One of the easiest ways to upgrade any space is with paint! Do you already know how to? Or are you stuck when you walk into a store, completely overwhelmed with all the paint cans, sheens, products? Let’s get you feeling comfortable and confident so you too can walk into a paint store and know EXACTLY what to grab to tackle your project.
1. Picking a Paint color(s)
- Pinterest/IG search for inspiration. Type: Blue paint colors for ___ , White paint colors for ____ and get a few different ideas.
- Pick up samples! Paint them on a scrap piece of primed trim, poster board, or paper and pin them on the wall you want to paint. Remember lighting is HUGE. You need to examine at different times of day in different lighting.
- Look into Color Collections. If you are looking for a few different colors and want them to coordinate look at Color Collections. Every paint line has them. They are curated palates done by designers (who know what they’re doing). Every color goes together seamlessly which takes out a lot of the decisions for you! You honestly can’t go wrong. For the Bunk Room I used SW Still Water, Extra White, Whole Wheat, and Chatroom which were ALL part of a color collection.
2. Picking a Sheen
3. Top Supplies for Painting
Not all paints and supplies are created equal. It is WORTH IT to buy the more expensive ones and good quality supplies. Like investing in a good quality roller handle. It helps to distribute the paint evenly. Here are my top supplies for painting.
4. Cut in vs. Taping
- Only dip your brushes into the paint 1″ or less. You don’t need to go all the way up to the metal, that just becomes a mess.
- Wipe one side of your brush off against the side of your can/cup
- Apply the wet side of your brush to the wall
- Practice practice practice
- Use a baby wipe right away to get off excess (sometimes difficult to do on a ceiling with flat color).
- USE FROG TAPE when you want a crisp line. It’s the very best tape hands down.
5. Painting Cabinets & Furniture
My go to color is Sherwin Williams Emerald for any type of cabinetry, builtin, or furniture. I will pair it with Zinsser BIN shellac primer for the best adhesion. No need for a top coat! Emerald has a topcoat built into its paint. It can get pricey-check back frequently for SW sales on their website.
Use a sprayer like the Graco Truecoat or a High Density Foam Roller + my favorite brush!
Check out my blog post on Painting Cabinets, and How to Paint Stained Oak Cabinets.
6. Using a Sprayer or Rolling
A common misconception from beginner do it yourself-ers is once you own a sprayer the old fashion way of a roller and brush are obsolete. I’m going to be the barer of bad news and tell you that isn’t the case. Many instances, even for professional painters who can mask of ANY space. Choose to roll and brush instead of spray or combine the two techniques. Ok, so why invest in a sprayer if I can’t use it all the time? Well, because when you need to use it, it is WORTH the investment. Well then, when can I use a sprayer you might ask. I give you some basic guidelines to sprayers that will surely help clear up the confusion in my blog post. Be sure to check out how to use a painting sprayer guide and Paint Sprayer vs. Rolling.
I hope all these tips get you ready for your next painting project! Be sure to follow along @honeybuilthome for more tips.
