Wallnutz

I have a list of projects and ideas a mile long. So how do I get anything done? Well, first I compile all of my projects and to-do’s so that it’s all there in one place, or maybe two, but it’s there in the physical form and not just my head. Then, I break down larger projects into to-do’s and prioritize the highest priority first. Now that I have what needs to get done most urgently, I can schedule when it will get done. This is where a great calendar comes in. I write down when I am going to… buy the paint and then when I will paint the wall. If I’m going to get paint, do I need anything there for my other projects? I usually do. I run through my list and see what else I should get at the store. Then, I make a shopping list so that I’m ready with what I need and what size and all of the details on one list. Go to the store. This sounds easy, but life sometimes happens. If I can’t make it to the store the day that I scheduled, then I move my note to the next day that I can. While at the store, I try to stick to my list. I don’t make impulse buys, but if it turns out that I need something to complete the project (i.e. a different drill bit), then I get what I need. I have everything. Almost. I always realize that I need something else. Does this happen to you? I’ve done everything in my power to check that I have everything, and then I forget about the sandpaper or the tack cloth. Sigh. I usually have to make another trip to the store before or during a project. It’s not a perfect system, but that’s ok. If I’m going to get anything done, I have to start somewhere. Ok, NOW I have everything. First, I gather all my tools and supplies. If I’m painting, it’s my roller, roller tray, primer, paint, screwdriver (to open the paint), stirrer stick (always grab a few of these when you get paint, they’re free!), brushes, sandpaper, tack cloth (great for after you sand), painter’s tape, drop cloth or paper, painting clothes, paper towels or rags, and a squirt bottle (for mistakes or accidents). Prep my workspace. I move the furniture out of the way if possible and put my drop cloth down (I’ve been using and reusing the paper drop cloths). If the wall or sill or whatever I’m going to paint is dusty, then I clean it off first. Then, I diligently tape off anything that I don’t want to paint such as molding and windows. (Tip: If you are painting stripes or next to a color that you have, after you tape paint over the edge of the tape with the color that you taped off. It seals the tape and gives you a cleaner line.) Once that’s done, I primer the wall if I need to change the color drastically. (Tip: I get my primer tinted if I’m painting a dark color. Just ask them to do the shade that’s right for the color of your paint.)  Once the primer is dry (look on the can for drying time), then I can put up my first coat of paint. I use a roller for most of the work and then do the edges with a small roller, a brush, or an edging tool. (Tip: I find that the edging tool is good if you are up against something flat like a corner, but for my popcorn ceiling, I’ve found that I really have to use a small brush (1/2”) to get it right.) I usually do 2 coats of paint depending on the coverage, and with the second coat I am less thorough and just trying to make sure that I didn’t miss any spots. Once the painting is done, I remove the tape and touch up any edges with my small brush. I put all my supplies away, and put the furniture back in place. Now, I admire my hard work, and then think. What am I going to put on this wall? Of course, that’s why you’re here. We have lots of wall décor and fun decals to dress up your walls whether you just painted them or you don’t want to or can’t paint them. We’ll make it easy. Check out our shop by space or shop by theme for more help deciding.