Interior emulsion paint is a product in demand for walls and ceilings of residential and commercial spaces due to its long life, ease of application, versatility and range of colours. Despite that, achieving a professional finish needs use of the right application methods. Regardless if you’re applying paint with a brush, roller, or spray, knowing how to handle each tool and then carrying out the interior emulsion painting can significantly impact the final shine, lustre and finish of the surfaces. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand the techniques.
Preparation Is Key
Surface cleaning
Make sure that the surface is clean, dry, and free from dust, dirt, grease and any flaking paint. Use a mild detergent and water to clean the walls if required and let the wall dry completely.
Filling and smoothing
Fill any cracks, holes or dents with a suitable filler or patching compound like putty. Then sand the surface to make it smooth and level. A smooth surface allows the paint to spread easily and uniformly.
Priming
A primer is necessary for the surface, especially if it’s porous or has been previously painted with a different type of paint or in case of an unpainted drywall. A primer ensures a uniform base and enhances adhesion of emulsion while improving the durability of the paint job.
Application Techniques
Brushing
Brushwork is a necessary technique for cutting in, painting edges, and coating smaller surfaces. It offers precision, so that you have access to corners, edges, and spaces difficult to reach otherwise. Conventionally, emulsion paints require high quality brushes with synthetic bristles designed for water-based paints. For detailed work and corners opt for a brush size appropriate for the surface you’re working on.
Steps:
- Load the brush with an ample amount of emulsion paint.
- Begin at a corner and progress by painting in a W or V shape, overlapping strokes to bring about uniform coverage.
- Be careful not to overload the brush, which causes drips and runs.
Rolling
Making use of a paint roller is one of the most effective techniques for application of emulsion on large, flat spaces such as ceilings and walls. It guarantees proper and uniform spreading and an elegant finish. For large walls or ceilings, a roller with a nap length suitable for the surface texture is required. A shorter nap is usually ideal for smooth surfaces and a longer nap can be brought into play in case of textured surfaces.
Steps:
- Load the roller with paint with the help of a roller tray.
- Apply the Paint in a ‘W’ or ‘M’ Pattern, overlapping strokes for a total coverage. This helps in distributing the paint evenly without overloading in any area.
- After the first coat has completely dried up, apply a second coat.
Spray painting
Spray painting is the quickest method to coat large areas, and it provides a smooth, uniform finish without much effort. That said, it calls for practice as well as caution to avoid overspray and irregular and rough coverage. Conventionally, a high-volume, low-pressure (HVLP) sprayer is operated for interior painting projects. This sprayer reduces overspray and helps to control of the paint flow much better.
Steps:
- Use proper equipment like a high-quality spray gun and make sure that there is good ventilation.
- Keep a steady distance from the wall or ceiling and move the gun in a smooth, even motion.
- It’s better to apply several thin coats rather than a single thick coat.
- You can try one of the two products mentioned below for an excellent outcome.
HomeSure Mastertouch Vivid Interior Emulsion is a water-based acrylic paint that offers a smooth matt finish with high opacity, good coverage, washability, stability and sturdiness. Walplast has another high-quality product, known as HomeSure MasterTouch Bloom Premium Interior Emulsion, with a 3-year System Warranty and Stay Guard Technology (SGT), which together with added peace of mind delivers greater washability, scrub resistance, and an elegant mid-sheen finish, ideal for interior surfaces.
