Are you getting ready to paint walls in your Singapore home yourself? Whether you’re getting ready to paint one wall or several, it’s essential to do a proper job, or you’ll face issues down the line. For example, doing it correctly will ensure that you prevent mould from building up.
Choosing quality paint and doing a good job will ensure that the paint repels dust, dust, and allergens from the walls. With that in mind, we’ve compiled an easy-to-follow painting procedure to help you paint your walls correctly the first time.
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Painting walls doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Being successful starts with having the right tools and materials to paint your walls. These include the following:
- Quality paint
- Primer
- Paint tray
- Paint roller and various paint brushes
- Extension pole (if necessary)
- Masking tape
- Plastic drop sheets
- Sandpaper
- Wall plaster repair patch
- Cleaning materials that include a damp cloth
- Scrapers
- Turpentine
Choosing the Right Paint
In addition to having the right tools on hand, you’ll need enough paint for at least two coats. This is especially necessary when you’ve chosen to mix a new paint color. The last thing you want is to run out of paint and then not get the right mix with the second round of paint!
Always look for a paint type that has anti-mould properties to avoid having to deal with the effects of mold. When it comes to choosing the right paint for your paint job, consider the following types of paints available in Singapore.
Water-Based Paint
Essentially, water-based paint uses water instead of oil to mix the pigment and binders on the paint. Water-based paints are also referred to as “latex paints” and are the more environmentally friendly option. In many instances, ceiling paints are water-based. Since these types of paints hold their color longer, they’re suitable for most walls.
Pros
- Easy to clean from painting tools—all you need is warm water to use your tools and equipment
- Water-based paint has excellent adhesion
- No need to use hardeners, additives or thinners
Cons
- Can be prone to chipping and damage from scuffing
- Gloss finish can be too shiny
Solvent-Based Paint
Solvent-based paints contain organic compounds such as solvents. These solvents ensure a tough and durable finish that easily resists scratches and abrasions. Keep in mind that drying times are longer than water-based alternatives.
Pros
- More tolerant of weather conditions such as high temperatures and humidity
- Painted surfaces are easier to clean
Cons
- Solvent-based paints can be high in VOCs (Volatile Organise Compounds)
- Can be harmful to the environment
Preparing the Wall
Once you have your painting tools and quality paint ready, the first step in the painting process is to prepare the wall. If you’re painting the whole room, it’s crucial to paint the ceiling first to avoid spilling paint on your freshly painted walls. Once that’s done, follow these simple step-by-step painting guides to paint a wall.
1. Repair Any Damage
- Use your wall plaster repair patch to fill any cracks or holes.
- Scrap off any old, loose paint with the scraper.
- Once the wall plaster repair patch is dry, sand the area.
- Cover the floor and any furniture with plastic or canvas drop cloths.
2. Sand the Wall
- Use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or bumps on the wall.
- Wipe down the wall with a damp cloth to remove any dust—it’s important to always paint on a clean surface.
3. Applying Primer
- Decide: Before applying primer, you need to decide if it’s actually necessary. If the wall you’re painting is absorbent or porous, then you’ll need primer. Primer makes the material stronger and more susceptible to a good seal.
- Apply: To apply primer, use a paint roller. Let the primer dry for a few hours before moving on to the next step.
Painting the Wall
Once you have prepared the wall, it’s time to start painting. However, this process involves different painting techniques to ensure that you have a professional finish. Follow these steps to create the smooth finish you’re after.
1. Cut in The Edges
- Use a paintbrush to carefully paint along the outer edges of the wall as a roller could cause paint to splatter or run down the wall.
- Add masking tape to areas you don’t want to paint such as the window casings, window frames, and the light switch.
2. Roll the Paint Onto the Wall
- Use a roller to apply the base coat, or first coat of paint to the wall.
- Apply the paint in a “W” pattern for even coverage.
3. Apply a Second Coat
- Let the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat.
- Painting over a lighter color may only require one or two coats.
- If the previous wall color is a darker color such as red, yellow, or black multiple coats of paint may be required.
- Once the paint has been left to dry for several hours, remove the painter’s tape from all the fixtures and areas you placed it on.
- Check all areas, including the ceiling line to make sure that the new color has bonded correctly.
Clean Up
Once you have painted the entire room, it’s time to clean all the equipment you’ve used. Not cleaning equipment will damage brushes, rolls, and trays and make them difficult to use for future painting jobs.
Here are several tips to consider when you’re cleaning your equipment after applying paint to your walls.
Water-Based Paints
- If you’ve used any water-based paints, brushes, rollers, trays, and roller handles can be easily cleaned using warm soapy water. For stubborn paint, let the tools soak in the soapy water for a few hours.
- Work the soap thoroughly into the brush bristles to remove all the paint.
- Rinse the brushes in clear water and air dry before storage.
Solvent-Based Paint
- Solvent-based paints may be harder to clean with your painting tools. It’s important to clean them before the paint dries and sets on the brushes and rollers.
- In this instance, you’ll use paint solvents such as turpentine or paint thinners.
- For smaller paint stains, use a piece of cloth that you have dipped in some turpentine to wipe off the tray, roller handle, and brush handles.
- Clean the paint from the brushes by using an old glass bottle and pour some turpentine or thinners into about half of the bottle and place the brushes inside. The turpentine or thinners will dissolve the paint off the brushes. (Use a glass bottle because plastic might have a negative reaction to the thinners or turpentine and also creates a dangerous gas)
- Never pour turpentine down a drain or on the grass. Rather place the container outside for the turpentine to evaporate. Once this is done, wrap the container in paper and dispose of it in your garbage bin.
What to do with Excess Paint, & How to Dispose it?
If you have overestimated how much paint you actually needed, you may end up with excess paint. In this instance, you should ensure that you seal the paint and store it in a cool, dry place. Try to use it within the time suggested by the manufacturer.
Never pour paint down a drain, rather consider donating it to someone else who can use it. Alternatively, open the paint can for the paint to dry out and solidify, so that you can dispose of it in the garbage.
Summing It Up
Painting walls in your Singapore home requires the right tools, materials, and paint selection. By following our step-by-step guide, you can achieve a professional finish while preventing issues such as mould and poor adhesion.
Proper wall preparation, choosing the right paint type, and using the appropriate painting techniques are key to success. Remember to clean your painting tools thoroughly and dispose of excess paint responsibly.
For professional assistance, consider PaintingGuy, our painting services are ready to meet your needs.
Share this helpful guide with others planning their own painting projects for successful results if you find it helpful.
