Closets can take a disproportionate amount of time to paint when compared to painting a room. The more shelving in the closet, the more time it will take. Wall repair is generally not as high a priority in a small closet, because the walls are really not seen once the clothes and contents are back in.
Color selection
Before you begin painting you need to decide what color to paint the closet. There are really two ways that closets are painted:
- With the room
Use the same paint that you use in the room in the closet. This keeps it simple but it requires closet painting every time you paint the room. If you change room paint color you will have to change the closet color to match.
- Dark colors
If the room is painted a dark color, I would not paint the closet with the room color. Dark colors will scuff and mark up easier than a light color or white. The closet will look “beat up” in short time if you use a dark color.
- White
The other way to paint a closet, is to paint it a neutral color like white. White is compatible with any room color. The ceiling in the room will probably be white. Painting the closet white makes it possible to change the color of the room without the need to paint the closet so it doesn’t clash.
Should you paint the ceiling white?
Generally speaking, I think it is a waste of time to paint a closet ceiling white, and then cut in the walls. Unless you are doing a walk-in closet, I wouldn’t bother. Normally, in the cramped confines of a closet, you won’t even notice the ceiling.
Short extension pole
I like to paint closets with a mini roller using a short 1 ½’ extension pole. The short pole will manuever around better in a closet, and it is enough length for me to reach the ceiling still. I like the Wooster Sherlock system and use the smallest telescoping extension pole in that line.
Covered end roller
The mini roller with a fabric covered end minimizes cutting in which is useful in a closet where there are a lot of shelves and cut ins. Most, not all, cutting in is eliminated with the mini roller. The best size for be is the thin / four inch mini roller. The thin mini roller does a better job of cutting in, so I prefer it for shelving. You will probably need to back track and “wipe” with a brush to get any missed spots, and to wipe any roller “swirl” off the adjacent walls.
The hanger pole
If the closet uses a pole for hangers, and it is pre-finished or metal, I would not paint the pole. The hanger pole takes a beating with repositioning of hangers constantly. It will look beat up shortly if you pant it with a soft latex paint (of any sheen). If you must paint the pole, semi gloss will hold up the best.
The other kind of bar for hangers is the reverse type which you hang “backwards” on. This type of bar comes pre-finished which is a good way to leave it. If you need to paint it for color’s sake, then you should prime it first with a bonding primer before painting it.
Sheen
OK, you have the color picked, now what sheen do you use? If the room is painted in flat, and you are going to paint the closet with the room paint, then use flat. If satin - use satin etc…. If you are painting the closet is white, then you can choose the sheen. I generally don’t like semi gloss paint on walls, but in a closet, semi gloss works well. Semi gloss paints do not mark as easily as flat or low sheen paints. There are a lot of items that get moved around in a closet, and semi gloss holds up better to this kind of wear and tear.
Painting Tools
Brushes, Rollers, Sprayers and more..
The best painting tools at great prices ….. are just one click away
click here
 | ||||
Painting Closets
Search This Site
| ||||
Custom Search
| ||||
The
Concourse eStore
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
SM
Painting Tips and Advice
| ||||
Painting and Decorating Concourse
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
Our "terms of use" governs your use of our website; by using our website, you accept this disclaimer in full. If you disagree with any part of our "terms of use", do not use our website.
| ||||
Drops Cloths & Misc Supplies
Interior Painting Supplies
The Internet Paint Store
Click here
| ||||
