Tips on Painting Bedrooms
The right color and coat of paint can transform a bedroom. However, while a paint job done well can greatly improve the appearance and feel of a room, a poorly done job can be disastrous. There are a few important tips you should always follow when painting a bedroom. Following these will help maximize the chances of a successful paint job. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Protect your Belongings
-
Taking time before painting to protect any items that will not be removed from the room is essential. That extra 30 minutes of preparation time could save you frustration -- and cash -- in the future. Move any furniture out of your bedroom. If you cannot or do not want to move the furniture, buy several sheets of vapor barrier from your local hardware store, or a tarp, and place it over the items. Remove outlet faceplates and use painter's tape to protect walls and windows.
Paint the Ceiling First
-
If you plan on painting the ceiling -- and since you're giving the room a coat anyway, now is as good a time as any -- start with that. By painting the ceiling first, you need not worry about paint spilling onto the wall, since the walls will be painted afterwards anyway. However, be careful when painting the ceiling -- place a tarp or some vapor barrier on the floor to avoid dripping paint onto your floor.
-
Patch Holes
-
Painting a bedroom is a great occasion to patch any holes left over from artwork that has been hung or damage caused to the walls by accidents. Use spackling paste and a putty knife to fill in the holes evenly. Allow the putty sufficient time to dry before sanding off the rough spots with medium-grit sandpaper.
Prime the Walls -- with Color
-
Priming in color is a useful way to improve the look of your paint job. If painting in a warm color, prime the walls with a white coat or a lighter warm color; if painting in a cold color, pick a grey primer. Colored primers will help bring out the colors in your walls, giving the room a warmer or deeper feel.
Remove the Tape Early
-
The best time to remove tape is right after painting, while the paint is still wet. Once dried, the paint may make the tape more difficult to remove. However, do not replace fixtures or replace furniture until the paint is sufficiently dry.
Choose Your Paint Color Wisely
-
Darker paint will tend to make a room look smaller than it is, while light paint tends to open up a room and make it look larger. If your room is already small, you may want to avoid dark colors. If, however, you are looking for a cozier feel, a darker color might help you achieve the desired effect.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images