When repainting a room, it isn't always possible to remove fittings from walls, especially built-in fixtures. Painting around built-in shelves can be tricky, so here’s a guide to help you get the job done.
Using the cutting-in method of painting around built-ins means that you avoid getting any built-ins covered with paint from the paint roller, and provides a neat, professional finish.This project, revolved around redecorating a home office. It involved painting the entire room and the ceiling. There were several wall-mounted cupboards on one wall that couldn’t be removed. As such, it was easier to paint around these.
If you’re in a similar situation, here are a few tips to help you paint around your wall-mounted shelves and cupboards:
Preparation
Scrub down your walls with Polycell Sugar Soap and wipe them dry before painting. This is important as it ensures that the new coat of paint will bond properly with the surface and not flake or peel off later.
Painting tips
When painting around built-in shelves and cabinets, try the cutting-in technique.
Cutting-in allows for a professional finish around built-in fittings and fixtures. This involves using a paintbrush to cut in around the fittings themselves. Using this method of painting around built-ins means that you avoid getting any built-ins covered with paint from the paint roller, and provides a neat, professional finish.
You can also use the cutting-in method on corners and where the walls meet the ceiling.It isn't necessary to apply rolls of masking tape to the edges once you master the method of cutting in, but if you aren't handy with a paintbrush, apply a strip of masking tape.
You can also use the cutting-in method on corners and where the walls meet the ceiling.
To use the cutting-in method successfully, apply a liberal line of paint next to the area you’ll be cutting-in, about 2cm away from the cut in line.
Hold the paintbrush at a slight angle and let the bristles flatten and spread out.
Slowly guide the paintbrush along the edge of the cutting-in line and apply an even layer of paint.
Apply two or three coats of paint using this method. For this project, we used Prominent Select Sheen and applied three coats to cover the yellow walls. It is a low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint, and offers a high-quality velvet-smooth finish for interior and exterior walls.
After allowing the paint to dry, you can start using a paint roller to paint the walls and ceiling. If you’re painting above the built-ins, place newspaper over the tops to protect them from paint spatters.
Article courtesy of www.home-dzine.co.za.
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