Category Archives: Painting Guide

You can watch a couple of painting tutorial videos online and do it yourself. Seriously, how hard could it be? 

We’re living in a world with the looming threats of climate change and skyrocketing costs. DIYing is the best remedy in a wasteful era, where consumerism remains prevalent. 

While a DIY approach seems like a cost-effective breeze, it actually demands so much of your time and effort. Now, you’re in a dilemma: should you DIY or hire a professional? 

In this article, we’ll tackle DIY vs. professional painting, comparing the time, cost, quality and long-term value.

The Appeal of DIY

So, why do the Aussies love the hands-on approach to home renovation?  

Save Money   

Everything is rising, from labour costs to materials. That’s why everyone is looking for the following economic means to take on projects.  

Thanks to the internet, DIY projects are totally manageable. It has now become easier for Australian homeowners to buy supplies online and search for a DIY tutorial video. 

Although the DIY route is time-consuming, it can save you a couple of Australian dollars.

Choose Your Own Pace  

The freedom to do things at your own pace in your own way is too attractive to pass up. When you’re working by yourself, you have complete autonomy with your time and the project.  

You can change your mind, and then change it again. You hold the reins on when to do the work and what everything looks like.  

Take Pride in a “Handmade” Look  

There’s always that sense of achievement when you’ve accomplished something by yourself, no matter how small the task is.

You’re not only saving money and moving to the beat of your own drum. Your mental health is also getting a boost from working on a massive task by yourself.  

Look, there’s nothing wrong with a DIY job, but it comes with risks. Without the right tools and knowledge, you might not get the results you desire, leading to costly problems.

What DIY Really Costs (Beyond the Paint)  

• Quality Painting tools 

If you want beautiful paint finishes, you must invest in quality brushes, trays, rollers and ladders. It may be a significant upfront investment, but you’ll save more in the long run on costly rework and repairs.  

• Prep Materials

About 80% of your painting project is preparation. That said, the success of your paint job mainly relies on your prep work. This includes buying drop cloths, sealers and tape to ensure the surface is protected and ready for the paint.  

•  Mistakes = More Time and Cost  

Mistakes can happen when you’re DIYing, costing you more time and money.  

Many DIY enthusiasts underestimate just how much work is involved when you’re flying solo. Painting isn’t just about splashing colours on your walls; it consists of a series of tedious steps.    

• Opportunity Cost: Your Time on Weekends 

Instead of going on other ventures, you might have to spend your spare time rolling paint.  

Your time is your most important commodity. Thus, by choosing DIY painting, you won’t be able to pursue other activities, which means losing potential income.    

What You Pay for With a Pro (And Why It’s Worth It)  

• Quality Finishes with Less Mess  

A long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing finish is more than just applying paint. It requires proper preparation, advanced techniques and premium-grade materials.  

As a newbie DIY painter, you will struggle with paint streaks, drips, and poor paint adhesion.  

Professionals understand the challenges in painting surfaces and know how to combat them efficiently. They have the expertise to ensure clean edges, smooth coats and no patchy results.  

• Better Tools = Faster Work  

Professionals have the tools and modern methods to speed up your painting project. 

While you can invest in these tools, it’s costly for a one-off project. Ultimately, experts have the means to ensure superior results in such a short time. 

• Warranty or Insured Work  

DIY projects are not without dangers. You might be working at heights around electrical wires or handling chemicals. Without the proper equipment and gear, you’ll be putting your project and yourself at risk.  

Professionals follow safety protocols on top of their insurance coverage, protecting you from any potential incident and damage.  

• Peace of Mind When Selling or Renting   

When you’re juggling work and family commitments, a DIY painting project can be a nuisance. 

Professionals, though, look after your best interests and streamline your venture. What could take a month, they can shorten to two weeks with a trained crew.

When DIY Might Be Okay 

DIY painting ideas work for small jobs like touch-ups and feature walls.
When you have the confidence and experience, you can totally paint by yourself and enjoy the process.

