Having the right aesthetics of your home is a dream for everyone. Whether you are shifting to a new place or just want to get your existing home renovated, choosing the right colors and type of paint and, most importantly, the right painter is crucially important for residential painting.  Elevate your home’s elegance with our expert custom crown molding and trim installation and painting.

You might have noticed a few homes where the colors are good, but the paint job isn’t that neat. Of course, if you are spending your money, the expectation would be to have a picture-perfect home. We recently completed a project of painting 16 rooms, including bathrooms and closets, and believe us when we say, “70% of people miss out on important details when going for residential painting”. What are they, and how can you take care of them? We’ll go through everything in this detailed guide. 

The Ultimate Guide to Residential Painting

Residential painting transforms houses into homes, adding vibrant strokes of personality and warmth. It’s not just about colors on walls; it’s the art of creating a living canvas that reflects the essence of a family and turns a house into a haven. 

Planning Your Painting Project

Before you actually begin painting, it is important to plan out everything to avoid any mess or hassle in the future. 

Preparing Your Interiors

Once your plan is ready, you or the painting team you hired should prepare the interiors. It is important to focus on the very last detail to make sure everything is neat and accurate. 

Setting Your Budget

Setting a budget is a crucial first step in planning your painting project. On average, painting one room can cost between $200 to $500, depending on factors like room size, paint quality, and whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring professionals. According to the best painters in the Bay Area, you should estimate the amount of paint needed, consider the type of paint, calculate preparation costs, factor in the cost of tools, budget for additional materials, plan for cleanup costs, and think about labor costs if hiring professionals.

Helpful Tip: Emergencies are inevitable! Always set aside a certain amount to deal with unexpected problems.

Color Selection and Mood Considerations

When selecting colors for a room, you should choose something that matches your personality or what you intend to do with the room. For example, a bedroom can be painted in dark colors, but a TV lounge will only be painted in light colors. As for colors, blue is associated with calm and relaxation, and this makes it a good choice for bedrooms and living rooms. 

Green is associated with nature and can create a sense of balance and harmony, and we recommend it for kids’ rooms. For a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, opt for bold colors like red or yellow in areas like kitchens or dining rooms. 

Creating a timeline

Experts suggest that once you plan down and write something, there is a 90% chance that something will go exactly that way. It is important to create a timeline because no one wants a mess at their house for long. 

What’s an appropriate timeline? Preparing your room for paint would take at least one day. Painting your room can take somewhere between 1 and 2 days, depending upon the size of your room, type of paint, and number of coats you opt for.

Hiring Professionals vs. DIY

One interesting question many people ponder is whether they should go for a professional or DIY. Let’s understand that with a table first. 

Aspect	DIY	Professionals
Expertise	Limited knowledge and experience	Extensive training and expertise
Quality of Work	Variable; depends on individual skills	Consistently high-quality craftsmanship
Time Commitment	Time-consuming, especially for beginners	Efficient and timely completion
Equipment & Tools	Limited access to professional-grade tools	Equipped with high-quality tools and materials
Cost	Potentially lower upfront costs	Professional fees are higher but cost-effective in the long run due to quality and efficiency.
Risk of Mistakes	Higher risk of errors and touch-ups	Minimized risk, with attention to detail and precision
Convenience	Requires personal time and effort	Offers convenience and allows homeowners to focus on other priorities
Warranty/Guarantee	No formal guarantee of work	Provides a warranty or guarantee for the work performed
Customization	Limited customization options	Offers expert advice for tailored solutions based on preferences
Safety	DIYers often overlook safety measures	Adheres to industry safety standards and protocols
Project Scale	Suitable for small to medium-scale projects	Capable of handling projects of any size and complexity

 

Based on this table, the only key benefit of doing the painting yourself is that you would save on some costs. That being said, is that cost really worth your time, effort, and skillset? It is important to understand that a professional’s job is going to be far better than someone who pursues painting as a hobby. We, Custom Painting, Inc., are recommended as one of the best painters in the Bay Area, known for professional and high-quality painting services. 

However, if you have the time, skills, and resources to do the painting yourself, it can be a cost-effective option.

 

Clearing and Cleaning Space

Clearing and cleaning the space would help the painter paint easily and avoid any damage to furniture or floors. In addition to that, it allows for a smooth and even application of the paint. 

Dust, dirt, and debris on the walls can interfere with the paint’s adhesion and cause an uneven finish. Additionally, cleaning the walls and surfaces helps to remove any grease, grime, or stains that affect the paint’s appearance. 

Choosing the Right Paint

When it comes to residential painting, there are several types of paint that are commonly used. For residential painting, our residential painters in the Bay Area recommend latex or water-based paints. 

These paints are known for their ease of application, quick drying time, and low odor. On top of that, they also provide a durable and washable finish. But, for an alternative choice, you can also consider oil-based paints as they offer a durable finish, but they have a longer drying time and a stronger odor.

