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Painting Tips for Beginners

With Christmas fast approaching and lockdown still in full swing many of us will be thinking of redecorating. Whether that’s a complete room makeover or a quick touch up, the beauty of painting a space is that it makes it your own. If you have never painted a room before however it can be hard to know where to start. Which is why we’ve worked to put together a beginners guide for all those with no idea how to paint a room, and some top tips that even the most experienced DIY painters among you may not have  known. 

The key to making a painting job go smoothly, is having the right paint, tools and know how. Luckily at The Paint Shed you can get all three! Find all the tips, paint and accessories you will need all in one place. With regular monthly deals and trade brands like Macpherson, Dulux Trade and Crown Trade on offer we have everything you need to get started. Order today and get free delivery on purchases over £50. 

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Getting Started 

Before starting to paint there are a few things you should consider. The first consideration, and perhaps the most important, is what kind of paint you want and what kind of paint you need for your room or surface. Here are some painting tips and techniques to get you started.

Trade Vs. Retail

When it comes to picking a paint we always recommend opting for trade quality options. Trade paint is better quality and goes further than retail paint. So not only does it save you money in the long run you are also guaranteed a better, longer lasting finish. Learn more about the difference between trade and retail paints here.

Colour 

Picking the right paint colour is personal, it depends on taste, how you want the room to feel and what will work with the rest of your home. To avoid picking the wrong shade we advise gathering as many paint testers as possible, that way you will be able to test out the colour in different lighting, the finish and what it will look like when dried. Shop our range of paint samples here or click here to get inspired with our colour inspirations and decorating tips for beginners.

Finish 

Be sure to consider what finish of paint will work best in your room. For interior walls a matt finish is great for hiding imperfections although it will not be as easy to clean, so avoid this option in high traffic areas. Gloss paints reflect light better therefore making your room feel bigger and brighter, while matts absorb light adding cosiness to larger rooms. Read our guide to paint finishes here.

Ceiling 

Lastly, before starting your decorating you should ask yourself if you want to paint your ceiling. Many first time painters choose to leave their ceilings white, but there is no reason you can’t paint it a shade of the same colour or a complimentary colour to add interest and dimension to your room. Here is a guide to painting your ceiling and cutting in correctly. 

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Painting Tips & Advice

Once you have settled on your desired look, now all is left is to pick the perfect paint brand and work out how many paint coats you will need. When it comes to selecting the brand, the rule is that if you spend a little more, you get a little more. Cheaper retail paint will require more coats, while trade paint goes much further. To calculate how many coats your room will require, use our handy paint calculator, simply enter the room's dimensions and we’ll work it out for you. Remember: It's probably better to have a bit too much than to order too little!

At The Paint Shed we offer both premium designer brands such as Farrow and Ball and Fired Earth who offer the best coverage for the least coats, as well as options for if you’re on more of a budget. Some of our trade favourites include Dulux, Johnstone’s and Crown Paints which require no more than two coats. If you do end up needing more than one tin of paint, we advise mixing them together to ensure a consistent colour throughout the whole room. Paint colour may vary from one pot to the next, so this technique will help you avoid inconsistencies in your finish. 

Tools

Picking the right tools is just as important as finding the right paint. It’s not a case of any old brush will do, certain brushes are made to suit certain paints. Synthetic bristle brushes will be best for water based paints, as they won’t take on any water or leave tracks marks on your walls. Natural brushes suit solvent based paints as they can handle fine paint better, allowing for a smooth and even finish.

When painting a room a medium sized 100mm-150mm brush is standard but for  touch ups or delicate paint jobs like window frames, doors and trims a smaller 25mm brush will provide more control. Shop our wide range of brushes and paint accessories here. Don’t forget to pick up a roller and tray for ceilings and other hard to reach areas.

More Painting Tips & Advice

Painting a room can be quick and easy if you know what you’re doing, but we all have to start somewhere. Hopefully these simple painting tips and tricks for beginners will help refine your DIY skills. If you do make a mistake, don’t fret it is easily rectified, just look at our blog on how to avoid and fix decorating disasters or paint like a pro: the correct order to paint a room.  Painting your ceilings, walls and trims with confidence takes time, after all practice makes perfect. Shop the perfect trade paint and accessories at The Paint Shed to start your painting journey today.