Basic Room Painting 101

I was so inspired by Philippe Model's Paris Apt in Vogue Living (see yesterday's post) that I jumped up and had a little fun in my bathroom. Check it out...

[caption id="attachment_4641" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I love white bathrooms, have always had them... but Philippe Model's spontaneous approach to his serious walls got me thinking... why not do something unexpected?"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4642" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="People moan when they think about painting a room, but with a few tools and organization it's really no big deal. It takes effort yes, but it doesn't have to be a sloppy mess- even if it is a spontaneous project! Start by removing all the siwtch and outlet plates..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4643" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Take everything down and out, but keep it organized (I put all of the picture hangers and switch plates in one handy pile on the cart) and out of the way so you don't trip over it and get frustrated while you're painting. There's no need for cussing in painting, people!"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4644" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I mean it, take everything down! I'll put all my art back in the same place so need to fill any holes (I'll admit that is kind of a relief!)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4645" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I tape off everything that can't be removed. This yellow tape (Frog Delicate Surface tape) is my latest fav. It resists paint on it's edges (keeps the bleeding to a minimum on smooth walls) and has enough flexibility to get in tight corners."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4646" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Time to cut in! I always use a paint can visor to keep the edges of the paint can clean. Angle brushes are great for cutting in. Dip the bristles just an inch or so in the can and wipe one side. More paint doesn't mean better coverage- trust me on this..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4650" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I use tools and drop cloths to fit the job. I keep this large dishrag handy for small areas..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4651" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="And little rollers for the nooks and crannies..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4649" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Between layers I rinse my brush (I use a new dry one each time)..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4653" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="And put a damp rag over my paint can to keep the paint fresh..."][/caption]

You're in the zone now. Just take your time through each layer allowing at least an hour or so between coats (depending on how hot, cold, humid etc.). When the paint shows no shiny wet spots, you can jump back in. Work on small tasks in between like say, laundry, dishes, blogging... that way by the end of the day you'll have a beautiful new room AND a tidy house- win win. Now, back to the paint...

[caption id="attachment_4663" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="I took my time through three rounds of cutting and rolling for a rich dark color change. I could've used a tinted primer and/or a better brand paint- but like I said, this was a spontaneous decision so I lived with the extra work."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4666" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="When you take your time preparing your room and moving through each step with care, you get the sheer pleasure of pulling the tape (always pull at a 45 degree angle back towards the tape, and keep your hands close too the wall to minimize tugging on the unpainted wall)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4667" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Here's a great tip: for the those little bits of paint slip under that tape (dagnabit!), pull a damp rag tightly over the blade of a putty knife..."][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4668" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Carefully get in those corners and rub the paint away without touching the wet stuff... et voila! beautiful paint lines restored."][/caption]

Okay, that's just the basic stuff. Tune in tomorrow to see the fun part...