DIY instructions paint

Planning to add a splash of color to your wall? There's nothing more fun! As the saying goes, "well begun is half done." Proper preparation is key to achieving the best results. Follow these tips to ensure a beautiful, smooth paint finish.

Choosing your paint colour

Please be aware that colours on your computer or phone screen are always slightly different from how they will appear on your wall or woodwork. Additionally, colour is constantly depending on the context. The material on which you are going to use the paint colour, the lighting in the room, the floor, or furniture pieces in the space—all these factors influence how a paint colour comes across. Therefore, always test a paint colour in the actual room where you intend to use it.

5 Painting Tips for the Best Results 
Follow these tips to ensure a beautiful, smooth paint finish. Enjoy!

Tip 1: Clean first, then sand

A common mistake many people make is sanding first and then wiping down the surface. Oops...when you sand first and then clean, you end up pushing grease and dirt into the grooves or onto the surface. This can prevent your new paint color from adhering properly, resulting in the need for an extra coat. To avoid this and save money, make sure to clean first and then sand!

Tip 2: Good primer for a solid foundation

Unfortunately the essential primer layer is often overlooked. Even when people do choose to apply primer, they might not choose the right color. Using a primer layer in the appropriate color are crucial for the final result. Many bright or bold colors require a light-colored primer to ensure the color adheres better. If you're going for a dark paint shade, make sure to use a primer that complements it. This way, you won't have to apply more coats of your beautiful Enkel Art Studio paint than necessary!

Use a primer on absorbent surfaces, such as freshly plastered walls, and a fixer on powdery surfaces, like sand-lime brick. Skipping this step will result in needing many more layers of paint to achieve full coverage.

Tip 3: Choosing the right brushes or rollers is key

It's tempting to take the easy route. Maybe grab an old roller from the storage room or dig through your kids' craft supplies for a brush that might work. But here's our advice: don't. Using the right quality brush or roller is crucial for achieving a great final result. Old or unsuitable brushes can leave bristles behind or cause streaks in your paint job. Similarly, rollers that don’t absorb enough paint won’t apply it evenly. If you’ve chosen the right tools, make sure to use a brush or roller loaded with a generous amount of paint. Dry rollers tend to leave streaks, making it difficult to get a smooth finish.

Tip 4: Stir

A can of paint contains several components that must be thoroughly mixed before you start. While it’s tempting to stop after a few quick stirs, trust us...Go the extra mile, and you'll be rewarded. Pigments and fillers quickly settle at the bottom of the can, while other ingredients tend to float to the top. Stirring is essential! Ideally, use a flat wooden stir stick and make sure to scrape the bottom as well. Stir for at least a minute before diving into your painting project.

Tip 5: Prevent streaks

What frustrates both amateur and professional painters alike? Paint streaks on your wall or furniture. Here are a few practical tips to help you avoid them. First, ensure the right temperature. Painting in a warm environment causes the paint to dry quickly, making it harder to distribute evenly before it sets. Also, be careful not to press too hard on the roller. Allow the paint to spread naturally without excessive force. Apply enough paint to the roller or brush first, then let the tool do its job, working smoothly from top to bottom and then from left to right. This way, no spot will escape your careful brush and keen eye.