How on Earth do I paint my own condo? complete painting Newb.

[condo bought]

Last thing I painted was a picture of a tree in 3rd Grade.

I have a 45sqm Duplex condo that needs painting.

I wouldn't mind having a go off it myself.

As it is a duplex, one part of the ceiling must be about 4 meters high (Outside the upstairs bedroom)

Complete painting newb.

What would I need?

Step ladder.

Brush and tray.

roller with extended broom handle.

Sand paper?

paint.

Old sheets for the floor.

So what steps do I follow?

1. wash all the walls.

2. Sand the walls of old chipped paint?

3. tape up windows frames?, remove the plug socket covers.

4. Start painting at the top of the walls and work my way down? I may not try the ceilings until after I have done the walls and know that I can do it.

How many coats do I need to do?

How long to wait before starting the next coat?

Safe to sleep there after painting all day? (fumes)

I would be there for about 5 days full-time.

Any helps or tips would be great.

Thanks.

[eyecatcher]

First tip. Ceilings first. Otherwise you will be painting walld twice.

[eyecatcher]

And i gave you this diy advice on the chiang mai forum previously.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?/topic/874783-Can-anybody-please-recommend-a-painter-for-small-condo?#entry10140117

[condo bought]

Thanks EC.

Some serious questions.

Is a primer needed or advised?

If so, only on the cement/brink walls or the ceiling too?

About how long before each coat. Is one coat per day okay, for perhaps 3 days okay?

Day 1) wash and sand and prime with primer.

Days 2-4) I coat per day.

Sound okay?

Also, with windows open and fan on, is it okay to sleep there after painting with regards to fumes?

Thanks very much.

[bankruatsteve]

If it's already been painted, you won't need a primer but do use premium paint (and then shouldn't need to worry about fumes). Scrape out and fill any cracks, sand or scrape off areas that may need it, and then clean with a detergent. If you definitely plan to paint the ceiling then, as mentioned, you should do that first. You will want to "cut in" edges of the walls where they meet the ceiling, around windows, fixtures, corners, and floor with a 1-1/2" - 2" paint brush. Then use the roller a patch at a time. Two coats is normal waiting 1 day to dry.

[condo bought]

Thank you.

What sort of detergent should I use? Washing liquid (for washing dishes? or some other type?)

Can anybody recommend a premium paint? The color for everything will be white. All pure white.

I would guess that 10-15k baht would cover all paint and material (Ladder, roller, paint, everything). the condo is a 45sqm 1 bedroom 1 living room.

Thanks again.

[bankruatsteve]

Really not much difference in premium paint brands - I like TOA. Forgot to mention... be careful buying masking tape. The various places sell "masking tape" that is way too sticky and leaves a residue that is almost impossible to remove. For detergent, I think the wife usually mixes up something same as for mopping the floor - you just need to make sure any grim and dust are completely removed.

Not sure you can get pure white though - I've only seen that as a primer which you could probably use if that's what you want.

[bankruatsteve]

Just re-thought my comment on white paint. I assume that's the color of the paint before they add the color. Duh.

[condo bought]

Thanks. I wouldn't have the faintest idea about it. But will look in Homepro at the weekend and list and price everything needed.

• Step Ladder
• Decent Masking tape, stanley blade knife and newspaper.
• Sand paper.
• floor detergent and clothe.
• Roller, one with a long broom handle, or just a broom handle and I tape the roller to it.
• 1-1/2" - 2" paint brush
• Paint tray.
• Primer.
• Paint.
• Big old bed sheets for the floor and wooden stairs.

Day 1: Sand the walls, especially where the old paint is chipping off. Wash with detergent. Masking tape and newspaper all fittings etc.

Day 2: Primer the whole lot.

Day 3: First coat.

Day 4: Second coat.

Day 5: Third Coat.

Done.

Sound about right?

[condo bought]

Asking how much paint, is a bit like asking how long is a piece of string.

But, the condo is 45 sqm, 2 rooms.

I presume the paint comes in something like a 5L or 10L tub.

Would one of these tubs likely do 1 coat of a 45sqm condo?

Thanks.

[condo bought]

And what sort of paint?

Emulsion paint? I presume not enamel paint.

Is there a special type of paint that I should do the final coat in, or some sort of gloss I put on after the final coat that protects it?

[bankruatsteve]

Again, unless you will be doing a lot of sanding for pealing paint, a primer probably isn't necessary but certainly won't hurt either. If the current color is white or other light color, you should be able to go with 1 primer and 1 paint or no primer and 2 paint. You quit putting on coats when it covers whatever was under and looks the way you want. Latex paints are normally used for interior surfaces If a Thai is helping, absolutely refuse his idea to dilute the paint with water.

