Painting your home is one of the most transformative processes when renovating. It also presents the ultimate DIY challenge. Offering a creative opportunity with an incredibly satisfying result, it is a task that can also be time consuming & messy. Then there’s the big questions surrounding preparation of the surface & which tools to use.  Today we’re here to support you with the sometimes-overlooked details; whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional to paint your home.

THE DIY PATH

It all starts with the right preparation.

How much to fill, scrape, sand & clean the surface is often a big question when it comes to DIY painting. Being realistic about how time consuming (& ‘boring’) preparing the surfaces can be before the paint hits the wall is often an under-considered factor when taking on the task of panting your home. Ensuring both a quality paint finish & one that lasts through the ages all begins with ensuring you get the prep right. Seeking advice from your local professional paint supplier, Thornton & Blake is invaluable. Bringing along photos of the space is always helpful when asking advice at the counter.

Choosing the right paint sheen level.

Often a big question when DIY customers arrive to purchase paint is the choice of sheen level & this is dependent on where & what the paint is applied to as well as the desired result. Then there’s the correct tools to apply a particular level of sheen. With a vast array of paint brushes, rollers & accessories to choose from, choosing a supplier with an experienced team to provide advice is important.

Tools of the trade. Choosing the right tools are invaluable when it comes to painting your home. Remember, the more you invest the better the results. Be sure to take care of your tools after each job and they will see you through project after project.

Here’s a beginners list of tools to get you started:

1. Filler + Scraper

2. Sandpaper, coarse & fine

3. Plenty of Rags

4. Bucket, sugar soap & water for cleaning

5. Good cutting in brush

6. Drop sheets

7. Painters tape

8. Roller pole & cage

9. Roller sleeve to match the sheen level of your paint.

Before starting your project, do your research. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube, but why not visit a professional paint supplier, such as Thornton & Blake. It is useful to bring photos of the area you would like to paint so that our professionals can give you the best possible advice.

Safety & Access. If your requirement is to paint an extra tall ceiling or stairwell, it may be best to call in the professionals. They will have access to safe scaffolding, correct ladders & paint poles to achieve the job safely.

HIRING A PAINTING PROFESSIONAL

Communication is key. As with hiring any trade professional, good communication is key. An experienced professional will value the right questions & clear direction in ensuring your vision is realised. Being armed with the right questions & a detailed brief for your first meeting with a professional painter will be helpful in ensuring you are hiring the right expert for the job.

Experience & portfolio. Choosing a professional painter with long term experience, particularly for the style of architecture you’re having painted is a wise idea. For example, if you’re having a heritage property painted, choosing someone with prior experience with old houses is important to ensure the correct preparation & quality detailing can be achieved. 

Check for license & insurance. Just like builders, choosing a licensed painter is important, particularly if the quote is over $5,000 including paint. Licensed or registered painters ensure they have been trained correctly to apply paint to specification & meet industry standards.

What needs painting. Before your appointment with a professional painter, walk around your home & write down a list of what you would like painted, this includes walls, trims, doors, balcony, or stair rails & cupboards. Referring to a written list will ensure your brief & quotes are consistent, particularly if you are obtaining more than one quote.

What paint is being used? Ensuring that the quote includes the brand of paint that you have decided on & sheen level that will be used so you can rest assured that quality products are being used.

Asking when your painter can start & how long they expect the job to take is important. Understanding from the beginning that weather & the painters existing workload can also affect their start & finish dates, so remain flexible where possible. Also, be sure to ask whether a deposit is required & when they will require the final paint colour selection, so they can order the paint in time to start

Ensuring the space is ready to paint. Make sure the space is ready & clear of any furniture or obstructions before they arrive. It is a good idea to discuss what needs to be moved from the space before they arrive. Arriving to a clear space to begin the job will ensure there is less chance of delay. You may even consider taking a staycation or vacation whilst the work is being done, particularly if the job is extensive.

COLOUR SELECTION

With so many choices on offer, colour selection can be a tricky process. Whether you choose a professional or opt to paint your home yourself, choosing paint colours follows the same process & is ultimately, your responsibility.

With years of experience in helping clients to choose the colour palette for their home, professional colour consultants, Thornton & Blake take into consideration not only your preference of colour, but also light, use of space & the desired mood you would like to create for your home, supporting with a series of colour samples to get the colour selection right, faster. You may be surprised at how cost effective choosing a colour consultant is, particularly at Thornton & Blake. Book a professional colour consultation with us & you will receive a trade discount on paint & accessories purchased from our professional paint store to complete the job.