How to Touch Up Flat Paint
Paint comes in different levels of "glossiness." The level of glossiness is referred to as the paint's "sheen." Flat paint has a minimal sheen. Many homeowners prefer flat paint on walls because of the subdued effect, however, one of the disadvantages of flat paint is that it is incredibly difficult to clean. If walls become dirty or stained, the only solution is to touch them up with fresh paint. Newly painted walls often need touch up as well. One of the last things to do at the end of a painting job is to closely inspect the walls. Most of the time you will come across spots require touch up because are not completely covered.
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Instructions
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Shine a light on the wall and closely examine the area that needs a touch up. Newly painted walls often need minor touch-up repair because the paint fails to completely cover some spots. Painters refer to such spots has "holidays" because they were distracted or not paying attention when painting that section. Holidays are often the result of painting with a roller that is insufficiently saturated with paint. Scuff marks and dirt are other areas that need touch ups. One of the disadvantages of flat paint is that the paint is difficult to clean once it is dry. Determine how large the touch up area is.
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Touch up small and minor spots with a paint brush. Stir the paint well with a stirring stick. Dip the paint brush into the paint container so that only that tip of the brush is covered with paint. Dab the wall with the brush to feather the paint. The feathering technique helps the touch-up paint to blend in with the wall. Avoid brushing the paint as this will leave brush marks and make the touch-up area obvious.
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Touch up large areas with a heavy nap roller. Stir the paint well in the container. Pour the paint into a paint tray. Lightly roll the paint roller back and forth several times in the paint tray. Minimize the amount of paint on the roller. It should not be heavily saturated. Apply the paint with the roller. Start in the center of the area and roll outwards. Roll over the area until the paint is smooth and evenly distributed.
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Inspect the wall with a light after the paint has completely dried.
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Tips & Warnings
Always store leftover paint in secure area. If the paint containers are empty, write down the paint name and information before disposing the container.
