How do we prepare and paint classrooms?
A guide to decorating using paint rollers and brushes. To find out how to paint using spray paint check out our other blog posts under the category : painting
To those that haven’t painted before, painting a room may seem like an simple task…Those people may be shocked to discover just how difficult decorating may be if not planned effectively. To help you with your next painting project- or to see how we would do it should you choose to use our painting and decorating service- we have decided to share our expert advice on how to properly prepare, paint and finish a painting job.
step 1: preparation
Preparation of a room is actually the most time consuming part of a painting job. This is because there are a number of tasks you need to do to protect the room and contents itself. This also helps to allow a good finish and easier painting.
If walls are being painted, you should take down all wall hangings from off the walls. For gloss painted walls- sand them down very gently using sandpaper. You should remove all pins and tape from walls. Next, fill any holes in walls with a filler to create an even surface. Allow this to dry. We also advise you to remove objects from nearby areas and to lay a mat on the floor to avoid staining the floor.
If doors, skirting boards or windowsills are being painted: remove objects nearby such as blinds or door hangings. If the surfaces have already been painted, sand them down lightly with an orbital sander. This should leave a rough but even finish on the wood. This allows paint to adhere to the surface better. Make sure you ventilate the room thoroughly. After sanding, use a damp cloth to clean the surface and to remove dust particles. *REMEMBER to always wear the appropriate PPE – see: https://www.hse.gov.uk/toolbox/ppe.htm for more information on PPE in the workplace* .Use tape to form a barrier between the adjacent wall and skirting board to avoid painting the wall. Next, use a vacuum and cloths to clean the room and remove dust/fine wood particles before painting
Step 2: Painting
Before you begin painting, make sure you have enough paint( the tin will say how many metres squared the paint will cover).Remember you will be applying more than one coat of paint! Make sure you have chosen the right paint for your surface. You can check by asking yourself the following questions: A. do I need a water based or oil based paint? B. What finish do I want? C. will I need to wipe and clean the wall often? D. What room am I painting?
Prepare your surface with a base coat of paint if needed- you can also choose to use a primer beforehand-especially if you plan on using an oil based paint. If you are changing the colour of your walls paint a base coat of white to cover the original colour and prepare for a new colour being painted over it.
To begin with, ‘cut in’ by painting the edges of walls and areas around light switches, sockets and skirting boards first with a regular brush. Then, to paint a large surface area, use a roller (don’t apply too much paint onto the roller at once!) to paint in an up-down motion horizontally across the wall. Move slowly down the wall after a section has been covered to allow an even finish. Walls are likely to require at least two coats of paint so, once your first coat has dried, repeat the same method of painting as you did previously and allow it to dry. Decide how many coats are needed by how ‘even’ and ‘bold’ the paint looks on the wall. Doors and windowsills may be painted in the same way as walls are.
Step 2 B: Skirting Boards
To paint skirting boards we recommend using an oil based, gloss or satin paint. First, paint the surface with an undercoat using a thin brush and allow it to dry. Then, apply your paint in a horizontal manner following the direction of the wood. We recommend starting from the top. Apply coats as instructed and allow it to dry. After the paint has dried, carefully remove the masking tape from the adjacent wall and clean the surrounding area as applicable.
Step 3: cleaning
To ensure the room is left in the best condition possible, wipe all surfaces to remove paint, dust or dirt particles. Make sure you vacuum and/or mop the floor as applicable. Finally, return all furniture and wall hangings into their previous positions.
Cleaning brushes that were used with water-based paints can easily be cleaned with hot water. However, to clean brushes that were used with oil-based paints you will need to leave them in a solvent to dissolve the paint before washing. Use the solvent as instructed to on the packaging.
Step 4: admire your work!
Check out more of our blog posts for more painting or cleaning tips; insights into our work ; and behind the scenes updates!