An updated coat of paint can completely transform a room, adding new life and depth. Applying fresh coats is straightforward and the results can be breathtaking.
DIY painting projects can be an excellent way to stretch your home improvement budget further, yet you should bear certain key points in mind before embarking on this next undertaking.
1. Paint the Ceiling
Painting the ceiling can be an easy and cost-effective DIY project that can transform any room in your home, adding space, depth, or creating a vivid pattern with colors that really pop! It will leave your visitors speechless!
Before beginning, take time to prepare the room by clearing away furniture, tables, and any movable objects that will make the task simpler. Doing this will make for a quicker task completion timeframe.
Once your room is prepared, use drop cloths to cover the floor. Paint the ceiling in sections that measure 5 or 6 feet square.
Cut in around the edges of the ceiling and any fixtures; cutting in is when you use a paint brush for areas too tight for rollers (such as corners or trim).
Cleaning can be time-consuming but is an integral step to ensure a sleek and clean finish for your projects.
2. Paint Shelves
Shelves are an effective way to add storage and display space to any room, providing books, photos or ornaments with an inviting homey display space. When displayed correctly they can add character and depth to any home decor scheme.
Painting shelves is an effective and straightforward DIY project to give them an updated appearance, whether that means opting for bold color choices or creating subtler tones. Either way, it can transform any room in your home!
Before painting your shelf, lightly sand its wooden surfaces with fine-grit sandpaper to remove any glossy finishes from previous paint jobs and roughen laminate finishes for a more lasting finish. This step should help eliminate any shiny surface coatings.
3. Paint Cabinets
Are the cabinets in your kitchen looking tired and worn out? A quick DIY painting project could make a drastic change! A fresh coat of paint will rejuvenate its appearance, giving your room a whole new feel.
Before beginning painting your cabinet doors and drawers, begin by cleaning them using a slightly wet sponge or paper towel and allow them to fully dry before painting them. If stained cabinet fronts exist, consider using stain-blocking primer so as to prevent dark spots from bleeding through to the top coat layer.
Dependent upon the size and complexity of your cabinet pieces, you have two painting methods at your disposal for applying paint: brushing or rolling. Rolling is quick and efficient for applying large quantities, while brushing provides smoother results without brushstrokes. If unsure which approach best meets your needs and time constraints, pick the one which works for you and pick your brushing method accordingly.
4. Paint Built-Ins
Painting built-ins in your home is an easy and cost-effective way to transform its appearance, and is especially suitable for renters or those who do not wish to undertake major renovations. A DIY painting project like this offers great potential to make an impactful change while staying within a tight budget.
Considering existing furniture and decor will help you choose a paint color that complements everything perfectly.
This homeowner opted for a cohesive look by painting their shelving unit the same hue as her accent wall. You could also opt for painting your shelves a solid hue for added contrast against your walls.
Before beginning painting, take care to protect both the floor and adjoining walls using painters tape. Additionally, if using a paint sprayer you should cover the ceiling with paper sheets for better coverage.
