How to Paint like a Pro: 10 Tips to Get You Started

How to paint like a pro...

I recently visited a creative and talented friend in her new home. She and her husband had decided to paint their bathroom walls, and it was . . . well . . . a mess. They had splashed paint everywhere and left spots unfinished. My friends had done their best, but what they didn't realize is that painting isn't easy. There are a lot of strategies that you can use to get the perfect painted finish, whether it be on a wall or on furniture. The secret to flawless painting is not just about being tidy or touching up - it's also about choosing the right tools and painting in the right temperature. So before you pick up that paintbrush, read these 10 tips for how to paint like a pro:

Find the right color

1. Take the time to find the right color
Selecting the right color is more than just picking a chip - it can set the tone for a room or item.
How to choose the right color

Use the right paint finish

2. Know the paint finish you'll need
There are different finishes for different applications. Matte (flat finish) is typically used for walls, Satin (a little bit of gloss) is used for doors and trim, Gloss (high shine) is used on furniture.
How to choose the right paint finish

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Use the right tools

3. Select the right tools
Cheap brushes and rollers can spread paint unevenly and make the whole task unpleasant. Supplies can be purchased at any home improvement store, and Wooster or Purdy are great brands to look for.
How to find the right tools

Consider the weather

4. Consider the weather
Painting in too cool or moist of a climate can ruin all of your hard work. Painting in cool weather can cause cracking, while too much humidity can cause tackiness and slow drying.
Check the home-improvement forecast

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Choose the right surface prep

5. Prepare your surface
Different substrates require different means of preparation. For example, wood should be sanded with the grain and wiped clean of any residue. Brick must be free of dirt, loose and excess mortar, and foreign material.
How to choose the right surface prep

Clean up the walls

6. Clean up the walls
If you're painting walls, make sure any old, chipped paint is scraped off - then clean the walls and patch holes. This will make the paint adhere better, as well as result in a smooth, attractive finished wall.
Find tips for cleaning up your walls

Strip your wood furniture

7. Strip wood furniture
If you're refinishing a wood item, you'll need to take special care to remove the old finish. You'll want to use a chemical stripper and scraping tool to get rid of the old paint and grime. It's a messy job, so do it outdoors.
Watch a video on how to strip furniture

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Use painter's tape

8. Use painter's tape
Painter's tape is essential to making sure that you have a no-mess, clean paint job. You'll apply this around the edges of windows, where walls meet ceilings and anywhere that you don't want paint to go. Run long strips of the tape just inside the outer edges of these areas. (The outer edges of the tape should lie exactly where the wall meets the trim, covering the parts of the trim that your roller or paintbrush might hit when you paint).
Watch a video on how to apply painter's tape

Prime your surface

9. Prime your surface
Do you need a primer or an undercoat? The product needed depends on what you are painting. If it's a new surface, use a primer. Surfaces that have already been painted should have an undercoat.
How to choose the right primer

Take your time

10. Work carefully
Paint the trim/edges first with a paint brush - a roller can't get to these areas, and the chiseled tip of your paint brush will ensure clean lines. Move to the roller to cover large areas quickly. To properly use the roller, fill a paint tray with paint and dip your roller into it removing any excess before applying to the surface. You'll want to run the roller across the wall without lifting until the wall is fully covered. Lastly, check for unpainted areas and touch up.
Get a painting step-by-step tutorial

- By Amy Anderson

For 4 more tips to paint like a pro, visit Babble!

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