Ready to bring a new hue to your nest?
Painting might seem daunting, but with the right tools, knowledge, and planning, anyone can paint like a pro! We’ve compiled a list of our go-to supplies, tips and tricks to make the process smoother, and a sheen guide.
painting supplies
What you need to get started:
- Paint tray + liner
- Roller with extendable handle
- Roller cover (the more texture your walls have, the higher nap you should use)
- Painters tape
- Drop cloth
- 2” Angled Paint Brush (this Wooster brush is our fave!)
- Quality Paint with no VOCs, no odor, no drips. (We LOVE Clare paint!)
- Microfiber cloths, dampened (great for catching drips)
tips & tricks to paint like a pro
- Choose a palette of 3-4 colors max for your paint and furniture.
- The average 350 sq. ft. living room requires five gallons of paint: 1 gallon ceiling paint + 3 gallons wall paint + 1 gallon trim paint.
- Paint at least a 12” x 12” test area of your color. Check it at different times of day, as the light will change the appearance of the paint.
- A paint’s LRV (Light Reflectance Value) tells how much light the color will reflect—the lower the value, the less light will be reflected into the room—the higher the value, the more light that will be reflected.
- Properly prep: clean your walls, knock off and sand any bumps, prime if needed, tape off carefully, and set out drop cloths.
- Remove light switch and outlet covers before painting.
- Paint walls from top to bottom, catching any drips as you go.
- If painting an entire room, start with the ceiling, then trim, then the walls.
- To store brushes and rollers overnight, wrap them tightly in cling wrap or a ziplock bag.
Which Sheen Do I Need?
Paint sheen is a measure of the reflected light from various types of paint. Paint that has a higher sheen contains more enamel, making it harder to clean, and least durable. Sheen can also have a big impact on the finished look of your walls and how the look holds up over time. Understanding the different sheens can save you a lot of hassle and help you create the beautiful space you’re dreaming of.
Feeling ready to tackle that painting job you’ve been putting off? The power of paint is incredible, and we’re here to cheer you on! You got this!