Actually, most paints are sold in US gallons. I suggest you start with 5 gal and see how far that goes. Since you're going with white, you won't have to worry about color match up if you need more.

If you will be painting the ceilings you will get spatter so get a hat and eye shield for that. Roller handles are usually hollow for putting in extension.

Sounds like you're good to go. Cheers.

[condo bought]

Fantastic, thank you.

[thailand49]

First the ladder will run you around 1000-1500 baht.

For the Celing stick with Emulsion flat paint. The problem with painting the ceiling is the sheetrock they use at times when rolling the skin starts to peel off on your roller and the skins wraps around the roller so you need to peel it off. If this starts to happen you got to do patching and it becomes a problem. Do not use Semi-gloss it thens to cause a lot of peeling. The Emulsion flat absorbs into the sheet rock fast and stick to the original color that will required on one coat. Get a brush and you will need to be able to get up and touch up the edges.

If you stick to the original color or slightly darker you can skip the primer ( that is my personal suggestion ) Primer is sold for old and new cement walls. The primer for old walls is very thin cost around 600 baht for a large bucket you will need at least 2-3, basically so thin it is like water down milk. When applied it barely covers but if you have a dark color now and want to go lighter you will not have a choice. just get a bucket of water and some bleach and wash down the walls the bleach will etch the wall, scrape and sand the peeling area's and you are ready to go.

If you shut off the A/C and paint with open windows by the time you reach the end of one wall the paint will be already o.k. to touch. As for smell no problem unless you are using Oil base. You can get a decent brand paint big bucket for 1100- 1600. You can measure the walls and give them the measurements and they should be able to figure out how much you need. If you plan on painting your doors and trim again they most likely are painted with oil base already so you will need to stay with the oil. If not, you got to strip it all down to do it right, Using oil, I don't believe in cleaning the rollers or brushes. I get some rubber gloves, average price brushes/rollers when done goes into the garbage. Do not use Thai/oil brand paints might have Lead inside?

As for coverage, when I paint I use small tarps/carboard and move them around section by section that is if your floors are tile? Any excess can easily be scraped off, If wood you got to tape and cover the entire floor area. I do not use masking tape got good control of the roller and brush. I have a small wet sponge ready to wipe up the misses etc..if I do slip.

Good luck..

[eyecatcher]

Look at the coverage per litre for example emulsion may say 12m2/ litre per coat.

So your walls will be about 75m2 so 6 litres per coat.....

But think about the costs of diy. For a one off job it may not be worth doing it yourself...cost of ladder you will never use again dustsheet brushes tape caulking etc etc.

Labour rates here for painting are 40bt/m2 so for 75m2 it may be easier to pay someone with all the equipnent and ......dare i say "skill"

[pomchop]

maybe also consider asking your building manager if he knows some locals to do the job and get a quote....painting labor is usually cheap in Thailand...but like anywhere else some workers are good and some are horrible...

when i got a quote to paint my downstairs which has very high ceilings i realized quickly that it was better to hire than having to buy ladders and risk breaking my neck withh a fall....

but then again i am likely quite a bit older than OP and not willing to risk it...i've learned the hard way that these old bones don't heal very quickly if ever and being sore for days is not a lot of fun....

[BHW]

Do you have a work permit ?

[slipperylobster]

Straight lines near the ceiling are tough....a roll of masking tape (not too sticky) after painting the ceiling...helps.

I just apply pressure to the brush, and twist it (until the bristles form a tight group on the top). It sort of works.

Keep a damp cloth nearby and immediately clean up mistakes before they dry (spatters and plastic outlets, etc).

can remove outlet/light covers..for that real clean look.

by all means...get the best paint you can afford. same for brushes. I hate the ones that leave hairs embedded in the wall paint.

I always go with the lightest color possible....in the shade I prefer. For me..it is usually an off white/beige or cream color. Hard to go over darker colors..should you want to change. Lighter shades make a room feel bigger and happier (for me..anyways).

[slipperylobster]

maybe also consider asking your building manager if he knows some locals to do the job and get a quote....painting labor is usually cheap in Thailand...but like anywhere else some workers are good and some are horrible...

when i got a quote to paint my downstairs which has very high ceilings i realized quickly that it was better to hire than having to buy ladders and risk breaking my neck withh a fall....

but then again i am likely quite a bit older than OP and not willing to risk it...i've learned the hard way that these old bones don't heal very quickly if ever and being sore for days is not a lot of fun....

