Painting is probably the most common home project for most of us. It’s fun to pick out a new color, and it can completely transform a room. However, when you’re painting a small space like a bathroom there are a few do’s and don’ts you should know about.
Do’s
- Be Picky About Color
Your bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in your house. A little color can go a long way in a smaller room so don’t choose a color carelessly. Buy a small container of paint and do a few test areas before you commit.
- Buy the Right Tools
You may think you’re saving money by skimping on the supplies, but you will save money in the long run if you buy a better quality brush or roller. The same rule goes for the paint itself. You don’t want to buy cheap paint only to regret it later.
- Tape the Right Way
Everyone knows you should tape before you paint to make sure you don’t get paint anywhere it isn’t supposed to be, but what most people don’t know is how to keep the paint from bleeding through the tape. The secret is a putty knife. Once you place the tape where you want it, seal it and secure it by running a putty knife over it. This keeps your tape secure and doesn’t allow paint to bleed through.
- Cover Your Goods
If you aren’t a fan of paint splattering all over your bathroom, cover your floors with a drop cloth. Don’t forget to cover your shower and your countertops as well. If you’re painting around light fixtures, now is the time to remove the glass to keep it clean, and you can even give them a quick wash in the sink while you wait for the paint to dry.
Don'ts
- Tape Your Glass
If you are painting around a window or a mirror, don’t put painter’s tape on the edges to protect them. It can leave residue or get completely stuck, and that’s no good. Instead, use a paint scraper to remove any paint left on the glass and avoid the sticky tape mess for good.
- Use Your Roller Straight Away
When you buy a roller from the store, wash and rinse it before you use it. Rollers are covered in fuzz; it’s inevitable. If you don’t wash and rinse them before use, you will brush that fuzz all over the walls.
- Forget Your Hardware
Don’t forget to remove your knobs, handles, and light switch plates before you start painting. It isn’t wise to tape them off when you can just remove them completely. That way you are guaranteed a clean swipe of the brush with no hardware in the way.
