Here are 10 tips you need to know before you begin your next paint project:

1. Primer before paint

Don’t skip the primer! Primer provides a good surface for the paint, and it helps bring out the paint’s true color.

2. Keeping it clean

You may want to use an edge pan for clean lines around door frames, ceiling edges and corners
–makes your walls look great!

3. Prepping is key

Consider the time you need to prep before you begin to paint. Paint won’t stick to the wall if you haven’t taken the time to prep.
The surface must be clean, non-glossy and in good condition.

4. Be conservative

Wondering how much paint it will take to cover your walls? Professionals recommend one gallon for every 400 square feet.
Though, if your walls are textured, rough or unprimed, it may require more paint.

5. Out with the old and in with the new

If your old wall paint is flaking off, it’s a good idea to purchase a paint scraper and get it out of the way. Once you’ve scraped all the old paint, sand the surface smooth, prime, and finish with some new paint.

It’ll look great!

6. Walls need cleaning too

Definitely wash your walls from top to bottom. Paint sticks a lot better to a clean surface. If there’s any indication of mold or mildew, consider using a mildew cleaner like Jomax, which is available for both interior and exterior use.

7. Let it go

Once an area begins to dry, leave it alone! Going back over it can leave marks and color streaks in the paint’s surface.

8. Stick to the walls, not the floors

Be sure to cover your floor with a drop cloth, you don’t want polka dots on your floor now, right?
Drop cloths are cheap and easy to save yourself a whole lot of irritation.

9. You get what you pay for

A better-made brush is less likely to leave bristles and brush marks on your wall, ensuring a more professional-looking finish. Even for rollers, a cheap roller will leave lint on your walls embedded in the paint. Quality is everything.

10. Save the wall plates

Before you start, remove all wall plates and take off light switches and electrical outlets.
You don’t want paint where it doesn’t belong!

Here at HPM, we carry all the necessary tools you need to start painting!

Be sure to check out our exclusive Benjamin Moore & Co. paint lines. We’ve been the only exclusive Benjamin Moore dealer on the Big Island for over 60 years! If you decide to sample some Ben Moore paints, stop by at any of our Big Island branches for pint sized samples. You’ll be able to take a couple of pints home to sample on your walls and determine which you like best.

Visit our Hilo, Kona, or Waimea HPM stores for details
and any paint specialist would be more than glad to help you begin your next painting project.

Source: DIY Network, Hawaii Renovation