1 Perfect Paint Job: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction: The importance of a good paint job

A good paint job is important for several reasons. First, it can add to the curb appeal of your home or business. Second, it helps protect the surface of your building from weather damage. Third, it allows you to update your property’s look without making any major changes. All three of these factors make it crucial that you get the perfect paint job in your home or office space.

If you’re planning on painting your own home or business, you should keep a few things in mind. First, choose a high-quality paint that will withstand the elements and last for many years. Second, take the time to prep your surfaces before painting – this will ensure a smooth finish and professional results. Third, be sure to use proper painting techniques and don’t cut corners!

By following the ultimate guide to the perfect paint job, you can achieve professional-looking results, giving your home or business curb appeal and making it a fresh, new space to enjoy. Want to know more? Let’s start with the basics.

The basics: What you need to know

To get the best finish, think about the surface you will paint. Some points to consider are:

• What type of surface are you painting?  – Wood, plaster, stone, brick, concrete and metal require specialist paint and preparation.
• The condition of the surface – Does it have peeling paint, damaged plaster, rot or infestation? 
• Wall dressings – Do you need to strip the surface?
• Has the surface been sealed? – Telltale signs of unsealed walls are peeling paint or wallpaper. Wood decay and fungi on timber indicate that it was never properly sealed.
• Prepare and protect other flooring and furnishings – Paint can be impossible to remove once dry.
• PPE – Depending on the job and materials used, you may need gloves, goggles, a paint mask or respirator, coveralls and maybe even a hard hat. When working at heights, hiring scaffolding or other equipment might be necessary.

Better still, why not call in our professional painters and take the pain out of painting? Our experienced painters thoroughly cover all the preparations and painting fast and efficiently, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your home.

Preparing your surface

The most crucial step in painting is preparation. Whatever the material you paint, it should be clean and dry, free of dirt, dust or oils. If there are imperfections or holes, these should be filled and sanded smooth. Any dressings, such as wallpaper, should be removed and, if necessary, sanded to give a smooth finish. If the wall is very rough or damaged, it may be wise to consider replastering first.

Sand previously painted wood to create a ‘key’ for the new paint. If there is no key to the surface, the fresh paint will not stick to the surface and will eventually begin to peel and crack. If there is evidence of infestation such as woodworm, deal with this first to prevent further spread.

Stone brick and concrete are very porous and require a sealant to prevent the paint from simply being absorbed into the substrate. Metal primers are available with heat and rust-resistant qualities to ensure a protective base.

Applying the paint

Paint goes on more smoothly if a surface is sealed and primed first. When dealing with porous surfaces such as wood, Drywall, stone, brick or concrete, sealant and primer is essential for a good finish. Primer is always necessary when painting over a dark or intense colour or when the surface is badly stained.

Allow plenty of ventilation during application and wear appropriate PPE. According to Australia’s state of the environment, VOC emissions are up to 10 times higher indoors than outside so choose paints and chemicals with low or zero VOC emissions.

Work from the ceiling to the floor with a roller. Use a long W pattern to ensure good coverage and cut in with a small brush around the edges.

When painting doors, it’s better to remove the door and paint it flat to reduce streaks and drips. Coat corners using a small brush and finish the door with a roller for a professional finish.

Be sure to allow the full drying time between coats according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you recoat too quickly, the paint may peel or clump, giving a patchy, uneven colour and a bad finish.

Choosing the right paint

When choosing a paint, it is vital to consider the type of surface you are painting, as well as the specific needs of the paint job. For example, a paint designed for wood might not be suitable for use on a plaster wall. Likewise, a paint designed for metal might not be suitable for use on concrete or brick.

When choosing the right sheen level, it’s imperative to consider how much use the area will have. For example, a front door will receive a lot of traffic and has to be capable of withstanding changing weather conditions and mucky fingers. A glossy sheen level would be perfect for external doors and windows. A satin sheen level is strong, easy to clean and perfect for places such as kitchens and dining areas. Matt finishes have low light reflection, so they can hide minor imperfections and soften harsh lighting. Ideal for lounges, bedrooms, and rooms with large windows. Always choose a good quality paint and choose from a myriad of colours to make your home or business a place where people want to be.

Conclusion: The perfect paint job

Whether it’s your home or your business, the perfect paint job is all in the detail. Your home is where you want to relax after a hard day at work. You spent a lot of time and money in preparations, scrubbing, sanding, filling, fixing, chopping, replacing, and disinfestation; now, all you want to do is relax and enjoy your space. But your eye keeps being drawn to that one edge where the paper didn’t come off entirely, or the filler sunk into the wall more than you expected, leaving a dinge. The light keeps reflecting off that one area, and you cant relax. DIY painting is not as cheap as you might think. When you factor in the cost of materials, hiring or buying specialist equipment, and the many weekends you had to work on it when your mates were out having fun, DIY isn’t always the best option.

We guarantee every job and have over 17 years of experience. No need to hire tools; we already have them. We are health and safety trained and certified in working at heights. For the perfect paint job with none of the hassle, give us a call.