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Thinking about decorating your house but don’t know where to begin? Here at Dulux, we know a thing or two about creating a dream home. Our experts have put together a carefully curated list of everything you need to know, from preparing a wall for painting to painting gutters the correct way. Read on to learn about the secrets of the pros.
New to painting or need some general advice? We’re here to help with our top five painting tips.
Before you begin painting a wall, you need to ensure that it’s prepped and primed correctly. Have you ever wondered how professional painters paint so fast and finish a painting job to an outstanding quality? An adequately prepared wall will take paint much better, and you’ll be much more satisfied with the end result. Typically, professionals will prepare a wall for painting by using the following steps:
Some of the key points to consider when painting a wall include:
A masonry wall is an outdoor wall built with rocks, stones, cement blocks or concrete blocks. Preparing masonry wall for painting requires pretty much the same steps needed to paint an indoor wall. Fill in any cracks and clean and prime the wall.
Focus on painting the wall from top to bottom, cutting in on the edges to begin with before painting the larger areas. We suggest using at least two coats of paint for a great finish.
If you’re planning on painting gutters, it’s a good idea to clean them beforehand. Make sure you’re dressed in the appropriate clothing for the job, such as long-sleeved shirt and work trousers. Remember to wear a pair of rubber gloves, too.
Use a small, plastic scoop to remove any debris and gunk from the gutters (you can get these from most DIY shops). Make sure you spread a sheet below your gutters to collect all the debris. After you’ve removed the gunk, use a garden hose to flush the gutters and remove any remaining residue. Make sure to repair any sagging metal, too.
Once you’ve made sure your gutters are sparkling clean, it’s time to get down to the painting.
1. “Dispense your paint into a paint kettle instead of dipping your brush straight into the tin. It’s easier to handle on a ladder, and it’ll stop the whole can getting contaminated by air or floating dust.”
Steph Howles, Showhomes, Dulux Select Decorator
2. “Get two jobs done in one go with a vacuum sanding kit – affordable sanding blocks that attach to your hoover and pick up particles as you go, for dust-free surfaces.”
Craig Hainey, Ultimate Decor, Dulux Select Decorator
3. “Getting a good finish is 80% preparation and 20% perspiration, so remember to give yourself time to prepare, do the job, and clean up after. Even if you only do one wall a day, you’ll get better results.”
Steve Dove, Steve Dove & Co., Dulux Select Decorator
4. “If you’re painting the gutter to match your masonry, make sure you clear it out completely to avoid trapping dirt in the paintwork. Cut off the top third of a plastic milk bottle, then use it as a mini shovel to scoop out any debris – quick and easy!”
Des Cass, D Cass & Son Decorators, Dulux Select Decorator
Need help selecting a colour palette for your home? Download the Dulux Visualizer app today and choose your colour with confidence.