However, for bigger and complex projects, such as exteriors, ceilings, or prep-heavy areas, they should be left with the experts.  

Why Our Clients Choose A One Korean Painting 

At A One Korean Painting, we have a customer-first approach. We pride ourselves on delivering a friendly, fast and fair painting service. We provide transparent quotes so you know exactly what your professional painting cost is and don’t stretch your budget.  

What makes us genuinely unique is our honesty, letting you know when a DIY painting for beginners is fitting or when it’s smarter to go pro.  

Let’s kick things off! Please drop us a call for a no-obligation quote and advice. 

Conclusion

DIY vs. professional painting: what’s your verdict?

DIYing can be an enjoyable experience. It’s cost-effective, flexible and organic. However, when looking at the long run, professional painting actually saves you more than just money.

With the right tools and expertise, professional painters can take on the job more efficiently. They can make intelligent suggestions on the best paints or techniques to use in a specific project.

Whatever you decide, go with what’s best for the job and your goals. Weigh your options before greenlighting any painting project. Get your free quote today, and let’s help you decide what’s right for your home.

Painting can be exciting—until the walls start unravelling or looking like a toddler finger-paints them.  

Mistakes are common, often committed by DIY enthusiasts who are sometimes over their heads. Painting is not as simple as it seems. Whether colouring your walls or putting patterns on trims, slip-ups can happen.  

Lucky for you, these colouring flaws can be prevented. Yes, you can do something to avoid the costly mistakes that’ll weigh on your time, money and energy.  

This article uncovers the secret to avoiding the most common painting mistakes to achieve a quality finish.  

Not Preparing the Surface Properly

Whatever you do, don’t ignore the surface preparation.  

Prep work is paramount to the success of your house painting project. However, in your haste, you forget entirely about the dust, dents and greasy spots.  

A dirty surface is not conducive to painting. Paints need a clean and stable surface to stick to. Any contaminants can affect paint adhesion and ruin your paint finish. Thus, you can say that prep work is way more important than the paint itself.  

Choosing the Wrong Paint or Finish  

Many DIY painting problems can jeopardise your finish just by choosing the wrong paint. 

Take a look at the following painting mistakes to avoid. 

• Gloss on Ceilings  

High-gloss paints have no business being on your ceiling. It’s not recommended because the sheen makes the imperfections stand out. Up there, it can reflect more light, highlighting the unflattering areas of the bad paint.  

Matte finishes are more preferable on top. Since they don’t bounce light, they’re better at concealing the blemishes and irregularities.  

• Using Interior Paint Outside  

In no case should you use interior paint outside the house. They’re not designed to handle the nasty weather or pollutants outside, like UV rays or moisture. They will crack under environmental pressures, failing you maturely.  

Can You Use Exterior Paint Inside

• Using “Cheap” Paint to Save Money (but needing four coats)  

We always say that buying cheaper paint products saves you money. However, you will save much more in the long run with premium paints. 

Budget paints are likely to streak and are unable to cover up imperfections. They also have poor pigment quality, which means they go on thinner and have poor coverage.

As a result, you will need more coats, at least 4, to get your desired finish.

Messy Edges and Bad Tape Jobs  

Good Edgework Makes for a Quality Job  

Professional paintings have sharp, clean edges. With sloppy brushwork, the painting job will easily look cheap and unprofessional—even with quality paint.  

Good edgework enhances visual contrast and delivers more careful and precise work. To sum it up, sharp lines create polished results.  

Painter’s Tape is Your Best Friend—If Used Properly  

Your painter’s tape is a beacon in the complete mess of painting—if used properly. It keeps the line straight and protects surfaces when pressed down correctly and removed at the right moment.  

Poor tape work encourages the paint to bleed under and stick firmly, tearing away chunks of dried paint when removed. 

Touch on Trim and Ceiling Challenges  

In your painting venture, some spots require more attention, like your trims and ceilings. 

