Professional Painting Techniques

Although almost anyone can paint a room, professional painters are experts at preventing accidents and applying color in an even manner. Knowing the tricks of the trade will help your walls look like they were painted by a professional without the additional expense.

Preparation

• Tape the edges of the tarp or drop cloth. After covering the floor with a tarp or drop cloth, use painter's tape or masking tape to tape the edges. This ensures the floor is protected in case of spills or accidents.


• Smooth the edges of painter's tape with a credit card. After applying painter's tape to woodwork or molding, slide a credit card over the tape to create a tight seal. This action prevents small leaks and paint bleeding.

Tools

• Use a high-quality brush for cut-in work. Purchase an angled brush with natural bristles. These brushes prevent brush marks.


• Purchase a large bucket and a roller screen in lieu of a traditional paint tray. Professionals use roller screens because they make the process of reloading the roller with paint much quicker. This type of container minimizes spills and accidents as well.

Application

• Always keep a wet edge on the paint. Work in small painting sections, and overlap the edge on the next section. This process keeps the paint from looking blotchy.


• Cut-in in sections. Instead of completing all the cut-in work at one time, cut-in as you paint a section. This makes the paint look smoother and prevents marks from cut-in work.