Are you getting ready to paint walls in your Singapore home yourself?
Whether tackling a single feature wall or repainting an entire space, executing the job properly is crucial for long-term durability and appearance. For example, doing it correctly will ensure that you prevent mould from building up.
Selecting high-quality paint and applying it correctly helps protect walls against dust accumulation, surface grime, and airborne allergens. 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 can be a straightforward, rewarding process with the right preparation and tools. A successful paint job begins with assembling essential tools and high-performance materials. 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 colour. Running out of paint mid-job risks inconsistencies in shade and finish, especially with custom colour blends.
Opt for paints with built-in anti-mould and anti-microbial agents to safeguard against humid climate conditions. 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
- Apply wall filler to patch cracks and imperfections, creating a smooth, uniform surface.
- Scrap off any old, loose paint with the scraper.
- Once the wall plaster repair patch is dry, sand the area.
Protect your flooring and furnishings using durable plastic or heavy-duty canvas drop sheets.
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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.
- Distribute paint in overlapping ‘W’ or zigzag strokes to ensure consistent, streak-free coverage.
3. Apply a Second Coat
- Allow the base coat to cure fully before proceeding with the subsequent layer for optimal adhesion.
- Lighter base tones may require fewer coats for adequate coverage, depending on pigment intensity.
- 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. Neglecting to clean tools properly will result in hardened bristles and unusable rollers, shortening their lifespan.
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)
- Avoid disposing of turpentine via drains or soil, as it poses environmental hazards and fire risks.
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. Utilize leftover paint within the shelf life specified by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance.
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
Achieving a professional-quality wall finish in your Singapore home depends on proper tool usage, premium materials, and appropriate paint selection. By following our step-by-step guide, you can achieve a professional finish while preventing issues such as mould and poor adhesion.
Thorough wall prep, selecting suitable coatings, and applying refined techniques are foundational to a successful DIY paint job. 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.
