Instructions on how to paint interior walls and ceilings in 6 easy steps. Download the pdf for a step-by-step guide to your project.
Step 1: Preparations
- Accurately calculate the required amount of paint:
- To calculate the surface area of a room multiply the height of each wall by its width and add all wall areas together;
- Multiply the height of each window and door by its width and add all window and door areas together;
- Subtract total window and door area from total wall area to get the square meters of the surface needing paint;
- After you have calculated your paint area you can always consult with a Kooyman paint expert for the quantity of paint needed.
- Identify what other materials you need; for this use the checklist at the end of this manual;
- Start with a clean surface. Dirt, oil, and grime on a surface will prevent paint from adhering properly. A thorough cleaning is thus an important part of the preparation process. Cleaning and degreasing can be done with specially formulated All Clean© from Kooyman. Remove old paint layers with paint removers or strippers.
After degreasing and cleaning, we advise sanding the surface so the paint can stick well to the wall or ceiling. Always sand after cleaning so dirt and grease won’t be sanded into the wall or ceiling. We advise using a wall sealer/primer. Wall sealer/primer will cover marks, stains, and repair work. Also, wall sealer improves the adhesion of the new coat of paint and thereby the end result of your paint job.
- Chalking or powdery surfaces can best be treated with Aquafix© before painting. This will improve the adhesion of the new paint coat. Aquafix© can be found near the wall sealers/primers at Kooyman.
- Ensure good ventilation.
- Before painting:
- Cover all furniture with plastic foil;
- It would be better to remove smaller pieces of furniture;
- Move large and heavy furniture to the center of the room;
- Cover All sections which do not require painting, such as boards, frames, and doors with painter’s tape and the whole floor with plastic foil if necessary;
- Disassemble sockets and switches and disconnect from the power;
- Assemble again after painting.
Step 2: The right brush/roller
Brush:
Always choose a brush that matches the paint and the surface. Dip a new clean brush till the first half of the hairs in the paint. Then run it tightly along the can. Always dip the brush in the paint up to the first third in the paint when painting, this will prevent it from leaking. Apply the brush immediately after you have dipped it in paint, to the surface, Holding the brush between your fingers.
Roller:
Choose the right roller for each paint job. A roller that is rounded on both sides is perfect for topcoats or smoother surfaces. There will be no stripes if the roller is round on both sides.
A paint tray and a roster will make painting with a roller much easier. Fill the deep section of the tray with paint. Make sure that the higher ribbed part is not covered with paint. Saturate the roller well with paint first and then roll it out along the ribbed part of the paint tray.
Step 3: Colors
By using certain colors on walls you can give an optical change to the space. Bright, cool colors such as light blue ensure a wider appearance of the space. Warm, light colors such as yellow will brighten up your house and give your walls a fresh touch. For larger spaces to show more warmth and a cozier appearance, paint the walls in warm, dark colors, such as brown or red-orange.
As for painting of the ceiling, a light color will make it seem higher. Dark colors will give the appearance of an optical reduction, especially in older homes with high ceilings. This optical reduction can also be emphasized if there is a border of this color painted on the wall.
Kooyman offers:
- Quality brands like Kooyman-paint, Benjamin Moore, and Global Professional Paint;
- More than 20.000 different colors;
- Color scan: With the new color scan it is possible to make color from virtually any material;
- Color chips in different sizes, you can find them in one of the color selections in-store;
- Wide assortment of paint accessories;
- For all your paint jobs check the information on www.kooymanbv.com/paintexpert.
Step 4: Painting the ceiling
When painting, always start with the ceiling because there is a chance that the paint can drip and ruin an already painted wall. All sides and transitions should be painted with a flat brush. Do these first to ensure straight lines. After you have painted the sides and transitions proceed with the rest of the ceiling.
Step 5: Painting the interior walls
Start painting the wall where the ceiling meets the wall or trim. Avoid brush marks and overlaps by maintaining a wet edge when you paint. Always paint from dry surfaces to wet surfaces. If you are using latex paint, keep moving. Do not go back repeatedly into already painted areas. Once the edges have been cut in with paint, use a roller with an extension handle to paint the rest of the wall.
Paint the walls in “W” strokes with the roller. Then apply the paint in straight lines so as to cover the space equally. If the ceiling has a different color then make sure you use painter’s tape.
Step 6: Care for the brush/roller
When you start painting a room try to finish as soon as possible but if this is not the case then do the following: with a short break you can just leave the brush on the lid (upside down) or if it is for a long break, put the rollers and brushes in a plastic bag closed airtight.
If you have remaining paint and the can is at least half full, you can save your paint in the following way; Close the lid securely then hold the can upside down just so the edge fills up with paint. The can is sealed, this will prevent skinning. If the remaining paint in the can is less than half, then put the rest into a smaller can. Do the same as the above method.