The Ultimate Guide to Vancouver House Painting

Preparing to Paint

Preparing your house is the most important yet overlooked step when doing an impeccable job with your interior home painting. Before you even think about picking up that brush, take a look around the room:

• Did you remove everything from the walls? Including picture frames, curtains, outlet and light switch covers, hardware for curtains and picture hanging, etc
• Do any walls or trims need repairs?
• Did you take all your smaller items out of the room to allow more room to move?

Yeah, now we’re talking! On to the fun stuff.

Dust, Sweep, Vacuum, and Wipe

Proper cleaning ensures your paint adheres to your surfaces, giving you a long-lasting finish. First, grab your dust mop or broom and sweep the walls, woodwork, and ceilings to remove dust and cobwebs. Next, run the vacuum across the floor to remove any lingering particles that may stick to your paint. Finally, wipe down trims and baseboards with a
microfiber cloth.

Patch and Repair

Next, patch and repair your walls using a putty knife and surfacing compound to fill all your nail and screw holes. For larger holes, use a drywall repair kit or drywall patch for the best results.

Wash and Rinse

Greasy walls can interfere with pain adhesion and create a rough finish. Starting at your baseboards, wash your walls and woodwork with soap and water. Then, rinse with clean water and allow them to dry completely.

Protect Your Surfaces

Painting can be messy. Protect ceilings, windows, doors, and baseboards with painter’s tape and lay drop cloths across your floors to avoid getting paint where you don’t want it.

Apply Primer

Primer creates a uniform finish, improves topcoat adhesion, blocks water and grease, and extends the life of your paint job. You can use many types of Benjamin Moore primers, but the more specific the task, the more specialized your
primer will be. 

If you’re thinking about using an all-in-one paint and primer, we advise you only to do so if:

• Your surface isn’t peeling or stained
• You’re using the same colour as the previous finish, or something darker
• You’re not painting wood
  
  

Choosing the Right Paint for the Job

Benjamin Moore paints offer thousands of colour options that get you a brilliant finish and superior coverage with just one stroke. What kind of finish are you looking for? Flat? Satin? Glossy? The answer may depend on the room you’re painting.

Flat/Matte

Flat/matte paint is excellent for covering older walls with minor imperfections. It’s often the preferred choice for ceilings.

Matte Enamel

Matte enamel paint has the same finish as flat but is more durable. It’s the perfect choice for kitchens as it holds up to regular washing.

Satin

Satin finishes have a slightly glossy, somewhat reflective look. It produces a soft sheen under bright light but is otherwise flat. Satin finishes are versatile, working well in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

Eggshell

Eggshell finishes are durable with a low sheen. With little to no glare off your walls, it can easily withstand scrubbing with a soft cloth without worrying about removing the paint. Eggshell finishes work well in hallways, living rooms,
and bedrooms.

Semi-Gloss and Gloss

These highly durable finishes work best on trim or furniture rather than walls because they tend to show every imperfection. If you plan on using them on your walls anyway, fix any bumps or dents first.

And remember that accessories aren’t limited to framed artwork either. Benjamin Moore Vancouver offers anything from decorative hardcover books to uniquely-designed alarm clocks, bowls, and party umbrellas.

Tools You'll Need

Ensure you have the right wall painting tools on hand to help you get the job done smoother:

• Brushes
• Rollers
• Mini rollers
• Cages
• Trays and liners
• Painter’s tape
• Fillers
• Caulking
• Sandpaper
• Extension poles
• Painting tools for edging
• Ladder
  

Techniques for Painting Different Surfaces of Your Home

If you’re looking to paint like a pro, check out our exclusive collection of how-to videos, including how to:

• Paint a ceiling
• Cut in paint in a room
• Paint trims
• Paint walls
• Fix cracks and holes
• Paint an interior or exterior door
• And more!

Tips for Easy, Efficient Painting

Paint a room like the pros with tips that help you paint faster, smarter, and more efficiently without sacrificing quality or making costly mistakes:

• Buy the best supplies: Don’t take the least expensive route when it comes to paint and brushes, or you’ll end up disappointed. Your entire paint job will go quicker and easier with high-quality supplies and materials, and you’ll have a paint job that you’re not only proud of but will go on smoother, offer ultimate coverage, and last for years to come.
• Wash your new roller covers before using them: This removes the loose fuzz that may otherwise stick to your paint.
• Use a bright work light to avoid “holiday” disappointment: Holiday is a painting term that means missing a spot without realizing it. A good work light helps you keep a close eye on your work as you go.
• Load and go: Prepare your brush for painting by loading the bottom 1½” with paint, then tap each side against the inside of the can. Wiping the brush against the sides leaves the brush too dry.
  
  

Tackle Painting with Confidence

Visit the experts at your local paint store, Vancouver Benjamin Moore, to learn more about painting your house interior. Explore different paint options, finishes, and colours, find matching home decor, and create the look of your
dreams with ease.