Perfect painting doesn’t happen automatically, Malen nach Zahlen but it can be achieved through a variety of techniques and tools. Whether you are a seasoned painter or just getting started, learning how to make your art look its best can be a daunting task. So we’ve asked Nicole Gibbons, interior designer and founder of direct-to-consumer paint startup Clare, to share her top tips for getting the perfect finish.
Prepping before you start is one of the most important things you can do to get the most out of your painting experience. It can help you save time, avoid splatter, and make the process go smoothly.
Whether you’re painting walls, ceilings, or floors, the first thing you need to do is prep your surfaces with a good primer. This will help your paint adhere to the surface better and create a more durable finish.
It can also help you avoid any cracks or gaps that could develop after the paint has dried. Once you’ve prepped the surfaces, it’s easy to follow these simple tips:
Brush your paint before rolling on it
Pros know that rolling a coat of paint onto a wall doesn’t give you the same seamless look as brushing it. To keep your rolled paint from drying out on your brush, cover the bucket, tray, or container you’re using with a damp towel when you switch back and forth between brushing and rolling.
Sand your surfaces before painting
The most important step in achieving the perfect paint finish is sanding your surfaces. If you don’t sand your surfaces before painting, the paint will stick to them and leave behind unsightly streaks or smudges. This is especially true if you’re using an oil-based paint on wood.
Use a tack cloth
A tack cloth is a lint-free material impregnated with a sticky substance, like beeswax, that will remove dust and other fine particles from the painting surface. This can save you a lot of time and effort and ensure you get that flawless finish.
Choose your colour wisely
When choosing a painting for your home, it’s important to remember that colours can affect your mood and the way you feel. Bright colours can be stimulating and encourage a more energetic atmosphere, while soft shades of blue and green can calm and relax the space.
Test your paint before you buy it
When buying a new paint, try to pick up a sample pot and paint a small area on a piece of paper. This can be done at home or at a local craft store to see how the paint looks before you buy it.
If the sample pot isn’t the same colour as your chosen paint, don’t be afraid to return it and try a different colour or even another brand. It’s worth doing this because you can keep your samples and take them with you if you move house.
Check your light placement
The right lighting for painting can be critical for the success of your art. This means you need a light source that is high enough to illuminate your work without casting too much shadow or creating too many reflections.