These tricky zones require special tools and techniques to navigate—ones that only professionals can deliver.  

Overpainting or Underpainting  

Too Much Paint  

You’ll waste more paint if you cover your paintbrush or roller entirely with paint. It will run before it even cures. To avoid dripping, less paint is always better.

When there’s too much paint, it’ll take too long to dry. This creates a film on top while the underneath coat stays wet. So, don’t soak your paintbrush and use enough paint at every interval.  

Too Little 

Skimping on paint leaves patchy areas, where the colours look uneven and inconsistent. Thin coverage doesn’t provide full coverage, making the finish lifeless.

Over time, the paint will fail to protect your surface and might need frequent touch-ups. If you want a superb finish, approach painting with the 2-coat rule and a proper technique. 

This is the standard system for the highest quality finish and increased strength.  

Rushing the Dry Time  

Painting mistakes happen when painters get impatient and start cutting corners. When painting, it’s paramount that you wait between coats before applying the next coat. 

The surface may look dry, but underneath, the paint hasn’t fully cured.
It’s a total disaster to paint over wet surfaces.

Here’s a drying time guide for common paint types:

• Latex paint dries quickly in just 1 to 2 hours.  
• Acrylic paint is another type of paint that cures quickly, needing just 2 hours for the second coat application.  
• Oil-based paint is more challenging to deal with, taking at least 8 to 12 hours to dry.  

Check out some tips to speed up drying time between coats: 

Increase ventilation by opening the windows and the doors wide or using exhaust fans. This way, you can improve the airflow and get the fresh air inside the room. 

These are a better approach than using heat, which can result in uneven drying and cracking.  

When to Stop DIY and Call a Pro  

DIY is a viable alternative if you have prior experience. If the painting project involves unfamiliar techniques and is beyond your skill level, it’s best to bring in professional help.  

Redoing mistakes will cost you more than doing it right once. Sometimes, it’s smart to step back and avoid the costly repairs and replacements.

Let A One Korean Painting take care of it—perfectly, the first time.  

Conclusion  

Painting mistakes happen even to the best of us. However, every mistake is preventable with the proper prep and mindset.  

Knowing the common painting mistakes will help you tackle your next painting project more efficiently. Whether you want to do it yourself or seek help from the pros, quality is the goal.  

So, if you want a top-tier finish just like the pros, let’s talk. Give us a call, and we’ll be happy to offer you a free consultation.

Painting project? You should get professional help.

When you think of hiring pro painters, you think of professional results—clean, crisp and lasting.

These professionals have more than just steady hands and a bucket of paint. They know precisely what they’re doing, equipped with the right tools and knowledge. 

This guide will enlighten you on how professional painters in Sydney approach and manage painting projects from start to finish. No surprises, just clear expectations and value.

A Proper Painting Quote Starts With a Walkthrough  

There’s more to painters in Sydney than just giving you numbers. Their job begins the moment they walk through your property.  

Surface Inspection  

Professional painters drop by your house and evaluate the surface they’ll be painting. 

The primary objective of this inspection is to meet your requirements and detect issues earlier, thereby preventing failures.  

Colour Consultation  

During the consultation, you can discuss your ideas before the project begins. Meanwhile, your provider can also raise their insight to meet your colour and style preferences.   

Finish and Timeline Planning  

Professionals create a detailed plan, outlining the timeline, scope of work and budget of the project. 

Through timeline planning, you gain a clear picture of the project’s scope and avoid potential delays.

Cheap quotes without inspection may lead to hidden costs. 

If your professional painters can’t see the full scope of the work, they’ll overlook the necessary house painting process. The result? Inaccurate quote.

Professional Prep Work Makes All the Difference 

So, how does the pro prepare your surface for long-lasting polish?   

