Step 1: Clean the surface and remove defective paint
Before you start painting, ensure that the surface is clean. Use a hose to wash down the walls and remove any stubborn dirt with a wire brush and warm soapy water. For tough dirt or old paint, a power washer can be used, but be cautious not to damage the home by setting the spray too high. Wash from top to bottom and allow the surface to dry thoroughly.
Inspect the surface for any loose, blistered, or chipped paint. It’s essential to remove the old, defective paint before proceeding. Use a wire brush or paint scraper to remove loose paint, and a power sander or sandpaper wrapped around a wooden block to smooth rough surfaces. For heavy deposits of old paint, an electric paint remover may be necessary.
Step 2: Make necessary repairs
Take a walk around your house to identify any damage that needs repair. Look for split shingles, rust, mildew, popped nails, and any areas where caulk or putty may be missing. Remove rust, scrub away mildew, fill and sand cracked siding, replace loose caulking or split shingles, and repair leaky gutters and downspouts.
Step 3: Estimate the amount of paint needed.
Before starting the painting process, calculate the amount of paint you’ll need to avoid running out midway. Measure the perimeter and height of the house. You can refer to the chart below as a reference or ask the shop that sells you the paint.
| Room Type | 2/3 Room | 4 Room | 5 Room |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Individual Bedroom |
5 Litres |
5 Litres |
5 Litres |
|
Living Room |
5 Litres |
10 Litres |
10 Litres |
|
All Ceilings (including Kitchen and Bathroom Ceilings) |
15 Litres |
15 Litres |
20 Litres |
Step 4: Prepare the work area
Clear out the room or area you plan to paint. Remove furniture, decorations, and other items that could get in the way. Cover immovable objects with old sheets or pieces of cloth using masking tape or tacks to protect them from paint splashes.
Step 5: Choose the right color
Consider the interior design, décor, and furniture when selecting paint colors. Use tools like the Nippon Paint Mobile App – Colour Visualizer to help you choose the right colors and visualize how they will look in your home. Take advantage of color schemes and promotions offered by paint suppliers. Or use 3D home tools to help visualize your home when the walls are painted.
Step 6: Design and coordinate
Consider the overall design and elements of your home. Observe patterns, textures, fixtures, and installations. Painting your home can be time-consuming. On average, paints dry between 2 to 4 hours so planning your painting schedule ahead is essential to achieve a cohesive and well-designed result.
Step 7: Seek expert advice if needed
If you feel overwhelmed or unsure about painting your home, you can hire a professional painter or watch video tutorials to learn the techniques. Consider doing a paint test on a small patch to assess your skills.
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