Painting Your Home: A Casual Guide to Getting Started

So, you’ve decided it’s time to give that big room in your house a fresh coat of paint. We’ve got tips for painting your home whether you’re looking to spruce up the living room, update the bedroom, or transform your office space, tackling a painting project can be both exciting and daunting. But fear not! With the right tools and a little know-how, you can achieve professional-looking results without breaking the bank. So, grab your overalls and let’s dive into what what you need to paint your home like a pro!

Essential Supplies You Need To Paint Your Home

1. Paint: This one seems obvious, but choosing the right paint can make a big difference. Consider factors like colour, finish (matte, satin, or gloss), and durability. Remember to calculate the amount you need based on the size of the room and any extra coats you might require.
2. Primer: Don’t skip this step! Primer helps the paint adhere better to the walls, covers imperfections, and ensures a smooth, long-lasting finish.
3. Paint Brushes and Rollers: Invest in high-quality brushes and rollers for a smoother application and better coverage. A mix of sizes will come in handy for different areas and details. We love this all in one paint brush and tray kit!
4. Paint Tray: For dipping your roller and loading it with paint evenly. Opt for a sturdy tray with disposable liners for easy cleanup.
5. Painter’s Tape: This magical tape helps you achieve clean lines and protects areas you don’t want to paint, like trim, ceilings, and baseboards.
6. Surface Protectors: Perhaps our biggest tips for painting your home is to get quality surface protectors! Cover your floors and furniture to protect them from drips and spills. Old sheets or plastic tarps work well for this purpose in a pinch but we recommend Koruser, Jona Guard or RG Board. RG Board is your base level cardboard based surface protector with advanced water resistancy compared to the competitors. This means your surfaces will be covered against spills but you still need to wipe them up to prevent eventual leakage.
   Jona Guard is a step above with a 4 ply technology that prevents leaks onto your surfaces below.
   Finally, if you need surface protectors for more than just your floors then use Koruser. Koruser has a self-adhesive underside so you can use it for vertical applications from cupboards to artwork and awkwardly shaped appliances. You can find all these surface protectors at Sherwin Williams in the USA and Canada (if they don’t stock it, ask for it) or Koruser is available on Amazon.ca.
7. Sandpaper and Spackle: Prepare your walls by sanding away any rough spots and filling in holes or cracks with spackle. Smooth walls make for a flawless paint job.
8. Paint Stirrer: Ensure your paint is thoroughly mixed before starting to achieve consistent color and texture. Ask for one or a few from your local paint store such as Sherwin Williams. They provide them free when you purchase your paint through them.

Optional but Handy:

1. Paint Sprayer: If you’re feeling adventurous and have a large room to cover, a paint sprayer can save time and effort. Just be sure to practice on a test surface first.
2. Extension Pole: For reaching high walls and ceilings without the need for a ladder. It’s a back-saver!
3. Edging Tool: Perfect for cutting in along trim and corners with precision, eliminating the need for painter’s tape in some areas.
4. Painting Gloves and Protective Gear: Keep your hands and clothes clean with gloves and wear old clothes or a painting suit to protect against splatters. This especially if you have kids around and need to keep your hands clean to attend to any emergencies or snack time.
5. Koruser temporary surface protector: As we mentioned above in the essentials, we believe a good surface protector is key, be we especially love the fact that you can protect your vertical surfaces with Koruser! Cupboards, tile, fire places, artwork, etc. It even wraps around appliances.

Tips for Painting Your Home:

1. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare: The key to a flawless paint job is proper preparation. Take the time to clean and repair walls before diving in.
2. Ventilate the Room: Open windows and use fans to keep the air flowing while you paint. This helps reduce fumes and speeds up drying time.
3. Work in Sections: Divide the room into manageable sections and focus on one area at a time to maintain a consistent finish.
4. Use a W Pattern: When rolling on paint, use a W pattern to evenly distribute the paint and avoid streaks or roller marks.
5. Don’t Overload the Brush or Roller: Excess paint leads to drips and uneven coverage. Load your brush or roller with just enough paint to cover the surface without dripping.
6. Take Breaks: Painting can be physically demanding, so remember to take regular breaks to rest and recharge.
7. Inspect Your Work: Before calling it a day, carefully inspect your work for any missed spots or uneven areas. Touch up as needed while the paint is still wet.
8. Clean Up Properly: Once you’re done, clean your brushes, rollers, and other tools thoroughly with soap and water. Proper maintenance extends their lifespan for future projects. If you invest in a good surface protector like RG Board, Jona Guard or especially Koruser, you can reuse these for future paint or renovation projects.

With these tips for painting your home and tools in hand, you’re ready to tackle your painting project like a pro. Remember, it’s okay to take your time and enjoy the process. Before you know it, you’ll be admiring your freshly painted room and feeling proud of your DIY skills. Happy painting!