I’m an interior expert – DIY fans make a major painting mistake, here’s what to do instead
THERE'S nothing wrong with a DIY paint job, but a professional finish can be the cherry on top of a home renovation.
According to interiors experts, the main mistake homeowners make when they paint their own homes is an easy fix, and painting correctly can elevate your space.
The home experts at Hunker say that a flawless paint job is easier if you and matching the nap of the cover to the finish of paint you're using. When paint doesn't look quite "right," this is often the problem.
"Nap refers to the density of the material on the paint roller cover," the experts explained. "If you use too thin a roller on a textured surface, you'll find yourself having to push too hard on the roller to try to fill all the little divots."
If you're working on a textured wall, choose a 3/4-inch nap for the cleanest look and the least strain on your arms.
A 3/8-inch nap is standard for most paint jobs. If you're using a paint with a high-gloss finish, use a 1/4-inch nap.
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Once you've bought the perfect roller, take the time to prepare it before you dip into the paint – forgetting to ready your roller before use is another common DIY mistake.
Sometimes, they function as reverse lint rollers – that is, they leave little bits of fuzz all over your walls, especially when they're brand-new.
"If you leave any lint after the paint is dry, you'll have to sand the wall and repaint," the experts warned.
There are a few options to clear away any lint before painting. Thorough washing in warm water will work, or you can grab some painter's tape and wrap the surface of the roller.
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"The lint will come off with the tape, but it might take a few wraps before you get it all," the experts said.
"It can actually be a good thing if it's a tight fit when sliding the roller cover over your roller handle," the experts revealed.
A wobbly roller will slow you down and possibly leave uneven lines.
For a roller with metal tines, use pliers to gently pull them outward and make sure the cover fits snugly.
Or, wrap plastic tines in thin plastic – plastic dropcloth or clingwrap is fine – until the tines are thick enough to hold the roller in place.
Finally, before you start painting, prime your roller to make sure paint absorbs quickly and evenly.
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"Simply run some water over the roller cover to get it good and wet," the pros wrote, "then, shake off the roller and pat it with some paper towels to get rid of the excess moisture, leaving the roller damp but not saturated."
After that, you'll be ready to roll – and no one who sees your walls will be able to tell you didn't hire a professional.