• Move the house fixtures and cover them with protective plastic.
• Thoroughly clean the surface to be painted on.   
• Patch and repair any cracks, holes, or surface damage.  
• Prime the surface when needed
• Allow sufficient time for the paint to dry completely.   
• Sand the wall with sandpaper (with the correct grit) to remove imperfections and ensure an even surface.  

Attention to Edges, Gaps, and Trims 

Professional painters meticulously tape the edges, gaps, and trims to achieve a natural and smooth final result.

Intricate details might be small, but they often make or break the entire interior design of your home.   

What the Painting Process Looks Like 

Standard 2-Coat System

The pros prefer this approach because it provides complete coverage of the coating. Additionally, it enhances paint durability, strengthening the material’s corrosion resistance. 

How Pros Handle Ceilings, Trims, Awkward Spaces  

• The ceilings are the first to be painted. By starting with the ceilings, cleaner lines are achieved, and touch-ups are more effortless.
• Trim, baseboards, doors, and windows are securely taped to mask off the spaces that shouldn’t be painted. 
• Awkward and tight spaces are approached with the right brushes. This way, the intricate areas in the corners are covered and not overlooked.     

Ventilation, Dry Times, and Protecting Your Belongings  

• Better ventilation is maintained to remove the harmful fumes and let the fresh air in. This also ensures effective paint drying, resulting in a better finish and longevity.  
• The proper drying time is strongly observed between coats for robust adhesion and a smooth finish.  
• Fixtures and the floor stay protected throughout the entire painting project with careful prep work.  

Timeline 

Each painting project is unique and therefore has different timelines. Nevertheless, here are the general guidelines:  

• A single room takes about a day or two to complete, from prep work to drying time.  
• The entire interior of a standard home takes 6 to 7 days to finish, depending on the number of rooms and work complexity.

Final Inspection and Touch-Ups  

Walkthrough With You to Spot Imperfections

Professionals conduct a walkthrough upon project completion to ensure every detail is to your satisfaction. They will evaluate the area with you for final inspection before wrapping up the project.   

Fixing Missed Patches  

Even experts make mistakes and overlook spots. On such rare occasions, they will touch up any blemishes or imperfections to maintain consistency during the final inspection. 

Finishing Touches and Ensuring Even Coats  

Professionals will review every detail and perform a final touch-up to cover every spot that was missed.  

Clean-Up and Advice for Maintenance 

A professional painting service means no mess left behind. 

Experts handle the house painting process step by step. They’ll carefully tidy the area, remove the tape, sweep the floors and advise you on proper maintenance. 

Any spills will be wiped clean. Paint cans will be labelled and carefully stored, ensuring an easier find for needed touch-ups.  

Additionally, waste materials will be disposed of in a manner that adheres to the safety measures for handling household hazardous waste.  

Tips on How to Keep Walls Looking Fresh  

• Dust your walls regularly. 
• Don’t use coloured soap or harsh cleaners that can leave stains on your walls.  
• Mix vinegar and warm water to gently clean the walls using soft rags.  
• Utilise protective coatings to safeguard your outdoor wall.  
• Touch up any scratches or chips on the wall.  
• Use washable paints that are easier to clean with a damp cloth.  
• Dry your wall quickly after cleaning.  
• Keep the furniture at least 12 inches away from the wall.

Why Choose A One Korean Painting  

A One Korean Painting is your trusted local painter in Sydney with impressive customer feedback. We have experts dedicated to delivering fast and high-quality service. 

Our reliable and friendly team will be with you every step of the way, from the initial call to the cleanup. Rest assured, we will treat your space with the utmost care and attention.  

Take the first step to book a free walk-through and receive your complimentary, fast, and accurate quote.  

Conclusion  

Professional painters have the tools, experience and skills to make your house painting process smooth and stress-free. They can help you decide with confidence to bring that painting project to life.  

At A One Korean Painting, we ensure a smooth, respectful and high-quality painting from beginning to end. You need only ask the right questions and expect top-tier service.

Contact us and experience a hassle-free house painting process, step by step.