Wall Preparation – Painting an interior wall is considered to be a simple task, but simple mistakes can cost time and money. The following information may help you avoid this; First and most important is wall preparation. Walls must be clean and dry. Second, the luster of paint that you choose will determine the surface requirement. For instance flat, satin, semi – gloss and gloss paints can be readily applied over flat and satin painted walls. Flat and satin paint is considered to be “etched” that is and the paint will adhere. On the other hand, any paint should not be applied over semi – gloss or gloss painted walls. Semi – gloss and gloss walls will have to be etched and primed for best results. This can be accomplished with a light sanding with a pole sander and primed with a good latex primer.
Choosing Paint – Flat, Satin, Semi, or Gloss – There are two primary reasons for any of these luster types. One is washing and the other is hiding. If there are blemishes in a wall a flat paint will conceal most of them. A low luster or satin paint will also hide them and is washable. Semi – gloss and gloss paints can cause imperfections to “walk through” the paint and somewhat appear magnified. These paints are used many in areas were wash ability is key such as in bathrooms and kitchen back splashes.
Latex, latex enamel or oil – Latex paints have several advantages over and oil based ones. Latex dries faster than oil. About 2 hours versus 12 – 24 for oil based. Latex has considerably less fumes than oil. Oil based paints need much more ventilation than latex to apply. Oil based paints were the first paints to be developed and in most cases hold up better than latex in wet conditions or in direct sunlight areas since they are more resistant to fading. The difference between latex and latex enamel is the hardness. Enamels provide a harder finish and are easier to clean. The are used more as exterior paints, but are available in interior grades.
Painting Tips – Cut in first. Taping provides a much neater job. The quality of tapes on today’s market are superior. Most offer bleed trough resistance and are easy to pull off. Make the cut in about 3 inches wide. Roll up to the cut in as close as possible. this will take out most of the brush strokes.
When rolling, start at one side with a well filled roller and roll about two vertical strips. Fill roller again and repeat. Then with an empty roller, roll back over the four strips holding slightly more pressure on the leading side of the roller. This will create stipple effect and remove roller marks. Do this as many times as needed. Continue along the wall until finished. See more on painting at our website.