Painting can feel like a daunting task, especially for first-timers. You may find yourself full of questions, wondering how exactly to make your paint job look worthy of a magazine feature. Armed with the correct information, you can paint your NYC home like a pro. Check out our expert answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about painting.

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How Much Paint Do I Need?

There’s nothing worse than getting in the groove of your DIY project only to run out of paint right before you finish. Luckily, there is an easy way to calculate how much paint to purchase (but it does involve some light math).

If you don’t know the square footage of the wall(s) you’re painting, here’s where the math comes in: measure the height and width of the wall, and then multiply those two numbers together. If you’re painting multiple walls, add each wall’s calculation together. Generally, one gallon of paint will cover approximately 400 square feet of surface area.

Pro tip: buy enough paint to account for multiple coats! Many paint jobs require 2-3 coats in addition to primer.

Where to Buy Benjamin Moore Paint?

Now that you know how much to buy, it’s time to figure out where. Because Benjamin Moore is a luxury paint brand, it is often unavailable at home improvement retailers. Don’t let that stop you from bringing it home!

Benjamin Moore paints are available at specified retailers, like Janovic. We proudly carry BM paints at each of our New York City locations! If you can’t make it to one of our locations, we offer complimentary, in-home consultations for many of our products, including Benjamin Moore paint and Hunter Douglas window treatments.

Can You Paint Over Wallpaper?

Overall, we recommend removing old wallpaper rather than painting over it, especially if it is damaged. Any texture from the wallpaper (rips, seams, bubbles, etc.) will show through the fresh coat of paint you just worked so hard to apply. However, if removing the wallpaper is not an option, it is possible to paint on top of it as long as you use the proper precautions.

  • Glue down loose edges. Before you paint, use wallpaper glue to seal any edges of the wallpaper that have come up. Paint alone won’t be enough to keep any peeling sections flush against the wall.
  • Use an oil-based primer. An oil-based primer is essential in painting on top of the wallpaper. The primer will help provide an even base and cover any colors and patterns in the wallpaper. Latex and water-based paint primers will cause the wallpaper to stop sticking to the wall, so an oil-based primer is essential.
  • Time to paint! Avoid high-sheen paints, like those with a satin or glossy finish, as they will show any textural imperfections more than a matte or eggshell finish.

How Long Does It Take for Paint to Dry?

It’s crucial to allow each layer of paint to dry thoroughly before applying the next coat to ensure the longevity of your project. Paint that has not cured completely is prone to scratches, dents, and drips. The paint may also crumble, peel, or bubble up, requiring time-intensive resolutions.

So, how long should you let each coat of paint dry before applying the next? We recommend waiting around 3-5 hours between coats of standard paints and primers. Oil-based paint or primer takes longer to dry, so wait about 24 hours between coats for the best results.

Expert Paint Tips in NYC

Janovic is The Color Authority of New York City. Our design experts are happy to help you with every step of your home decor project! With locations across the city, we are just a few stops away! Book an in-home consultation or visit one of our showrooms to explore our collection of Benjamin Moore paint, Hunter Douglas window treatments, and more.

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