Buying the right paintbrushes for the job
But when you brag to friends that you got your paintbrush at a bargain price, don't be surprised if the colour on your walls isn't as even as you'd like it to be.
Buying a quality brush and suitable roller helps to achieve an impressive finish on any painting job. This is why decorators have no qualms about, ahem, splashing out on the best brushes.
In order to judge a good paint brush push your index finger down into the middle of it and try and touch the timber frame. If you feel wood without having to exert pressure, then the brush quality is poor.
"Decorators can spend anything from €20 to €30 on a top quality brush. A good brush should be very full," says decorator Barry Healy.
Although paint brushes of different sizes can be found in garages or storage rooms of most homes, the most commonly used brush by DIY enthusiasts is the three or four inch brush.
According to the experts, a room can be completed with the aid of one or two rollers and one quality four inch brush. The latter is used to cut into the ceiling and wall corners.
Two of the best selling four inch brushes at Pat McDonnell Paints are the Dosco Professional brush (€15.86) and the Supreme brush (€13.74).
"When using an emulsion paint, wash the brush under lukewarm water for five to ten minutes after use," says salesman James Heffernan. "With an oil-based paint, clean it out in white spirits."
Water-based paints are used most of the time on ceilings and walls, while an oil-based gloss is generally the preferred option for woodwork.
Before painting your room place all the furniture in the centre, and cover the floor with a dust sheet. Pat McDonnell Sales stock a twill drop sheet for €23.
"I wouldn't use a plastic cover on the ground because it's easy enough to walk paint onto a carpet after walking over a plastic sheet," says Mr Healy.
Rollers are not expensive, costing on average, €4 to €6 for the frame, and €3 to €5 for the sleeve. Choosing the right roller for your wall surface is important.
For example, smooth walls require rollers with a minimal amount of fleece, while you should use a roller with an extra layer of fleece for uneven surfaces.
Water-based paint washes off rollers with lukewarm soapy water, but it's advisable to buy a few roller sleeves if you are using a number of colours.
A good tip to reduce clean-up time after painting for a day is to wrap the brush and roller tightly in plastic bags. Make sure no air gets in by using an elastic band. The brush or roller will stay exactly as you leave it overnight.
"The brush stays soft, it's a good idea if you're only going to do it once or twice. I wouldn't do it often as the brushes start to go floppy," says Mr Healy.
To paint under the radiators the decorator uses rad rollers, which are thin small rollers on a wire handle. A small two inch brush will be required for any woodwork in the room.
"Sand the woodwork down, undercoat it, remove any grease stains and finish it in an oil based sandalwood or gloss."
Generally decorators advise to stick with reputable paint brands. Prices vary slightly between companies, but you can expect to buy a half gallon of emulsion paint (2.5 litres) for approximately €20.
"We don't stock any cheap paint brands. All our brands produce a top quality finish, which cheaper paint may not do," says Mr Heffernan.
In order to cut down on the cost of paint, consider mixing sample pots of colours with white paint. White paint is always sold cheaper than other paints.
Painting the ceilings with a roller is a bit of a stretch, even with a long roller extension arm. A simple two step ladder will set you back approximately €25.
Painting walls is relatively easy and family and friends may volunteer to help out, but you just might find you're by yourself when sanding the skirting boards or reaching up to paint the ceiling.
These are the type of jobs that may look like they will never end, but don't lose heart midway through. If worse comes to worse, you can always call the experts.
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