Painting the Walls: Do's and Don'ts

Aim for perfect results. When you are applying a color that is opposite to the existing color, first apply a coat of white.

Eight Do's for a perfect job

1) Buy everything you need beforehand, that way you will avoid having to run out to the hardware store halfway through your job.
2) Take advice. There are specific paintbrushes and rollers for each type of paint and wall.
Always ask for advice from your retailer.
3) Create a 'support station' in another room where you can store objects and furniture.
Put smaller objects together in a box so you can find them again right away.
4) Take your time preparing the room. Completely cover the floors and anything else you can't move. Be careful not to leave uncovered spaces.
5 ) Choose appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes so you can freely move about and avoid getting dirty.

6) Aim for perfect results. When you are applying a color that is opposite to the existing color (like from red to green), first apply a coat of white.
7) Wait a day before putting furniture and objects back into the room so that you can be sure the walls are dry.
8) Prepare your tools. If you have a new roller or paintbrush, let it soak in water and wash it with laundry detergent.

Eight things to avoid

1) Don't hurry! You'll get the best results with practice and patience. Calculate that to paint a room can take a whole day.
2) Don't dilute all the paint at once. Should some diluted paint be left over it will deteriorate quickly. Undiluted paint can be kept for up to three years.
3) Don't paint on wallpaper. Remove it by softening the glue with a wet rag. If it still won't come off the walls, you can use steam or a specially made product you'll find in the hardware store.
Whatever wallpaper remains stuck on the wall should be delicately scraped off.

4) Leave no imperfections. If the wall has imperfections, you'll need to sandpaper the affected areas.
5) Don't close the windows and doors. Open windows and doors permit an exchange of air to eliminate all odors and dry the walls.
6) Avoid rainy days (when you wouldn't be able to keep the windows open) and humid days. In both cases, the walls will take much longer to dry.
7) Don't leave your tools dirty. After using your paintbrush or roller, clean it with water or solvent and let it dry hanging up.
8) Don't dispose of your left-over paint irresponsibly. Get informed about the nearest recycling center where you can bring it.