Painting tips: Achieving a flawless RED wall in 6 easy steps

A friend called with frustration, "I got that sudden urge to paint a wall red! I have put on seven coats and I still see white coming through," she continued, " what do I do?"

This is a typical expensive experience many of friends go through after seeing my red wall.

Here are some tips when you get that "sudden urge" to paint Red, on a white wall. But it applies to any time the new paint has a high contrast (or saturation) to your existing paint. For example white to a saturated blue or dark blue to light cream.
Also it is important to find a paint retailer with knowledgeable staff who can set you up with appropriate tools and help with amount of paint and primer required.

1. To find the best shade of color refer to my previous post,  Painting tips: 7 designer tips for choosing the perfect paint color

2. Buy tinted primer. This is where you save big on time and money. Going to a contrast color, you must prime before you paint. Priming also covers dirty walls and spots.  Also if you are painting flat, satin or eggshell over a glossy paint, you need to prime.
The store attendant should be able to help you with the amount of paint and the primer. If you are painting with a contrasting paint color, you should have the primer tinted. All good brands will have a primer tint guide. The attendant should be able to look that up (no guesses here)
Unlike popular belief, you don't use pink primer under red, but a shade of gray.

3. Make sure that you have separate paint rollers and brushes to cut in for primer and paint
You should never use the same brush and roller for priming and painting. Label your brushes with a magic marker, paint and primer. Choose the right roller for the paint.
If you have hairline cracks or small holes or chips on the wall you should repair them before priming.

4. Tape your trims or wall corner that will not receive the new paint. Run your finger along the edge to seal. Paint will seep under the tape if not sealed well and will create

5. Use one roller to roll the primer on. Roll up, down and diagonal. Note that primer just needs to cover the surface, but will not be completely opaque. Wait till completely dry.

6. Repeat the process of cutting and rolling with your paint. Two coats should be sufficient, but wait in between coats till completely dry.

If you cannot finish the job in one day, you may cover your paint tray and wrap your brushes and roller with saran wrap and store in a cool place until you have time to continue.
To save leftover paint, label the lid with a dab of color and a sharpy : for example “living room walls” and store in a dry and cool space.

Well-done! Sit back and enjoy your work.