Helpful Tips on Painting and Papering Like a Pro | Kensington, MD

When you buy your first home, your dream may have finally come true. But the joy of simply owning a home can quickly become overshadowed by tasks and maintenance that you will need to perform to keep everything running smoothly. 

So while the average homeowner knows that a little DIY can go a long way when it comes to painting and papering, for those who are not so do it yourself-inclined, there are a few things you should familiarize yourself with before you begin.

Proper Painting Prep

Title alliteration aside, proper preparation when you decide to paint a room is imperative if you want your project's appearance to shine and last. Sprucing up a room with paint is the quickest and easiest way to add your personal touch to your home. But prep work is a must. Succeed by following these simple rules:

- Remove fixturing and hardware that may interfere with your painting.

- Clean walls with a damp sponge.

- Fill nail holes with spackle, and sand rough spots; apply primer as needed.

- Though dressing in proper attire isn't required, it is recommended. So dress accordingly, things have the potential to get messy.

- Mask off molding, etc. with painter's tape, lay down a drop cloth, and get to work.

Papering Like a Pro 

Adding wallpaper to a room can add texture and aesthetics, while making a huge difference in the overall feel and look of a room. It's not a difficult task to perform on paper, but it does take patience and a scrutinizing eye to make it look good. Here are some tips to help you hang wallpaper like a professional:

- Prepare walls (especially new drywall) with primer and sealer. Wash dirt and grime away. Remove old paper.

- Remove any and all fixturing, including light switch and outlet covers, as well as hardware associated with window treatments, etc.

- Pick and plan a starting point so that the first strip of paper will line up with the last.

- When hanging, begin at the ceiling and carefully unfold the paper down. Remember to leave a few inches at the top and bottom for trimming.

- Try to hang paper so that there is minimal overlap, and try not to smooth over paper roughly. 

Beginning a home renovation project and need advice? Feel free to contact us for more information on how we can help you.