How to Paint a Wall with a Brush | Paintbrush for Room
Changing your wall color is a quick way to update your room. Here is a guide on how to paint your walls using a brush. There are a lot of gadgets to get the job done faster, but paintbrushes are still a top choice among professionals.
Even by those who use rollers, paintbrushes are used for “cutting in” the color. This term refers to painting the corners and edges of walls with a brush while using a roller for filling in the main portions of the wall.
How to Load the Paintbrush
How the paint is loaded into the paintbrush is essential. Always moisten the brush first. Use water for water-based colors. Use the appropriate thinner for oil- and latex-based colors.
The paintbrush should only be dipped one-fourth or one-third of the way into the paint. This avoids drips and splotchy areas. The brush will also be easier to clean later. If the metal feral gets too crusty, the brush is unusable.
Avoiding Steak Marks
The key to getting an even coat without leaving streaks is simple. Paint several diagonal strokes in a small area of the room. Then, go across that same area with horizontal strokes. This technique applies an initial thick coat, which is then spread out evenly with the additional strokes. Always start high and work your way down the wall and around the room.
Let the paint flow out of the brush. Don’t continue making brushstrokes once the brush dry. Keep dipping the brush into the can to reload fresh paint. Reloading the brush saves time and reduces streaks.
An important step is to wash or rewet the brush periodically during painting. You don’t want dried bits of paint to end up on the wall. You want fresh, clean paint applied with each stroke.
How to Paint a Room
Click on this video to get more helpful ideas on how to paint a room. This video outlines using rollers and brushes. Seeing the tips in action makes them easy to understand. With these simple steps, you can get painting quickly and efficiently. Prep work, planning and the right techniques will make the job smoother and more enjoyable.
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General Tips
There is no need to press firmly. The bristles should barely flex while painting. Pressing firmly will damage the brush, apply the paint unevenly and tire you out faster. Also, instead of using your wrist, use your whole arm. Using your arm is much less tiring.
Buying a decent quality brush is essential. You don’t want small bristles stuck on the wall. There is more than one type of paintbrush. Thin brushes are for corners and trim. The wide flat brushes cover larger areas.
If you need to take a break, wrap the brushes in cling wrap or a plastic bag – no need to wash them, but do make sure that they are airtight. However, do not bind the brushes so tightly that the bristles become misshapen. Pop the brushes into the freezer for longer storage. Just let them thaw out for an hour before using them again.
Common Mistakes
One mistake is to scrape the excess paint off the brush by swiping it over the can. This compresses the bristles of the paintbrush and creates an uneven distribution of color on the wall. It will also shorten the lifespan of the brush. Instead, knock the brush lightly on the rim of the can to remove the excess.
Do touch-ups when the paint is wet or completely dry. If it has started drying out, you may end up with a tacky mess.
There are water- and latex-based colors. The brush, thinner, and other tools will change based on the type used. Double-check what type of paint you are using before buying everything else.
Another mistake is not using a paint conditioner. Conditioners rend the paint more manageable and reduce streaks.
