I was just at the home store yesterday ordering paint samples: these cute little cans that are only about $2.50 each.  I want to surprise my husband when he comes back from his travels with an accent wall in the living room and a new futon cover.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned, you can’t paint by paper chip alone.

But there is much more to painting than choosing a color, and I realized that if I’m going to tackle this project alone (even if it is just one wall), I’d better so some research, to enhance my limited experience.

1. Prepare for Battle – As my contractor friend Rick reminded us, preparation is key, especially when it comes to projects like painting.  This includes testing the color, which is why I’ve got those adorable little samples in four shades of gold/yellow before I decide on a final choice.  Then, basically I’ll have to make sure the wall is clean.  Luckily, there is no patching, spackling  or damage I’ll have to contend with before I start. Normally I would also have to decide on a primer, but I think I’ll cheat and choose that new Behr product with the primer already in it.
2. Flawless Finish – Unfortunately, the store I went to only carries the samples in a matte or flat finish.  If I’d bought a quart size of any of the colors, I could choose my finish for that.  Still, for a living room wall, I’ll go with an eggshell, or satin finish because that will still be easy to clean, but not too shiny for the small space.  In addition, I’ve heard that the glossier finishes show flaws more.  One of these days, when I get into my dream house, I’ll attempt one of the faux finishes I’ve seen on TV–ragging, sponging, or color washing.
3. Tools of the Trade – Even in my limited experience, I’ve learned that I’m not that good with a brush.  I don’t have a light enough touch or the knack for getting the right amount on the brush to hide brush strokes.  I”ll do the edges with a brush or a pad, but the rest is roller all the way.  I’ll probably get one with an extended handle too, just to save myself a trip up the ladder (I forgot I was on a step stool when painting in another apartment we lived in.  I was really tired, and stepped back to admire my work–only I was on the second step of the stool.  Yeah.  My tailbone took one for the team.)

I think I’m ready–at least to paint some sample patches.  Once I’ve chosen a color, I’ll grab my supplies, crank up some tunes and knock it out.  If I get into trouble, I can always call that nice lady in the paint department at the home store.

Last 5 posts by KellyThacher

• O Tannenbaum . . . - December 23rd, 2009
• Lighting a Candle - December 22nd, 2009
• All For Show - December 21st, 2009
• Faking it with Flowers - December 20th, 2009
• Color Clinic - December 19th, 2009

Author: Kelly Thacher

Kelly has been a writer since she was in grade school where she received early recognition for her Young Author's project. Magazines like Home Entertainment, Luxury Consumer Electronics, Vertical Living, Luxury Home and the Robb Report were happy to have Kelly's editing talents on various projects. A series of career twists and turns has offered her invaluable experience in journalism, magazine and book publishing, and fiction writing.

Kelly Thacher has written 30 articles for us.