Spray Painting Bedroom Walls: A Creative And Affordable Makeover

Spray painting your bedroom walls is a great way to achieve a smooth, professional finish with uniform coverage. It can be faster than using a roller and brush, and you won't need to worry about brush marks. However, it's important to note that spray painting requires more preparation and practice to master the technique effectively. Additionally, it's easy to over-spray, so careful masking and covering of surrounding areas are crucial. Before you begin, make sure you have the right equipment and take the necessary safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and ensuring proper ventilation.

Preparing your walls for spray painting

Before you start spray painting your bedroom walls, there are a few important steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide to preparing your walls for spray painting:

• Wash the walls: Use a mixture of TSP and water, and a flat mop to wipe down the walls. Make sure you remove any cobwebs or grease splatters.
• Remove fixtures: Take off any electrical covers, hooks, or other fixtures that you don't want to be painted. It's best to remove them entirely rather than just taping over them.
• Patch holes: Use drywall putty to fill in any holes or dents in the walls. Let the putty dry completely, then sand it lightly in a circular motion.
• Remove caulk: If you're removing the baseboards or have damaged the drywall while removing fixtures, use a flat putty knife to remove any caulk lines or residue from the walls.
• Clean the walls: Wipe down the walls with a dry cloth to remove any dust. Vacuuming the walls can also help ensure that there is no remaining dust, which is crucial if you're using a paint sprayer, as the high pressure can blow dust around.
• Mask the area: Use masking tape and protective paper to cover any areas you don't want to get paint on, including doors, windows, trim, floors, and ceilings. Be generous with your masking to avoid paint dust and give yourself confidence, especially if you're new to using a paint sprayer.
• Turn off electricity: For safety, turn off the electricity to the room and remove cover plates from electrical fixtures, outlets, and switches.
• Fill holes and sand: Use spackling compound and a putty knife to fill in any remaining nail or screw holes. Once dry, sand any rough areas to ensure a smooth surface.

Choosing the right spray painting equipment

Choosing the right spray-painting equipment

There are two main types of paint sprayers that are typically used for painting interior walls: High Efficiency Airless Sprayers (HEA) and High Volume Low-Pressure handheld paint sprayers (HVLP). Both types of paint sprayers can be used effectively for interior walls, and the best option for you will depend on the scope of your project and the specific features you are looking for.

HEA sprayers, such as the Wagner Control Pro 130, are larger and more industrial in style. They can hold a full can of paint in the tank, eliminating the need for frequent refills. While HEA sprayers do not offer as many adjustments for paint flow or spray pattern customisation as HVLP sprayers, they deliver a thicker spray of paint and can cover a large area quickly. This makes them a good choice for painting multiple rooms or large spaces. However, they require more maintenance and need to be prepared for storage with oil after cleaning.

On the other hand, HVLP sprayers, like the Wagner FLEXiO series, are handheld devices that hold the paint in the gun. This makes them easier to handle and clean, but refills are more frequent due to their smaller capacity. HVLP sprayers offer a high degree of customisation, allowing you to adjust the air pressure, material flow, spray pattern, and spray width to achieve a fine or heavy finish. They are well-suited for a wide range of projects, including furniture, trim work, and detailed work. The FLEXiO sprayers also come with a detail finish nozzle for even greater precision.

When choosing a paint sprayer, consider the scope of your project, the level of customisation you require, and the amount of time you want to spend on refills and maintenance. Additionally, factors such as ease of cleaning, weight, and the need for a ladder may influence your decision.

Both HEA and HVLP sprayers can be excellent choices for painting interior walls, and the right equipment for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Preparing your room for spray painting

Clear the Room:

Start by removing as much furniture as possible from the room. If there are any large pieces of furniture that cannot be removed, move them to the centre of the room and cover them completely with a masking film or drop cloths. This will protect them from paint overspray.

Clean the Walls:

Use a soft broom or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the walls. For stubborn smudges or grease, use a damp sponge or a mixture of water and dish soap. Ensure the walls are thoroughly cleaned and dried before proceeding.

Protect the Floors and Fixtures:

Cover the floors with drop cloths or masking paper to catch any paint drips or overspray. If you have baseboards, tape along the trim to secure the covering. Cover all permanent fixtures, such as doors, windows, windowsills, fireplaces, countertops, and appliances, with plastic sheeting and secure them with masking tape.

Remove Faceplates and Outlet Covers:

Use a screwdriver to remove the faceplates of fixtures, outlets, and switches. Cover the outlets themselves with masking tape to protect them from paint.

Patch Holes and Dents:

Fill any holes, dents, or dings in the walls with a drywall compound using a putty knife. Smooth it down and let it dry for 24 hours. Once dry, sand the patched areas with a sanding pad until they are smooth and flush with the wall. Sweep and vacuum the surfaces to remove any remaining dust.

