Must you hire a painter?
Dec 18, 2009
DUE to the weather, or the age of your house, the walls are likely to become dirty and in some cases, the paint may peel off.
By Godwin Ayesiga
DUE to the weather, or the age of your house, the walls are likely to become dirty and in some cases, the paint may peel off.
Repainting will help you improve the look of your home.
Sadly, many people think painting can only be done by a professional painter.
Jackson Ssemwogerere, a painter, says painting is an easy task that brings self satisfaction.
He says you need to choose a colour you desire depending on whether you intend to paint the interior or exterior. He says it is vital to ask for a colour chart before you buy paint so that you can choose from a variety. After making up your mind on the colour you want, ask the seller to give you the already mixed paint.
In case you want to paint a new wall, Ssemwogerere says you need to apply a plaster primer (first coat) followed by sanding. This helps in priming and sealing problem surfaces prior to painting.
The quantity of paint you need depends on the size and roughness of the surface you want to paint. For first time painting, Ssemwogere says you use a brush first and a roller later on.
The brush costs about sh3,500 while the roller goes for about sh10,000.
Remember to cover the floor to avoid making it dirty. Start the job by dampening the bristles of the brush to condition them and make them more efficient.
For the first dip, move the brush around a bit in the paint to open the bristles and let the brush fill completely. It will be easy to pick up a full load if you push the brush gently into the paint with each dip. While painting, the grip you use depends on the brush you chose.
For instance, trim and sash brushes with pencil handles are grasped much as you would a pencil, with the thumb and the first two fingers of the hand. This trick gives you excellent control for intricate painting.
With larger brushes, you will need a stronger grip because the brushes are wider and heavier. Hold the handle with the entire hand and let the handle span the width of your palm. A large brush works best when you are painting large and flat surfaces.
Continue painting by simply dipping the brush in the paint but remember to let the excess paint drip off for a few seconds before moving the brush to the wall.
If you want a thinner coat, you may have to gently slap the brush against the inside of the paint tin or lightly drag it across the inside edge of the lip to remove excess paint.
To neatly paint up to a line, where two edges or colours meet (cutting in), use a trim brush with beveled bristles (the end of the brush resembles a chisel).
While using a ladder, take note of the following:
l Climb only the front of the ladder, never the back.
l Avoid climbing higher than the tread that is third from the top. Make sure you leave two steps above you, including the top.
l Keep your hips centred between the vertical side rails. Avoid positioning yourself at either extreme side.
l After the painting, remember to clean off the paint that will stain your windows. A wet piece of cloth will do.
DUE to the weather, or the age of your house, the walls are likely to become dirty and in some cases, the paint may peel off.
Repainting will help you improve the look of your home.
Sadly, many people think painting can only be done by a professional painter.
Jackson Ssemwogerere, a painter, says painting is an easy task that brings self satisfaction.
He says you need to choose a colour you desire depending on whether you intend to paint the interior or exterior. He says it is vital to ask for a colour chart before you buy paint so that you can choose from a variety. After making up your mind on the colour you want, ask the seller to give you the already mixed paint.
In case you want to paint a new wall, Ssemwogerere says you need to apply a plaster primer (first coat) followed by sanding. This helps in priming and sealing problem surfaces prior to painting.
The quantity of paint you need depends on the size and roughness of the surface you want to paint. For first time painting, Ssemwogere says you use a brush first and a roller later on.
The brush costs about sh3,500 while the roller goes for about sh10,000.
Remember to cover the floor to avoid making it dirty. Start the job by dampening the bristles of the brush to condition them and make them more efficient.
For the first dip, move the brush around a bit in the paint to open the bristles and let the brush fill completely. It will be easy to pick up a full load if you push the brush gently into the paint with each dip. While painting, the grip you use depends on the brush you chose.
For instance, trim and sash brushes with pencil handles are grasped much as you would a pencil, with the thumb and the first two fingers of the hand. This trick gives you excellent control for intricate painting.
With larger brushes, you will need a stronger grip because the brushes are wider and heavier. Hold the handle with the entire hand and let the handle span the width of your palm. A large brush works best when you are painting large and flat surfaces.
Continue painting by simply dipping the brush in the paint but remember to let the excess paint drip off for a few seconds before moving the brush to the wall.
If you want a thinner coat, you may have to gently slap the brush against the inside of the paint tin or lightly drag it across the inside edge of the lip to remove excess paint.
To neatly paint up to a line, where two edges or colours meet (cutting in), use a trim brush with beveled bristles (the end of the brush resembles a chisel).
While using a ladder, take note of the following:
l Climb only the front of the ladder, never the back.
l Avoid climbing higher than the tread that is third from the top. Make sure you leave two steps above you, including the top.
l Keep your hips centred between the vertical side rails. Avoid positioning yourself at either extreme side.
l After the painting, remember to clean off the paint that will stain your windows. A wet piece of cloth will do.