Hello Painters!
Whether you’re giving your home a fresh new look or transforming old furniture, getting the right technique and approach makes all the difference. At Harlequin Paints, we know how important it is to achieve a flawless finish, whether you're painting walls or furniture. Today, we’re sharing our top tips and tricks to help you achieve professional results every time. Let’s dive in!
Top Tips for Painting Interior & Exterior Walls
1. Prep is Key Before you dip that brush into paint, make sure your surface is clean and smooth. Remove any dust, dirt, or peeling paint by lightly sanding or scrubbing the surface. For exterior walls, ensure the surface is dry and free of mould or mildew before starting. Power washing works best, make sure the surface is fully dry before painting.
2. For previously painted walls, use a Primer Harlequins Multi surface primer creates an even surface for your paint to adhere to. For raw interior walls, Harlequins Waterbased Plaster primer works well. Exterior walls, however, if previously painted walls and the substate is clean and dry a primer may not be necessary.
3. Don’t Paint in Extreme Temperatures. Tips for painting exterior walls, avoid painting in direct sunlight or when temperatures are too hot or cold, as this affects how the paint dries. For interiors, try to keep the room temperature moderate to prevent uneven drying.
4. Do Choose the Right Tools. A high-quality brush and roller will make a huge difference in your finish. Rollers are great for covering large areas quickly, while brushes are best for edges and trim. Make sure to use the right roller texture for your wall type—smooth rollers for flat surfaces and thicker rollers for textured ones.
5. Don’t Forget to Protect Surrounding Areas. Always cover floors, furniture, and any adjacent areas with drop cloths or masking tape to avoid unwanted splatters.
How to Paint Furniture Like a Pro
Old Furniture (Existing Paint or Varnish)
1. Do: Sand Before You Paint. For older pieces with existing paint or varnish, lightly sand the surface to help the new coat of paint stick. You don’t need to remove the old finish completely—just roughen it enough to allow the new paint to bond properly.
2. Don’t: don’t Skip a Good Cleaning. Dirt and grease buildup can prevent paint from adhering well. Wipe the furniture down with a damp cloth and a mild detergent, then allow it to dry completely before moving on to priming or painting. Do not use a solvent like thinners to prep your surface any, it leaves an oily residue behind it.
3. Do Apply Harlequins Multi surface primer for furniture that already has been painted or sealed, the chances are you don’t know what type of paint was used. This primer will give your new paint the best chance of lasting without chipping or peeling.
New Furniture (Raw Wood)
1. Do: Sand the Surface Smooth. New raw wood may have imperfections or rough patches. Sand the surface until it's smooth to the touch. This ensures an even, professional finish when painted. Do not fill any imperfections yet, apply one coat of Harlequins waterbased wood primer first, allow to dry, fill using a suitable filler allow to dry. Sand smooth then spot prime over the filled areas. This will ensure the filler will not pop out if the surface is knocked or banged.
Don’t Forget to Seal After painting, use Harlequins ‘Easy Seal’ Furniture sealer to protect the finish. This is especially important for furniture that will see heavy use, such as tables or chairs. Sealers add durability and prevent your paint from wearing or chipping over time.
Common Questions & Solutions
Q: How many coats of paint should I use for the best results?
A: For both interior walls and furniture, two coats of paint are typically recommended for full coverage. However, for darker colours or bold shades, you might need three coats to achieve the desired opacity.
Q: Should I sand between coats of paint for smoother finish?
A: Yes! Sanding between coats is especially important when painting furniture. Lightly sanding will create a smoother finish and help the paint adhere better. For walls, it's not always necessary but it can enhance the final look.
Q: Can I paint over old peeling paint?
A: No. Always scrape off any peeling or flaking paint before applying a new coat. If you paint over peeling paint, the new layer will also start to peel off in no time.
Hope this helps you with your next painting project
Final Thoughts
Whether you're refreshing your living room walls or revamping an old dresser, these tips will help you get professional results every time. Preparation and the right tools are key to a smooth, durable finish. Happy painting!
If you need help choosing the best products for your project, our team at Harlequin Paints is here to help.
Contact us anytime for expert advice. www.harlequinpaint.com
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