The Essential Guide to Painting Your Bedroom: A Handyman's Perspective
Are you looking to give your bedroom a fresh new look? Painting is one of the most effective ways to transform your space without breaking the bank. As a seasoned handyman, I've been through a few painting projects and want to share my experience with you. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or considering hiring a professional, this guide will help you understand the process and make informed decisions. Let's dive into the five essential steps Pittsburgh Area Handyman has to paint a bedroom, the supplies you'll need, and why sometimes calling in a licensed and insured handyman like Pittsburgh Area Handyman can be your best bet.
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1. Choose Your Paint
Room Revitalization in Canonsburg
Selecting the perfect paint can be the most exciting part of the job or a frustrating headache. Picking the color often be the most exciting part of the painting process. Repose Grey? So yesterday! Consider the mood you want to set in your bedroom. Soft, calming colors work great for a serene retreat, while bold colors can add a vibrant touch. Red inspires romance. But alas, it isn’t just color, you need to decide brand, product, and sheen - OH MY! Is $60 a gallon Sherwin Williams Super Paint really that much better than Behr 100 at $20 a gallon? This entire article could be about out experiences with difference brands, but knowing your budget going in should be first. Maybe you would love the hard slick surface of Sherwin Williams Emerald on your trim, but you only have a budget for ProClassic. We use Sherwin Williams products for most of our paint jobs if we provide the paint, so if you would like our opinions on their specifics feel free to reach out.
2. Gather Your Supplies
Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary supplies. Here's a list to get you started:
Paint and primer (if needed)
Paint rollers, both larger (9”, 14”, or 18”) and smaller (2”, 4” 6”) and brushes (A 2.5” Sash Brush can do most jobs by itself)
Extension rod - we recommend an adjustable one, 2’-4’ varieties cover most needs
Paint tray
2 Gallon bucket with paint grid
Drop cloths and/or plastic sheeting
6” or 9” paper
Painter's tape
Sandpaper or sanding block
Putty knife and spackle - we use Drydex for quick repairs
Ladder or stool
Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more efficient.
3. Prepare the Room
Preparation is key to a flawless finish.
Remove as much furniture as possible and cover the remaining pieces with plastic or drop cloths. Old bedding works in a pinch. Lay out your drop cloths to protect the floor.
Remove outlet and switch cover plates. Use painter's tape to protect the switches and receptacles. Tape the carpet or flooring up to the trim - this can be tricky on carpet. Protect any other items not being painted such as window sills, doors or knobs. The rolled paper comes in handy here.
Caulk any corner cracks or openings between trim and walls.
Ensure the walls are clean and smooth; patch any holes or imperfections with spackle and sand off any high spots from previous paint jobs. Now is when you can remove those paint runs from the last homeowner.
If there is any gloss to the paint, give it a quick sand and wipe down to remove dust.
Now, if you are painting all in one day, the rule is top-down. But ideally you would always do trim first - but the trim has to dry enough to put down tape to do this.
4. Paint
It is a good idea to always mix paint if using multiple gallons and to strain the paint prior to use. This will eliminate the need to pick boogers (little pieces of dried paint) off of the wall as you go.
The order of painting typically is:
Trim - overlapping slightly onto walls
Ceiling - overlapping slightly onto walls
Walls
For the walls, start by cutting in the edges the edges and corners with a sash brush, creating a border of about 2 inches. Next, take your small roller, and back-roll over this to get as close as possible to the adjoining surface. This will ensure your cut-in has the same texture (called stippling) as the rest of the wall. You can do an entire wall, but often time you will do a section and then roll the main section of wall to ensure you keep a wet edge. When rolling the main wall, you want to use up and down strokes, keeping the roller cage rod towards the front of your work. If you are doing two coats, make the 1st one thinner so it will dry quicker to recoat. Always back-roll over your previous pass by 50% to ensure blending.
About that “W” pattern everything talks about? It is best used when you have a large area and are breaking it up. Otherwise you have 2 wet edges to maintain.
5. Clean Up
Once done painting, remove the painter's tape, replace the furniture, and step back to admire your work. We prefer to pull tape soon after finishing, and pull the tape back on itself as opposed to straight out. This will help prevent pulling any paint or caulk off. When you clean your brush make sure to keep it facing bristles down - you don’t want to force paint up under the metal which will shorten it’s life.
The transformation will amaze you, and the satisfaction of a job well done is unbeatable.
Why Hire a Professional?
Dining Room Painting In Progress in New Cumberland
While painting can be a rewarding DIY project, there are times when hiring a professional is the way to go. A licensed and insured handyman brings expertise, efficiency, and peace of mind to the project. We understand the nuances of surface preparation, paint application, and achieving that perfect finish. Plus, we're equipped to handle unexpected challenges that may arise, saving you time and hassle.
At Pittsburgh Area Handyman, we specialize in painting services tailored to your needs. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality workmanship, ensuring your bedroom looks exactly how you envisioned. Whether you're looking for a subtle change or a dramatic transformation, we're here to help every step of the way.
Let's Create Your Dream Bedroom
Ready to refresh your bedroom with a professional touch? Pittsburgh Area Handyman is at your service. Our licensed and insured team brings the expertise, precision, and care your painting project deserves. Contact us today to discuss your vision, and let's turn your dream bedroom into a reality. Remember, when it comes to painting, the right team makes all the difference. Let's get started!
