How To

Painting Cheat Sheet for Tricky Surfaces

Painting Cheat Sheet for Tricky Surfaces

Let’s face it – when it comes to painting, we just want to get it done as quickly as possible. At least most of us. It can be tricky and take a lot of time and effort. The preparation alone is not exactly a walk in the park either. On top of that, there are different substrates and surfaces with sometimes very specific challenges. Sounds like a real nightmare, right? But not to worry, here are some valuable tips on how to deal with the most demanding types.

Drywall

Also known as wallboard, it’s a very popular material, mostly because it’s much cheaper and it’s more suitable for certain applications. It offers a good way to build an affordable wall, which is why it’s such a staple around many commercial spaces where durability is not quite as important as in a house. They’re also much easier to install. When it comes to painting them, we do have to bear in mind that it’s not a very strong material, and it’s prone to water damage. Still, any surface has to be properly cleaned before we get on with our little project. In this case, it’s best to use a microfibre cloth or even a vacuum cleaner. Then, secure the edges of trims, casings and baseboards with masking tape or painter’s tape and add two or three layers of special primer. Now, you’re good to go.

Featheredge Cladding

More commonly known as weatherboard cladding, it’s an extremely popular choice thanks to its very aesthetically pleasing design based on horizontal, diagonal or vertical boards. They’re quite affordable and durable, and add a certain level of elegance. In the past, they were made exclusively from wood, but nowadays it’s mostly PVC, aluminium or fibre cement imitating natural wood. The first piece of advice is simple, and you should probably always stick to it – make sure it’s the right weather; not below 10°C degrees, not above 35°C. For this type of surface, it’s even more important since your entire project will most likely be done outside. Then, it’s time to clean it thoroughly. For that, you can use a brush or broom. Check for loose or flaking paint on the surface and if you find any – scrape it all off or use a high-pressure hose. Make sure the surface is dry and start sanding – this will make the paint stick better. Then it’s time to fill in the gaps between the boards with a special filler. Wipe it all down with a damp cloth and start masking off. Apply the primer, and after an appropriate amount of time, you can start painting! Quick tip – do the tricky areas first, and make sure you use a brush for greater control. Then you can move on to the roller in order to cover the boards more thoroughly.

Tiles

Tiles are a staple in almost every household. They’re quite durable and practical, and with so many design options – they always look great. But the question remains – how to paint them? Can you even do that? Again, you first need to clean them thoroughly, especially around the seams – this is pretty much a rule for any painting project. Then it’s time to sand the entire surface. It’s a little tricky to get it right. The idea here is to sand it just enough so that the tiles have a matte finish without going overboard. This will improve adhesion. The last thing is picking the right type of paint. For tiles, there are two obvious choices – it’s either specialised tile paint or, alternatively, epoxy paint. You can always use some painter’s tape to protect other surfaces and keep your lines straight.

Slow and Steady

With enough time, research and practice, any DIY project can be a breeze – doesn’t matter what kind of surface you’re facing. Stick to these simple rules, and make sure you put some time into the preparation process since it’s going to make your life a whole lot easier.

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