Tape Off the Room:

Use masking tape to tape off the ceiling, trim, windows, and any other areas you want to protect from paint. You can use pre-taped painter's plastic for this step, but ensure it adheres securely to the surfaces.

Choose the Right Paint and Equipment:

Select a high-quality paint that is suitable for spray painting. Read the instructions on your paint sprayer to ensure you are using the correct settings and spray tips for the type of paint and surface you are working with.

By following these steps, you will effectively prepare your bedroom for spray painting and achieve a professional-looking finish.

Spray painting techniques

Spray painting your bedroom walls is a great way to achieve a smooth, uniform finish with razor-sharp lines. Here are some essential spray painting techniques to help you get started:

Preparation:

Before you begin spray painting, it's crucial to prepare your walls and room thoroughly. Fill all cracks, holes, and uneven spots on your walls to ensure they are perfectly smooth. Any imperfections will stand out after spray painting. Cover the floor with drop sheets, taping them to the edges of the walls. Remove or cover light switches, skirting boards, and vent covers. Cover windows, doors, and any remaining switches and outlets with plastic sheeting or masking tape. Move furniture out of the room or cover and protect it completely.

Equipment:

You'll need to use a suitable spray painting device, such as an airless sprayer, which is easier to use and faster than sprayers requiring air. Other essential equipment includes a respirator or gas mask, eye protection like goggles, and long-sleeved clothes to protect yourself from paint mist.

Technique:

Hold the spray gun about 250-300mm from the wall and spray in smooth, even sweeps, moving your whole arm rather than just your wrist. Avoid spraying in a wide arc to prevent thicker paint in the middle and thinner sides. Start by spraying the outer edges of the wall, "banding" the area, and cutting in any corners. For inside corners, aim the spray tip into the corner to overlap both sides. After finishing the corners, stand in one area and move at a steady pace, spraying as far as you can reach at a 90-degree angle. Overlap your spray pattern vertically and horizontally by one-third to 50% to ensure an even coat. Spray around windows and doors first, then move on to the remaining flat areas using overlapping strokes.

Clean-up:

Allow sufficient time for the paint to dry before removing masking tape and coverings from furniture and other areas. Clean your spray gun after each use, following the instructions in the user's manual.

Clean-up and finishing

Once you've finished spray painting your bedroom walls, there are a few important steps to take to ensure a neat finish and proper clean-up. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Remove Masking Tape and Plastic Coverings:

• Start by carefully removing any masking tape and plastic coverings from windows, doors, trim, floors, and other surfaces. It's best to do this soon after painting to avoid paint pulling off with the tape.
• If you used pre-taped painter's plastic, gently pull it away from the surfaces, including the ceiling.

Clean Up Paint Drips and Spatters:

• It's easier to clean paint drips and spatters when they're still wet. Use a soft cloth with warm water and a mild detergent to wipe away any paint spills on walls, floors, or other surfaces.
• For solvent-thinned paints, use a soft cloth with turpentine or mineral spirits to remove dried paint droplets, followed by a warm water and detergent wash.
• For paint drips on hardwood, ceramic tile, or resilient flooring, wrap a cloth around a putty knife to gently scrape them up before washing the area with warm, soapy water. Avoid using solvents on the floor as they can damage the finish.
• If you have paint on glass surfaces, use a razor blade scraper to gently remove the paint without breaking the seal between the paint and the glass.

Clean Your Painting Equipment:

• Cleaning your painting equipment, including brushes, rollers, paint trays, and sprayers, is crucial to maintaining their quality and performance.
• For latex paint, remove excess paint from brushes and rollers, then rinse them under warm tap water and wash with dishwashing detergent. Squeeze out the excess water and allow them to air-dry.
• For solvent-thinned paints, use the appropriate solvent to clean brushes and rollers. Agitate them in a container with the solvent, then rinse with warm, soapy water and let them dry.
• Clean paint trays and sprayers by rinsing or wiping them with warm water and detergent. Ensure you remove all paint residue, especially from the nozzles and tubes of the sprayer.
• Properly dispose of any paint-soaked materials, such as rags or paper towels, and never pour leftover paint down the drain.

Final Touches and Maintenance:

• Once the walls are dry, inspect them for any imperfections or areas that need touch-ups. Use a small brush or roller to carefully apply paint to these areas for a consistent finish.
• To maintain your newly painted walls, avoid cleaning them for at least 30 days, as most paints take this long to fully cure. Dusting and gentle wiping with a damp cloth are usually sufficient for regular maintenance.
• If you need to clean the walls more thoroughly, opt for mild cleaning solutions and soft cloths to avoid damaging the paint. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh scrubbing.
• Store any leftover paint properly by sealing the can tightly and storing it in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures. Label the can with the purchase date and the room it was used in for future reference.

Frequently asked questions