While doing a painting project will do wonders for the overall appearance and appeal of your living room, one downside to it is the mess that inevitably comes after.
Mess is often the result of a painting project that is rushed or not prepared well – and not only is it an eyesore, but it can also be a hassle to take care of!
So, if you want a quick aesthetic fix for your living room space but are anxious about the mess that comes right after a painting project, fret not – we have something for you!
Here are Tips To Avoid Mess For Your Living Room Painting Project.
Declutter and Protect Your Furniture:
Before getting right into your paint project, you should take the time to declutter the room and remove any furniture, decorations, or other items that could get in the way or be damaged by paint splatters.
For larger furniture pieces that cannot be moved out of the room, push them to the center and cover them with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect them from paint drips and spills.
You could also opt for drop cloths and cover nearby flooring or fixtures with these, to prevent getting accidental splatters all over them.
While it might seem like a lot of effort upfront, remember that it’s precisely this level of diligence that spares you from the headache of a time-consuming cleanup once your project is complete!
Use Painter’s Tape
In avoiding excessive mess in your living room painting project, painter’s tape is your best friend.
Painter’s tape will be helpful in masking off areas you don’t want paint on, such as baseboards, trim, and doorframes.
Apply the tape carefully, ensuring that it is straight and firmly pressed down to create a tight seal.
This will help prevent paint bleed-through and ensure clean, crisp lines.
Lastly, remember to remove the tape while the paint is still wet to avoid peeling off dried paint along with the tape.
Divide Your Work Into Sections
Instead of attempting to paint the entire room at once, break the project down into manageable sections.
This approach not only prevents you from feeling overwhelmed but also minimizes the chances of making a mistake that could lead to a messy situation later on!
To do this, you’ll want to start with one wall or area at a time, and ensure that you fully paint each section before moving on to the next.
This way, you get to have better control and precision over your painting process, and reduce the chances of any accidental spills or smudges from hurrying!
Bonus tip: Remember to overlap each section slightly to ensure seamless blending of colors!
Use The Right Tools
Investing in the right tools will not only ensure a successful painting project but also aid in minimizing mess along the way.
So, make sure that you’re getting the right brushes, rollers, and paint trays for the type of paint you’re using and the surface you’re painting.
For example, use smaller brushes for cutting in around edges and corners and larger rollers for covering larger areas quickly and efficiently.
Additionally, consider using paint edgers or cutting guides to achieve clean, straight lines along trim and edges.
Practice Proper Painting Techniques
While clever tips and tricks could get you a long way in avoiding mess for your project, there’s nothing more foolproof than proper painting techniques.
Start by loading your brush or roller with the right amount of paint—too much paint can lead to drips and splatters, while too little paint can result in uneven coverage.
Use smooth, steady strokes, working from top to bottom and from one side to the other, to avoid visible brush marks and roller lines.
Clean Up as You Go
Lastly, make it a habit to clean up as you go to prevent paint from drying where it shouldn’t and to minimize the overall mess.
Make sure to keep a damp cloth or sponge handy to wipe up any spills or drips immediately.
Additionally, rinse your brushes and rollers thoroughly between uses to prevent paint from drying on them.
Once you’ve finished painting for the day, properly seal and store any leftover paint to keep it fresh for touch-ups or future projects.
We are Total Pro Painters. As a successful, family-run business we’ve been providing commercial and residential painting services in the Boston area since 2010.
For painting inquiries, you can contact us at 774-509-0345 or send us an email at info@totalpropainters.com.
Related: Tips For Preparing To Paint Your Gaming Room in Boston, MA
