How to Touch Up Paint on a Wall
- 1). Prime and seal any repair spots. If you are touching up your paint on a spackled or replacement piece of drywall, you will need to first prime and seal the area with a latex primer or sealer before applying the paint. Let it dry according to manufacturer's directions.
- 2). Use the original paint from the original paint cans. You will not be able to match your paint exactly unless you use the paint from the same can of paint. Even if you went to the store to buy the same brand, gloss and color, it may not match your original paint. For this reason, you should always store away all old paint cans.
- 3). Reduce the paint by 10 to 15 percent using whatever reducer the manufacture recommends. Do not add it to the can. Rather, first shake or stir the paint in the paint can and then pour some of it in a paint tray to mix. Finally, add the reducer and stir well.
- 4). Use the same paint applicator. If you used a roller to apply the original paint, use a roller again (a small one will do). If you used a paintbrush the first time, use a brush this time.
- 5). Paint in similar weather conditions. Whether it was hot, humid, cool or cold, try to paint in the same conditions as when the original paint was applied. This will help make the touch up paint look the same as the old paint.
- 6). Apply a thin coat of the reduced paint from the center of the touch up area to the old paint. This will help make the transition from the new paint to the original paint smoother.
- 7). Let your paint dry. Examine your wall from an angle. If you used flat paint, you probably won't notice a difference from the old paint to the new paint, however with glossy finishes, you may notice a difference. Continue to look at your wall throughout the day and night with various lights turned on. If any differences bother you, you may have to repaint, but thankfully, you will only need to paint the one wall or to another natural break.
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