what do i need to do/know before i paint my living room for the first time?

Answer 1

Since i am not sure what type of paint you are using here's a site giving tips for all types of paints and just some basic tips good luck , make sure you cover or move the furniture

http://painting.about.com/od/paintingforbeginners/Painting_for_Beginners_and_Essential_Painting_KnowHow.htm

Answer 2

All I can add to the already detailed/thorough answers is find out what paint was on the walls (they have testers at paint stores) if it is latex or oil.
This is important because you want to put latex on latex or oil on latex but NEVER latex on oil... it'll peel too easy later and maybe bubble.
If the test is unclear... (This happened to us the paint on the walls was so old we couldn't tell for certain)
Use a tinted primer (close to your chosen new colour) that is formulated to cover every type of surface... maybe a stain killer primer too.
I'd recommend using latex to paint your new colour... less fumes (low VOC's) easy clean up (soap and water).
When using the roller paint in a diagonal fashion (more like a "W") not straight up and down... overlap the edges of your applied wet paint to achieve a smoother application.
If you need to take a break and will continue painting later in a few hours... wrap the wet roller in a plastic (no air) that way you won't waste time or paint by cleaning. Also when you are completely done your painting project scrape roller or brush of excess paint back into the pail... I've even used an old spatula or my fingers... only if it's latex... I've never had problems with that.
That's my contribution.
Happy painting.

Answer 3

Make the first the special, romance the room. Maybe light a candle :)

Aside from that, make sure you are picking a color you like and can live with, as well one that wouldn't hinder resale if that is an option in the future.

Lots of different application possibilities. I like the pads as they are easy to use and quick.

The most important part is masking off everything you don't want painted. This and laying out drop cloths are the most time consuming part of the project.

Also, get a decent paint. Make sure you stir it well once home, too. And depending what you are painting over, consider a primer (never a bad idea).

Keep it special, love what you are doing and remember first times only come once :)

Answer 4

If you paint over white walls and want to go with any light to medium color, pick a Latex paint. Clean up rollers and brushes with liquid soap and water. If your planning a dark color like red
or dark blue, buy tinted primer and paint. Put primer on 1st (its cheaper than paint) and that means you will only need 1 or 2 coats of paint (depends on the quality of the paint you buy). Tape off the woodwork and doors. Use a 2 inch brush ( to cut-in) and paint a 2 inch border around the ceiling, doors and baseboards. Feather the line so when you roll the paint will blend evenly.
1st time painter...probably need to do areas of about 3' X 4'. If the cut-in part drys before you roll the rest of the wall you'll end up with a permanent ring around the top and bottom.. Good Luck,,, :o)

Answer 5

make sure you have a throw cloth on the ground and over any furniture ( I would recommend moving all furniture to the middle of the room). Also if you have wallpaper, you may want to remove that first. When you go to your hardware store to pick up your paint, ask them about some painting techniques. Your going to want to paint a primer first, then 1 or 2 coats of your paint. Places like Home Depot have tons of great help with painting. Good luck ;)

Answer 6

If you're painting your room for the first time, pick a really good color. First of all you need to sand your walls, so there are no bumps and fill in all the holes and cracks(toothpaste works well). Second of all, you need to cover the ares where you're not going to paint(floors, wood etc.) and you need to cover the trim, probably with masking tape. Third of all if you're going for a dark color and your walls are white, you need to put on primer(especially red). After the primer has dried you need to put on a first coat of paint. After that's dry, you need to put on a second coat of paint. The you're done. Ta-Da!
(Or you can just get it done professionally)
*Tip:if you ask someone for help with painting supplies at your paint store, the'll show you complicated and expensive things which you'll never need - so go for the simplest: a roller, a painting tray and something to paint edges and corners with)

Answer 7

What is currently covering the surface of the walls, do they need repair and/or cleaning?
Once you have a nicely prepared surface, choose a paint color and figure out how much to buy - the back of the label will tell you how many square feet of wall it will cover.
Bring in your measurements when you buy the paint and use the clerk for advice - depending on what color you are painting over, you may need extra paint. Also ask the clerk for advice on types of brushes/rollers you need for the job you are trying to do.
You will also want painters tape for edging, paint trays, drop cloths, and stirrers.
Have fun!

Answer 8

Prepping the walls ahead of painting is EVERYTHING. That means, doing all repair work, de-glossing the previous paint, masking, etc. etc. etc. The quality of the finished product depends entirely on good prep work...... and don't use cheap paint. Valspar and Behrs are a couple of the best.

Answer 9

i would suggest picking a nice colour and putting a coat of primer on before you put your main colour on to bring out the colour you are painting the wall. also paint it something you will be happy with for the next 5,6 years. this way you will not have to paint your wall every year.

Answer 10

You can go to Lowe's at any time we will answer any question you have. Like you might want to put on a primer first. Like kilz 2. It is alot more somplw to use a roller not a brush. You only use a brush to go along your windows doors and baseboards. You can even take like a pillow with you to match a colour. So visit you Lowe's store we can help. Sorry I sound like a commercial but I love working at Lowe's