Painting the interior walls of your home is the easiest way to freshen up your house or update your décor. However, painting interiors can quickly go from an easy DIY project into a frustrating and messy undertaking. Here are some expert tips to help you get professional results while doing it yourself.
In order to get the best results, you will need to take the time to thoroughly prepare for your painting job, which goes beyond taping off baseboards and purchasing all supplies ahead of time. Preparation will save you time and help ensure a smooth process. Begin by measuring the square footage of the rooms you will be painting and then plan to purchase around one gallon per every 400 square feet. Keep in mind that if your walls are textured or rough you might require more.
When it comes to choosing a paint color,take advantage of the free color swatches provided to help you better compare different shades, remembering that different brands offer different variations. After narrowing down your choices, you might even purchase samples and paint small section of each color in order to compare the different shades, test how the paint takes to the surface, and even see how light affects the color.
Prep walls by filling holes with spackle, cleaning walls with soapy water, and carefully taping off moldings, doors, windows, baseboards, and outlets. Some prefer to use an edger instead of painter’s tape, which will save you from taping, but it will require time and patience. Always lay down drop cloths to protect your floors and furniture.
Make sure to fully stir all paints and primer, mixing multiple cans at a time to ensure consistent color. Always allow ample time for paint to dry before removing painter’s tape or reattaching outlet covers.
Paint trim first, then ceilings, and lastly the walls. Priming the walls will help you to save on paint, while also maximizing on the sheen and ensuring even coverage of your topcoat paint.
Use an angled-brush to cut into corners and edges creating a border of about 2-3 inches. As a general rule of thumb, use a brush anywhere a roller is not able to reach. Use a small roller to roll paint along edges to create consistent texture.
Rolling on the paint is the easiest part of the job, but with proper technique you can avoid lap marks and imperfections. Paint one wall at a time, starting in a corner. To avoid lap marks, keep a wet edge on your paint roller and roll the full height of the wall. You can also roll paint in a W pattern, filling in without lifting the roller. For large areas where it is difficult to keep a wet edge, feather out paint by rolling a nearly dry roller in different directions along edges to avoid buildup and lap marks.
For more information about painting interiors or to request an estimate from our team of professional interior painters at Dino’s Painting Pros, contact us today.
Dino’s Painting Pros
914-774-5396
785 E. Branch Rd., Patterson, NY 12563
