Paint By Yourself: 7 Things You Didn’t Know

Paint by yourself! It seems like an overwhelming task, especially if you’ve never done it before. However, painting a wall or other large surface doesn’t have to be a big deal if you approach it the right way. This article will give you 7 tips on how to paint by yourself, whether it’s your first time or you’re an old pro at doing it solo.

1) Patios and decks

If you have a deck or patio, paint by yourself! You can add some color without committing to a big project. All you need is your favorite colors of latex paint, a roller, and brushes. Roll on one coat of paint, let it dry completely (at least overnight), then roll on another coat. Be sure to use plenty of paint so that it fully covers all areas, but don’t skimp so much that there’s an obvious second layer of paint. Before applying your final coat of paint, spackle any holes or cracks in your deck first with the drywall compound.

2) Countertops

Countertops are one of those things that can add a lot to your decor or destroy it. The wood grain trend has become popular in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why: they look great. Painting your own countertops is time-consuming, but you can easily match existing decor or give your kitchen a whole new feel. It’s also relatively inexpensive; if you do a little shopping around, you can find acrylic paints and primers for under $100. Materials like brushes, paper towels, and drop cloths aren’t expensive either; all told, a weekend project shouldn’t cost more than $200—not bad for an entire room! So, Paint by Yourself!

3) Fireplaces

Fireplaces? Paint by yourself and it is an easy way to completely revamp your living room. Remember that dark-colored paints may not be ideal for all applications, so consider choosing a lighter color (such as cream or off-white) if you have a gas fireplace, since black and other darker colors may result in a carbon monoxide leak. When removing existing paint, be sure to protect yourself with gloves and masks to prevent inhalation of any toxic fumes that might exist on your surface. Before starting, you’ll also want to make sure you have all of your necessary supplies (primer and paint) on hand; these are easily purchased at most hardware stores.

4) Doors

Painting your front door a new color can make a huge difference in how your home looks and feels. It’s not only important to choose a color that complements its surroundings, but also one that you like. After all, it will be staring at you when you leave for work every morning and every time you come home again. Before painting, make sure to remove any doorknobs, weather stripping, or other hardware with mineral spirits. Give your door two coats of paint and allow each coat to dry completely before applying another. Afterward, replace any hardware, restore moisture levels by wiping down with a damp cloth and enjoy your gorgeous new front door!

5) Walls

Painting your walls is a great way to refresh a space without spending thousands of dollars. Whether you’re planning on selling your home or just looking for an inexpensive way to brighten up a room, painting is a cost-effective alternative to an expensive remodel. And, yes, it’s possible to paint everything yourself (but let’s be real—painting ceilings and trims are probably best left for professionals).

6) Shelves

Have you ever painted a shelf? They can be pretty tricky, but there are ways to do it yourself. Painting a cabinet is even trickier (you have to be careful not to get any paint on your tile or countertop). However, if you don’t mind a few little mistakes, painting your own cabinets is a good way to save some cash. If you want more of an artsy look than just white-wash, try using acrylic paint on your walls instead of roller-brush paint. It dries much faster and doesn’t need to be wiped off at all; making it easier to clean up! And if you decide you don’t like how it looks after it’s dry, just wipe it off with water—no sanding required!

7) Furniture

Painting your own furniture can be a quick and easy way to give your home an instant facelift. Maybe you want a new look but don’t have money for furniture or don’t want to go through the hassle of buying new pieces. Either way, decorating with paint is more cost-effective than you might think. Just remember that paint isn’t intended for wood surfaces—so if you plan on applying it to wooden furniture, make sure it’s lacquer-based; otherwise, it will peel off over time.

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