#DoItYourWay and add a splash of warmth to your home with these painting tips
Winter is fast approaching, which means you’re probably trying to find ways to cosy up in your home. One way to do this is by giving your walls a fresh coat of paint, but with so many choices on the market, finding the perfect balance between a colour that reflects warmth and durable paint to weather the chilly season can be challenging.
“Paint transforms many things, from moods to perspectives, homes, and canvases. It also takes a level of knowledge and skill to know what colours to choose and how to match them. This is why Builders recently unveiled a back-to-basics tool at our Paint Event at Builders Midrand to give our customers, the confidence they need for their next painting project,” says Janet Booysen, Marketing Executive at Builders.
Builders says most people assume home improvement projects, like painting, should be done in summer. However, repainting in winter offers countless benefits, like the job going much quicker on cold days because the paint dries faster due to less humidity. And, with some guidance, those projects can be a fun way to spend time with loved ones.
Ready to start your next painting project? Here are tips from Builders to help inspire DIY enthusiasts to mix techniques, try the latest interior design trends, and explore ways to make their paint project a fun winter project:
- Get off on the right stroke
Choosing the correct paintbrush for your winter project can be daunting, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the various brush types. Different brush types offer varying bristles that cater to specific paints, surfaces, and applications. While soft-bristle brushes are perfect for smooth finishes on wood, medium-bristle brushes are versatile and can handle various tasks, including painting rough surfaces and applying varnish. Specialised brushes with firmer bristles provide better durability for course surfaces. “In addition to the various bristle types, DIYers must also look out for job-specific brushes, like block, waterproofing, and roofing brushes, which are designed for heavy-duty tasks but do not produce a smooth finish. To help South Africans test their strokes before purchasing paintbrushes, we’ve introduced a Builders Wall of Fame at the Builders Midrand store where customers can express their painting needs and leave a store feeling proud that they’ve made the right purchase decision,” says Booysen.
- Calculate how much pain you’ll need
When starting a painting project, you must calculate how much paint you will require to cover the surface area. This handy calculation will save you money and prevent wastage.
You will need to know the following information:
- The surface area that needs painting – remember to exclude any sections that don’t require painting, like windows or doors
- Spread rate of the paint – each product has a specific spread rate which tells you how much paint to use per square metre
- The number of coats needed –porous and textured surfaces will require more paint Once you have the information, you can calculate the amount required as in the square. To calculate your paint requirements easily, visit the Builders Paint Calculator and use the online tool to calculate the perfect quantity.
- A quick and easy mixing tip
Your paint will need proper mixing before use if it’s been sitting for a while, as it tends to separate over time. However, shaking paint tins is not advisable because it creates air bubbles, resulting in an imperfect finish. Instead, a purpose-built paint mixer attached to a drill is the quickest and easiest solution to combine the heavier solids at the bottom with the lighter liquid paint at the top. You can cut an old plastic coat hanger, leaving the hook intact if you don’t have a mixer. Attach the hook to a drill and stir the paint, ensuring a consistent blend to achieve a smoother and more even finish.
- Revive your walls and surfaces with acrylic paint
There comes a time while spending time at home over the holidays when you’ll realise that certain things need a revamp. Fortunately, acrylic paint is an excellent product that can revive walls and ceilings.
Fired Earth Walls and Ceilings is a high-quality washable acrylic paint suitable for interior and exterior surfaces, providing a smooth matte finish. Available in radiant white and subtle off-white shades, it adds elegance to any space. To prepare for repainting, remove old nails and screws, fill holes with a crack filler, and sand the surface. If changing to a lighter shade, apply a base coat and two coats of the desired colour. Quality Fired Earth paint allows you to achieve a better finish with fewer coats.
Applying the paint is easy when using a roller for most walls and a hand brush for the sides and edges. Use a painter’s extension pole for high points and seamless strokes, and always paint from top to bottom. Allow four hours for drying between coats. Fired Earth Walls and Ceilings paint offers quick drying times, allowing you to complete a room repaint in just one day. Find everything you need for a home painting job, including the Fired Earth range, at Builders stores or online at builders.co.za. “Transforming your space with paint during the winter season can be both efficient and advantageous, and by following these tips, DIY enthusiasts can seamlessly create the perfect warm and inviting space for family and friends to enjoy,” concludes Booysen