9 Must-Know Tips Before Interior Painting in Maitland

interior view of a living room that painted in a while

Ask the Experts: Should I Hire Professional Painters in Maitland?

You’re not alone if you cringe at the sight of chipped paint and dull, faded walls. Most homeowners in Maitland will eventually take on an interior painting project to breathe new life into their homes. But embarking on a DIY paint job without proper prep is like building a house on a shaky foundation – it’s doomed from the start.
Proper prep work is the key to achieving an Instagram-worthy, smooth and durable paint finish. It also ensures your paint adheres properly for long-lasting results. Preparation sets the stage for paint success, from cleaning to priming to masking. Read on to learn the nine steps to prep for interior painting in Maitland.

Thoroughly Clean Walls and Surfaces

Dirt, dust, grease, and soap residue can get between the paint and the surface, preventing proper adhesion. To ensure the paint grips correctly:

  1. Scrub the walls and trims.
  2. Use a degreasing cleaner and rinse thoroughly to eliminate grime and oils.
  3. Address any mould and let surfaces dry completely before priming or painting.

Pro Tip: For smoother results, lightly sand glossy areas after cleaning. This helps the paint grip better.

Fix Imperfections, Including Holes, Cracks and Nail Pops

Flaws like cracks, holes, and nail pops will still show through a fresh coat of paint if not addressed properly. Use spackling paste or drywall joint compound to patch holes and cracks. Allow patches to dry fully and sand smooth. Reset any popped nails by driving them back into place with a hammer. Apply spackle to cover the indentations and feather the edges. Spot prime repaired areas before painting.

Spot prime repaired areas before painting.

-Sand Existing Painted Surfaces

Sanding creates an uneven texture that helps new paint adhere to slick surfaces. Gently sand walls and trim with fine-grit sandpaper. Be sure to smooth any ridges the sandpaper leaves with a damp sponge before priming. For best results, always sand existing paint before applying a darker shade.

-Prime Bare and Patched Area

Primer creates a bonding layer between paint and porous surfaces like gyprock and wood. It’s especially important for covering stains and vivid colours. Apply primer to all bare and patched spots to prevent uneven sheen or bleed-through. For heavily stained areas, use a stain-blocking primer. Allow the primer to dry fully before adding finish paint.

Pro Tip: Pick a primer that works with your top coat. Latex paint requires a latex primer, while oil-based paints stick to oil- or shellac-based primers.

Mask Trims, Floors and Furniture

Paint drips are inevitable, but meticulous masking keeps them off surfaces where paint doesn’t belong. Mask floor trim and crown mouldings with painter’s tape. Drape drop cloths and furniture over the floor. Use plastic sheets and masking tape to protect cabinets, built-ins, light fixtures, and appliances from errant paint spray.

Pro Tip: Mask upper wall trim to create a crisp paint line when painting ceilings.

Test Paint in Inconspicuous Areas

There are often slight colour variations between cans, even if they’re the same brand and colour. Before committing to a hue, use leftover paint from the surfaces you’re repainting and test colours in areas that won’t stand out, like inside closets. Ensure the colour dries as anticipated before moving forward.

Consider Proper Ventilation

Some paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can irritate eyes and airways. Open windows and doors to keep fresh air circulating when using oil-based or specialty paints indoors. Place a box fan blowing outward in a room’s doorway to direct fumes outside. Consider wearing a protective mask when spray painting or using harsh chemical paint strippers.

Ask the Experts:

Ask the Experts: Should I Hire Professional Painters in Maitland?
Painting the interior of your Maitland home requires time, patience, and care. But is it a DIY job or best left to professional painters? Consider the pros and cons when weighing your options:

Pros of DIY Painting:

  • Cost savings – Supplies are cheaper than labour
  • Creative control – Pick your colours and finishes
  • Sense of accomplishment – Adding value with your handiwork

Cons of DIY Painting:

  • Time intensive – Prepping rightly takes skill and patience
  • Messy – Paint drips and splatters are inevitable
  • Imperfect finishes – Achieving pro-level results has a learning curve

Pros of Hiring Professional Painters:

  • Efficiency – They prep and finish faster with less mess
  • Perfect results – Experienced painters have specialized tools and skills
  • Warranties – Reputable painters offer guarantees on their work

Cons of Hiring Professional Painters:

  • Cost – Painting services and labour come with expenses
  • Scheduling – You work on their timeline

The Bottom Line:

If you want painting perfection with no hassles or headaches, hire professional interior painters. Companies like Procover Painting have painted hundreds of Maitland homes. Their experts handle all the prep work and detail finishing for flawless results guaranteed to stand the test of time.

Ready for Dazzling New Walls? Call Maitland’s Top Professional Painters

After reading our pre-painting preparatory guide, are you prepared to dive into your Maitland interior painting project? Or does the amount of required prep work seem too daunting? Don’t worry! The experienced professional painters at Procover Painting have all the tools, skills, and expertise needed to handle your home’s paint job quickly and perfectly.

Contact Us

Contact us today for a free estimate on your interior painting project. We serve all residents of Maitland, NSW and surrounding areas with 5-star painting services guaranteed to enhance the beauty and value of your home. Call now and breathe colourful new life into your living spaces this season!

FAQ

Most frequent questions and answers

What essential tools will I need?

Must-have supplies include paint trays, roller covers and extension poles, brushes, painter’s tape, tarps, speckling paste, sandpaper, primer, plastic sheeting, and paint buckets. Protective gear like gloves, goggles, masks, and disposable coveralls is also recommended.

How much paint do I need?

For a 10’x10′ room with 8-foot ceilings and average surface porosity, you’ll need about 4 litre of paint per coat. Use an online paint estimator for exact calculations. Purchase all paint upfront to avoid slight colour variations between cans.

How long does interior paint take to dry?

With proper ventilation, latex paint dries in 2 to 4 hours between coats. Oil-based paints take up to 24 hours to fully cure. Cold, humid weather also lengthens drying times.

Do walls need to be primed before painting?

Primer helps paint adhere properly for smoother finishes. For best results, prime all new drywall and patched areas before finishing painting. You can prep existing painted walls by degassing and sanding instead of priming.

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