What You Need to Know if You Want to Repaint Walls

It may seem like there's nothing simpler than repainting walls or furniture, but in reality, it's not that easy. We share the main nuances and useful tips.

Color Selection

• If you're unsure what color to choose, look at the shades already present in your home. For example, it could be a sofa or one of the colors on a poster. If the color matches surrounding items, you won't go wrong.
• Take a few paint samples with you and check how they look in the room. Hold them near the walls, floors, furniture, and other items.
• Take several samples of the colors you like and paint small patches on a piece of gypsum board. See how the shades look at different times of day and under artificial lighting.

Glossy or Matte?

• Matte paint effectively hides wall imperfections and spreads evenly on any surface. However, it's not easy to clean. Therefore, it's suitable for hard-to-reach areas where fingerprints and furniture marks won't remain. For example, ceilings.
• Velvet paint has a soft sheen and looks softer than semi-gloss paint. It's ideal for walls.
• Semi-gloss or glossy paint reflects light strongly but is also easy to clean. It's better suited for kitchen cabinet finishing.

How to Calculate the Amount of Paint?

• Measure and add up the width of all walls in the room. Multiply this number by the height of one wall from floor to ceiling. Subtract the total area of all doors and windows.
• Remember that paint should be applied in two coats, so the calculated amount must be doubled.

Preparation for Painting

• Remove all items from the room that you do not plan to paint.
• Mask windows, doors, ceilings, and trim with painter's tape – anything that needs protection from paint.
• De-grease surfaces using a special solution.
• Fill cracks in walls and ceilings with spackle and sand carefully.
• Remove dust after sanding.
• Prime the surface.
• Ensure you have all necessary tools to avoid interruptions mid-way through the job.

How to Paint Correctly?

• Work from top to bottom: start with the ceiling or upper part of the wall and move toward the floor. Even if paint drips, you won't damage already painted sections.
• Don't put too much paint on the brush or roller, or it will drip onto the floor. But don't restrict yourself either: applying too little paint on a roller will require more effort and make your hand sore.
• Apply paint in straight strokes. Then go over just-painted sections to distribute the paint evenly.

How to Combine Multiple Tones?

• If you want to repaint furniture or add a gradient to the walls, move from light to dark. Let the upper parts of items always be lighter than the lower ones: lighter tones will dominate. Darker colors make objects heavier and ground them.
• Play with contrast between walls and ceiling. For example, a lighter ceiling adds airiness to the space. But dark tones can also look interesting and bring warmth to the room.