Tools & Materials Vol.5b: Painting u2014 Spray Application

u270fufe0f Originally published: 2021-07-31 / ud83dudd04 Updated: May 8, 2026

u270fufe0f 2026 Update from DIY Dad: Renovating the 2nd-Floor Japanese-Style Room

This entry covers renovation work on the second-floor tatami room of Apartment No. 1. The task: strip the old sand-plaster and fiber walls, then rebuild the surface into a proper substrate for wallpaper. It’s unglamorous work u2014 but this is the heart of any renovation. ^ ^

Removing Old Wall Material

Steps for removing sand-plaster and fiber walls:

1. Cover the entire room in protective sheeting (floors, fixtures, windows)
2. Dampen the old wall material with a sprayer before scraping (reduces dust)
3. Use a scraper and pry bar to remove the material
4. Inspect the condition of the base structure (wood lath, metal lath, bamboo lattice)
5. Bag the debris and dispose of it properly

A dust mask is essential u2014 the amount of airborne particles is significant. Wall stripping takes longer than you expect: DIY Dad spent half a day on a single 6-mat room. m(_ _)m

Spray Painting in Practice

Spray gun application produces a more even, cleaner finish than roller painting. However, the volume of paint that becomes airborne is substantial u2014 complete masking of the surrounding area is essential.

Key points for spray painting:

• Adjust paint viscosity correctly (too thin and it will drip)
• Keep the spray gun 20u201330 cm from the wall surface
• Move at a consistent speed (stopping causes runs)
• Build up even thickness through multiple coats

Compressors are loud u2014 be considerate of neighbors. DIY Dad observes a strict working window of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ^ ^

Converting a Tatami Room to Western Style

Turning a traditional tatami room into a Western-style room is one of the most effective renovations for improving occupancy rates. Today’s tenants u2014 especially younger and single residents u2014 consistently prefer Western-style rooms.

Main steps for the tatami-to-Western conversion:

1. Walls: sand-plaster u2192 create substrate u2192 wallpaper
2. Ceiling: traditional Japanese ceiling u2192 paint or wallpaper
3. Floor: tatami u2192 cushion flooring or flooring boards
4. Doors/fixtures: Japanese sliding doors u2192 Western-style door (or a hybrid approach)

You don’t have to do it all at once u2014 even just refreshing the walls and ceiling dramatically reduces the “Japanese feel” and gives the room a much more Western impression. The work can be phased according to budget. m(_ _)m

As a Landlord: Tatami-to-Western Conversion Has Outstanding ROI

What DIY Dad experienced firsthand after renovating a tatami room:

• Prospective tenants responded differently u2014 “This place is great” became more frequent
• Vacancy periods shortened
• Applications came in even when rent was raised

Materials for a 6-mat room ran about 30,000 yen (wallpaper + substrate + paint) u2014 roughly one-tenth of contractor pricing. ^ ^

ud83cudfe2 For Anyone Considering Apartment Investment or Renovation

Cost-effectiveness is everything in apartment renovation. DIY Dad drastically reduces costs by doing the work himself. ^ ^

Marutoku Shop | Renovation materials and lumber online u00bb

Hello, this is DIY Dad. ^ ^

This post introduces the tools and materials used for spray painting.

2) Spray Application

Spray painting uses a compressor, air hose, and air spray gun. For large surface areas, an airless sprayer speeds things up considerably.

Compressor

A reciprocating compressor. Useful not only for painting but also for air tackers, air dusters, and all kinds of other pneumatic tools u2014 a true workhorse in the workshop. Recently, the air breather snapped, so I patched it with duct tape to prevent oil spray (sweating). Then a piece of material hit the regulator and broke it, so I can’t adjust pressure anymore (major sweating). It needs repair…

Air Hose

Think of it as an extension cord running from the compressor to your air tool.

Air Spray Gun

Atomizes and applies paint. High-viscosity paints need to be thinned significantly, which can make adhesion a bit inconsistent. (Sweating)

Airless Sprayer

Instead of a compressor, a pump forces paint through the gun directly. It handles higher-viscosity paints better than an air spray gun, and can cover large volumes faster. Shown here is just the pump body u2014 there are many accessories, including hoses and a gun. This is a budget Chinese model, honestly a bit questionable. I’d love to get a proper one someday.

That’s all for today! (^^)/~~~

ud83dudd27 DIY Dad’s Recommended Power Tools

A compact, USB rechargeable cordless driver set that’s easy for anyone to use u2014 even beginners.

ud83dudcdd DIY Dad’s note u2014 Premium Article

Real Cost & Timeline Database for DIY Renovation
Detailed actual cost records for renovating every room across apartments and two houses. Estimate comparison data broken down by wallpaper, flooring, and plumbing.
u00a5500 u2014 View the real numbers u2192

ud83dudcdd DIY Dad’s note u2014 Premium Article

DIY Renovation Estimate Review Manual
How to read renovation quotes through the eyes of a mechanical engineer. Unit price benchmarks, how to spot inflated figures, and negotiation tactics u2014 fully disclosed.
u00a5300 u2014 Scrutinize the quote u2192

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