Painting a room has several effects that will, if done properly, increase the value of your home, make it feel more welcoming, and even make a room look larger. But, before you get started there are some things that you need to know in order to get the job done correctly. If not, you will end up with a room that will need to be repainted.
Choosing a good color:
Choosing a correct paint color is something that largely depends on the individual. Whatever you do do not rush through this decision. Take the time to get paint sample strips and carefully analyze all of your available choices. Paint color strips will give you and idea of what the paint color is and also some similar paint colors.
Take the sample strip home and compare it to the other colors that are in the room. Is this particular paint color going to clash with the other colors in the room? Once you have decided on a color it is often wise to purchase a pint of paint and paint a small area of the wall. Let the paint dry and take a look. If it looks great then you can purchase more and paint the rest of the room. If not you have not wasted time and money painting a room the wrong color.
Getting started:
Before you start painting there are several preparatory steps that need to be taken. When painting you generally do not want to paint the molding, door knobs, outlet covers, light switch covers, light fixtures, etc the same color as your wall. Carefully remove all outlet covers with a screwdriver. Once the covers have been removed tape over the outlets or switches so that they do not accidentaly get painted on. With blue painting tape carefully place this on the floor and crown molding. Getting this applied correctly will give you nice sharp lines between the wall and molding. By taping off and removing outlet covers you are on your way to a successful painting job.
The next step is to fill in any gashes in the wall. While this is not necessary it is a good time to do it, afterall you will be painting soon anyways. So get your caulk out and fill in the gashes. Let it dry as instructed on the can and then sand it so that it is smooth with the wall. Sand other areas of the wall as necessary.