Helpful Tip: Primer is not a type of paint, but it is an important first coat that helps the paint adhere to the surface and provides a uniform base for the topcoat. Be sure to use it for interior painting in the Bay Area. 

Using the Right Tools and Materials

To achieve a professional-looking paint job, it’s important to use the right tools and materials. Essential tools include paintbrushes, rollers, painter’s tape, and trays. High-quality brushes and rollers contribute to a smoother application. 

Painter’s tape is used to mask off areas that you don’t want to be painted, such as trim, baseboards, and windows. Be sure to use a paint tray as it helps to hold the paint for the roller, and liners can be used to make cleanup easier. Additionally, having a sturdy ladder is highly recommended for reaching higher areas without any hassle.

Safety Precautions

Painting can involve exposure to fumes, chemicals, and other hazards, so it’s important to take some specific safety precautions. Whether you are a resident or a painter, it is harmful to inhale those fumes. To avoid this problem:

• Wear protective gear, such as a respirator mask, safety goggles, and gloves, to protect yourself from fumes and chemicals.
• Clean up any spills or drips immediately to prevent slips and falls. Also, properly dispose of any used paint cans, rags, and other materials according to local regulations.
• Make sure the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and using fans to help disperse fumes.

Steps in the Painting Process

Painting is always done in certain steps to make sure that a job is well done and lasts for a long time. 

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Surface preparation is the primary part of the painting process and involves tasks such as sanding, patching, and priming. Sanding helps smooth out any rough areas and creates a better surface for the paint to adhere to. Patching involves filling in holes, cracks, or imperfections in the wall to create a smooth and even surface. 

Lastly, as we mentioned earlier, priming is important as it helps the paint adhere better to the surface and can help prevent stains and discoloration from bleeding through the paint. 

Step 2: Taping and Protecting Fixtures and Trim

Taping and protecting fixtures and trim is important because no one wants to have paint dripped over their furniture. One quick fix is painter’s tape since it can be used to mask off areas such as trim, baseboards, and windows. Drop cloths or plastic sheeting are also a great idea, but they are mostly used to protect floors. 

Step 3: Cutting In

Cutting in means carefully painting the edges and corners of a wall or room using a brush before using a roller on the larger surfaces. This technique helps in precise application in areas where a roller is too large. It is important for achieving a neat and well-defined boundary between different colors. 

For example, when painting a room with contrasting colors on adjacent walls, cutting in ensures a clean transition without color bleeding.

Step 4: Rolling In

Now begins the real game! Rolling in involves applying the paint to the larger areas of the wall. A roller is typically used as it can cover a large area quickly and evenly. A brush can be used to cut in around edges, corners, and fixtures and to touch up any areas that the roller can’t reach. 

Step 5: Consistent Finish

This part of the job is most challenging (and critical). If you don’t get this right, all of your effort is wasted. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the paint and to apply the recommended number of coats (depending on the type of paint you choose). Take time to properly prepare the surface, apply the paint carefully, and allow it to dry fully. This will bring a consistent and long-lasting finish.

Dealing with Challenges

It is important to know that every painting project comes with its own set of challenges. The more you know about them, the better you’ll be able to deal with any problem that arises. 

Covering Dark or Bold Colors

Covering dark or bold colors is a big challenge since the contrast between the new paint and the old color creates an uneven and blotchy appearance. To solve this issue, it’s recommended to use a high-quality primer before applying the new paint so that the paint looks more uniform. 

Helpful Tip: You can also use a technique called “cutting in” to paint around the edges of the dark color. This helps in creating a more seamless transition between the two colors.

Addressing Imperfections in the Wall

Imperfections on the wall look pretty bad, and even minor imperfections are often visible on newly painted surfaces. To avoid this, remember to clean the surface thoroughly before painting. This involves washing the walls with a mild soap and water solution as well as using a damp cloth to remove any dust or debris.  Once filled and dried, sand the patched areas to create a smooth surface. 

Helpful Tip: For larger imperfections, our painters in the Bay Area recommend using a wall repair kit. 

Handling Textured Walls and Ceilings

Textured walls and ceilings are a problem that only a professional can handle well. It happens because the textured surface does not appear uniform. To address this, use a thicker-nap roller, typically 3/4 inch or more, to ensure the paint reaches into the textured crevices. Work in smaller sections and always apply the paint in a consistent direction. 

Remember — Do not overload the roller; otherwise, there are going to be drips on the textured surface!

But the best part? You don’t have to deal with any of these challenges. At Custom Painting, Inc., we take pride in everything we do, and every project is a new milestone for us. Our expert residential painters in the Bay Area will make sure your property is painted the right way without any problems. 

Ready to Transform Your Home?

If you are also thinking of getting your home a makeover, Custom Painting, Inc. should be your to-go choice. With years of expertise, a satisfied customer base, and a specialist team of painters, our work speaks for itself!

If you are interested, you can request a free consultation from us by calling 925-294-8062 or simply filling out our contact form and we will get back to you ourselves. Serving the Bay area including the cities of Tracy, Union City, Vallejo and Walnut Creek.