How to Touch Up Paint Like a Pro
You may cover an old gallery wall or hide evidence of your little one's crayon masterpiece. Perhaps roughhousing got a bit out of hand, and your wall paid the price. No matter your reason, you'll eventually need to touch up paint somewhere in your home. Covering a blemish may sound easy enough, but the team at Flanagan Paint & Supply has some tips that will teach you how to touch up paint like a pro. And, just a heads up before you get started painting- if the area you need to touch up is more than a few inches all around, you'll be better off repainting the entire wall.
How to Touch Up Paint
Tip #1
Have you ever put a coat of paint on a dirty surface? We hope not, but if you have, you know the disastrous results that can bring. Cleaning your surface first is essential to getting a professional finish. Dip a clean sponge or rag into a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Wring out the sponge or rag until it's damp. Using too much moisture on the wall can lead to mildew down the road, another can of worms. Wipe the surface gently and allow it to air dry.
Tip #2
Sanding the area may be necessary if you've filled in holes or made other repairs using spackle. If it is, use 120-grit sandpaper to lightly rub the area. Make sure you remove any dust after you're finished. A hairdryer in a cool setting is an easy way to blow off remaining debris while ensuring the area is completely dry.
Tip #3
You can skip the primer. You don't need a primer for touch-ups as long as the wall has been primed and painted correctly for the initial coat. Going sans primer will help the fresh paint blend more evenly with the old, and will keep the whole process much simpler.
Time to Paint
If you have paint leftover from the first painting, you'll get the best color match. We suggest using the same brush or roller with the same nap length to ensure the most consistent finish. Make you thoroughly stir leftover paint to mix in any color that may have settled while the paint was in storage. Get the same color and sheen if you need to buy new paint. Begin your touch-up at the center of your mending spot and feather lightly toward the outer edge.
Contact Us
Now that you know how to touch up paint, get in touch with one of our paint experts to choose the perfect Benjamin Moore paint for your job. We also carry the top exterior and specialty paint brands and Gaco™ Silicone Roof Coatings. Please stop in and visit us at one of our six convenient locations. We are happy to serve the areas of Edwardsville, Ellisville, Webster Groves, Saint Peters, Creve Coeur, Wentzville, Maryland Heights, Town & Country, Des Peres, University City, Cottleville, St. Peters, St. Charles, Dardenne Prairie, Lake Saint Louis, O'Fallon, MO.