If you’re planning on painting the interior or exterior walls of your home, you may not know how to prepare your walls to ensure the paint job lasts a long time! While the longevity of your painting depends on several things, it is possible to achieve that perfect coat of paint that stands the test of time.
We want to make sure you have all the information, so this article will cover the entire process of painting that will help make the wall paint last longer. Our steps include information on what to do during the following stages:
- Before painting
- During painting
- After painting
- Maintaining leftover paint
Step 1: Remove Old Paint
Removing old paint from the walls prior to painting is essential to keep your new paint job in top condition. If old paint particles are left on the surface, the new paint may flake and peel over the top, or it may result in an uneven finish. You can simply use sandpaper to refine any rough areas on the surface to ensure that the new layer of paint can dry evenly.
Step 2: Repair Any Surface Damage
After removing the old paint from the walls, you may notice small cracks and dents in the wall. It’s important to start with a smooth surface when you want to achieve a perfect paint finish. You can patch over small holes with new filler, or hire a professional to do the job for you.
A professional painter will always fix any damaged walls before painting to ensure your walls not only look beautiful now but will be bright and fresh for many years to come. Damaged areas of the wall can make a freshly painted wall look old and messy, so it’s vital to repair them beforehand.
Step 3: Thoroughly Clean Surface
Any dirt on the walls can prevent the paint from sticking to the surface correctly, so it’s important that you clean your walls thoroughly before applying any paint. Firstly, wipe down the walls with a damp cloth and detergent to remove dirt, grime, bugs and stains.
Then, take a wet towel and remove any excess debris left behind. Painting a house exterior can be more difficult, as dirt, mould, and rust can build up heavily over time. A high-pressure cleaner can usually remove most of the grime and dirt, but bleach and hot water may be required for dirtier walls.
Step 4: Choose High-Quality Paint
It’s vital to research the paint type that is ideal for the surface you want to paint on. There are many different products for different applications. It is highly recommended to invest in top-quality paints and undercoats, ensuring they come from a reputable manufacturer.
The benefits of choosing a reputable brand include:
- Protection of your walls
- Limited fading or decolouring
- Durability
- Lower maintenance
- Mould protection
Step 5: Applying Using Correct Tools & Techniques
A professional painter knows how important it is to prime a wall before painting it. Priming will give you an exceptional, long-lasting paint job. A single coat of primer and paint will last far longer than a double coat of paint. Primers will also hide any other colours that may have been applied to your walls, no matter how dark or vibrant they may have been.
The proper brush technique is also vital to ensure the perfect paint job. If the coat of paint is too thin, the colours will be weak and patchy once the paint has dried. If the coat of paint is too thick, the paint can become lumpy and is likely to crack.
It may seem simple to apply paint to a wall, but the right strokes are paramount to a smooth, even paint job. Apply paint to the wall using the brush first, then use a roller immediately afterwards. This allows the paint from the brush and the roller to blend in well together.
Hot Tip: Make sure to cover your paint bucket with a wet towel when switching between brushing and rolling to stop your paint and tools from drying out.
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Step 6: Store Leftover Paint Correctly
Be sure to store your leftover paint for touch-up jobs between projects. Occasional washing and wiping away imperfections may not be enough, and you might have to do some repainting of small sections. You should store any leftover paint in a climate-controlled area, and make sure you check the use-by date before using old paint again.
Hot Tip: For the best results, be sure to keep your leftover paint in an airtight container and store it at room temperature.
Step 7: Hire a Professional Painter to Help
The best way to get a high-quality paint job is to hire a professional. Our professional painters have years of experience, the correct tools and the best quality paints to make your walls really stand out.
At SG Coatings, we are well known for providing high-quality painting services with solutions that can transform any space. We take pride in our work to ensure that we always provide the best quality services for our clients and offer regular maintenance services to ensure your paint looks its best for many years to come.
Sometimes DIY projects can be ambitious and can occasionally become a bigger task than anticipated, leaving you confused or simply over it. If you want to learn more, we have put together a definitive guide on whether you should hire a professional painter vs DIY.
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The Final Coat
Now you are armed with all the knowledge you need to increase the longevity of your wall paint and make it last as long as possible. What you do with that knowledge is up to you! You can leave it to the professionals, or give the wall painting a red-hot crack yourself.
If you would like to book a free design consultation and/ or free painting quote to discuss residential painting on the Mornington Peninsula, Bayside, South East Melbourne or the surrounding suburbs, please contact us here.
