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DIY Painting Tips

Estimating

You can reduce the amount of paint you buy by accurately estimating the amount of paint you will need, avoiding wastage.
Calculate the surface area by measuring the length multiplying it by the height or width.
Eg. A ceiling 10 meters X 4 meters = 40m2
Subtract 1-2 square meters for each window or door.
Multiply this by the number of coats needed. Allow for any primer coats, or undercoats needed.
Eg. 40m2 X 3 coats = 120m2
Divide this by the coverage rate for the paint. Eg. 12m2/L
120m2 / 12 = 10 litres
This is the total number of litres needed for this surface.
Allow 1.5 litres for three coats on a standard door
Tip: Always buy a sample pot to make sure you are happy with the colour before purchasing the amount you need. Check the sample colour in various lighting conditions on the surface you want to paint

Choosing Colours

  • Light colours reflect light, and make a room appear bigger
  • Blues and Greens are cool colours, and are ideal for a relaxing, calming atmosphere
  • Reds and oranges are stimulating, and ideal for dining rooms or anywhere food is eaten
  • Whites (of which there are hundreds!) are popular at the moment because minimalism is in fashion. They accentuate everything else in the room, which may include art or pieces of furniture.
  • Don't use pure white unless you are painting a medical clinic or a laboratory. Choose an off-white and the subtle tones will help you achieve what you want without being extreme.
  • Darker colours or feature walls can be dramatic, and can make a room feel cosy and warm. Use them sparingly
  • Consider the furniture or artwork you already have in the room. Choose complimentary or contrasting shades to highlight their colours. Its easier to pick a colour that matches your furniture than to buy new furniture to match your walls!
  • Trims such as doors, windows and architraves should not be features, so try to pick a colour for them that you can carry through the building and tie all the rooms together with a common theme. If you don't, you risk making your interior look too busy,and it will cost you a lot more in extra labor and materials.
  • If you have a large room or high ceilings, don't be afraid to be bold and use colour creatively. Conversely, if the interior is small be careful about how many colours you use. Three is enough for any room, and yes, ceiling white is a colour!