Painting the house will go much easier if you begin with a checklist.
Painting the house can become a huge undertaking that results in headaches both figuratively and literally. A checklist can help take care of potential problems before they become real problems. A checklist that you can tick off will allow you to keep track of where things may take a wrong turn during the actual painting process and keep your job on the straight and narrow path toward quick and efficient completion.
Choosing Colors
Decide on the colors you want by taking advantage of a color wheel to guide you in the principles of selecting a scheme. Determine if you want to go the monochromatic route by choosing one color and applying degrees of shade and hue. Other possibilities include analogous colors schemes that use colors that are similar to each other or complementary schemes in which opposing colors are used to create balance.
Choosing Sheen
Choosing the appropriate sheen should be next on the checklist. Flat paint absorbs light and can hide imperfections in the surface. Satin finish is easily washed so it makes an ideal choice for rooms where kids gather and play. Semigloss is a paint sheen that is also very washable, but it provides a shiny aspect that you may find too overpowering for a room where you spend much time. Consider semigloss for the bathroom or kitchen. Gloss is a sheen that should be reserved for those rooms that receive the most abuse, like playrooms.
How Much Paint?
Measure the surface area so you can know how much paint to buy. A simple mathematical formula works for this part of your checklist. Multiply the length of a wall by its height to find the total area. Add all the areas of the walls together. Multiply the width of a window or door by its height to find the area and then all these together to subtract from the total wall area to arrive at a fairly accurate estimate of how much surface will be covered.
Preparation Inspection
Inspect the entire area that you plan to paint to see how much preparation will be necessary. Check to see which lighting fixtures will have to be removed, outlet plates you'll want to unscrew and items that will need to be removed from the wall. Make sure you have the tools necessary to do all this and enough tape to cover trim when you paint doors and windows. If you plan on painting more than one room, invest in a reusable drop cloth that you can wash and take with you from room to room.
Prep Tools
Make sure you have all the equipment you will need for room preparation before you begin painting. This equipment may include wallpaper removal tools like scrapers, sponges and spray bottles. You may also need equipment to remove dust, sand surfaces, smooth surfaces, repair holes in the wall or treat mildew stains.
Painting Tools
Collect all the right equipment and tools that will be needed. Be sure to determine if you want to use brushes and rollers for everything or rent a sprayer for large surfaces. Look for extenders if you have high ceilings and a sturdy stepladder if you will be painting up high quite a bit. Don't forget to purchase protective items such as safety goggles, masks and gloves.
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