I stay away from all ladders. My wife does a good enough job...and she is half my weight. One fall for me would wreak serious ..long term..pain!@

[fekman]

Jailed. Deported. Work is described by immigration law as "The exertion of energy, or use of knowledge, whether for compensation or not." Good luck. Maybe you can somehow "will" the paint onto the wall, and not go to prison.

.

Recently participated in cleaning up a park as a volunteer picking up trash in Chisinau Moldova. Thought it would be cool to do here on our soi. Then I realized I can go to prison. So I went to the bar instead.

[eyecatcher]

Jailed. Deported. Work is described by immigration law as "The exertion of energy, or use of knowledge, whether for compensation or not." Good luck. Maybe you can somehow "will" the paint onto the wall, and not go to prison.

.

Recently participated in cleaning up a park as a volunteer picking up trash in Chisinau Moldova. Thought it would be cool to do here on our soi. Then I realized I can go to prison. So I went to the bar instead.

Why do some people love to be all know it alls on work permits?

According to your theory...cant have sex cant go cycling cant play footy cant flush your toilet.

Get real...do you think immig are going to clamp down on every one with a house who likes to spend time gardening and doing diy like everyone on this forum.

[Mr Moo]

Painting Newb,

Easy.

1. Call for a painter

2. Sit in a good recon position with a beer or several

3. Pay money when job done to your satisfaction

[Mr Moo]

Jailed. Deported. Work is described by immigration law as "The exertion of energy, or use of knowledge, whether for compensation or not." Good luck. Maybe you can somehow "will" the paint onto the wall, and not go to prison.

.

Recently participated in cleaning up a park as a volunteer picking up trash in Chisinau Moldova. Thought it would be cool to do here on our soi. Then I realized I can go to prison. So I went to the bar instead.

I'm confused. Why not go straight to the bar and mull it over first?

[Mr Moo]

Sorry to seem negative but too many of you guys seem to know a bit too much about painting!!

[bazza40]

You need to wash the ceiling and walls with sugar soap to get rid of residues. Then rinse with clean water and dry.

"Roll and tip" is the best method for amateur painters. You use a roller to apply the paint to ceiling first, then walls after. Work in about 1 sqm application. While the paint is still wet, use the tip of a 4" brush to smooth out irregularities in one direction. On the next coat, work the tip in the 90 degree direction. Two coats usually is enough, unless the paint has poor hiding power.

I'd recommend using an acrylic-based paint ( clean roller and brushes in water ) mainly because you don't need a primer, and there is next to no smell. Alkyds are better in bathroom and kitchen areas; however, you need solvents for cleaning equipment, you are inhaling toxic fumes while painting, and the smell can persist for days or weeks.

As other posters have suggested, it my be better to pay someone to do it - labour is not expensive here.

[Happy Grumpy]

You need to wash the ceiling and walls with sugar soap to get rid of residues. Then rinse with clean water and dry.

What's sugar soap?

[LNKDES1]

YouTube & Google are your friend.

[2fishin2]

Lol sugar soap thats a new one on me also.

Blue masking (painters) tape is what you want.

Dont worry about paint "soaking in" as its already painted.

Dont worry about cleaning, just go to town. Typical surfaces do not need washing down. You are asking for trouble putting soap or other chemicals on the walls prior to painting.

Get your work permit in order for the TV lawyers to approve before you start. (Wink)

Measure your room sizes to get how much paint. Google is your friend for this.

[bazza40]

You need to wash the ceiling and walls with sugar soap to get rid of residues. Then rinse with clean water and dry.

What's sugar soap?

Looks like sugar, hence the name. Mostly sodium carbonate with variable additives such as solvent and detergent. It dissolves/disperses stuff like kitchen grease and smoking residues on walls and ceilings.

[bazza40]

Lol sugar soap thats a new one on me also.

Blue masking (painters) tape is what you want.

Dont worry about paint "soaking in" as its already painted.

Dont worry about cleaning, just go to town. Typical surfaces do not need washing down. You are asking for trouble putting soap or other chemicals on the walls prior to painting.

Get your work permit in order for the TV lawyers to approve before you start. (Wink)

Measure your room sizes to get how much paint. Google is your friend for this.

You're offering advice on painting, and you don't know what sugar soap is?

Your advice is wrong. Without cleaning, the paint will either be beading and forming fisheyes due to surface tension differences, or falling off the walls within six months due to lack of adhesion.