Painting Techniques 101

Before you start painting it is crucial you know what type of wall you are about to work with. Is it drywall? Wood? Metal? These surfaces require different preparing techniques and typically require specific types of paint. Below is a general guide to your new painting project:

1. Remove everything from the surface you are about to paint (the electrical plates, shelving units, artwork, etc).

2. Using painter's tape, mark off the edges of baseboards, moulding, ceiling line, and any areas you do not want to paint on. Treat this as a roadmap for your project.

3. Remove cracked and peeling paint, fill in any holes with caulk, and smooth any rough surfaces using sandpaper. It's important that the surface you paint on is as smooth as possible.

4. Determine what kind of paintbrush/roller needed:

• Nylon/polyester brushes are ideal for water-based paints
• Natural China Bristle brushes are ideal for oil-based paints

***Brushes take a considerably amount of more time to complete a job, but are the best tools for cutting in around edges, detail work, and touching up spots.***

• Rollers get the job done fast and with relative ease. They function best on large areas of space (walls + ceilings). Rollers work with both water and oil based paints as well as gloss and semi-gloss finished. 

5. Prime the walls. This step is essentially for neutralizing the pigment of the wall so the chosen color and finish can be applied evenly. The finish typically lasts longer and and adheres better with primer. What material you are painting on requires specific types of primer:

• New Wood = use a high-quality latex primer or an oil-based primer (stained wood should use a stain-blocking primer)

• Painted Wood = use an oil-based primer

• Weathered Wood = use a high-quality latex primer or an oil-based primer

• Masonry Block = Use a latex primer

• Aluminum/Steel/Metal = Use a latex, oil-based, or corrosion proof primer

• Drywall = Use a latex primer

• Stains = Use a stain-blocking or stain-killing primer

• Shiny Surfaces = Use bonding primers on interior walls only

6. Be sure to have a paint paddle to mix paint, roller trays, and a drop-cloth. 

7. After priming, apply paint (typically 1-2 coats) and allow to dry. Once dry, remove the painter's tape.


8. Clean the paint brushes according to their specific types. Oil-based requires turpentine. Wash in soapy water and then wrap in heavy paper. Rollers need to be disassembled and dipped in solvent. Hang the roller to dry.


Hayden