes in it, however tiny, you’re going to want to fill these in first. (This useful explainer video will show you how to go about doing this) link to this vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CE0BPAbQplk
Using sandpaper, sand the walls to remove any rough parts, and clean the wall using a sponge and some sugar soap.
Once this is done, you my want to add a primer coat to the wall, all over. When this primer coat is dry, you can make a start on painting.
It’s a good idea to start painting from the highest point of the wall. Using a medium sized brush, paint all around the wall close to the masking tape, creating a giant border.
Once this is done, use an extendable brush if you need to, to paint the rest of the wall. Once dry, add a second coat and remove the masking tape.
Pro tip: Use vertical strokes for a neat paint job.
So there you have it, three ways to paint like a pro. For more helpful tips from Tradepoint, keep an eye on our helpful tips section over on our news centre.
