Ten Tips For Flawless DIY House Painting

So you’ve decided to take on a DIY house painting project? Good for you! It’s fun, and more cost-effective. Here are ten tips that will help you achieve the best results in minimum time, effort and money.

If you thought wall painting is nothing more than dipping your roller in paint and slathering the walls, think again. Although house painting is by no means a complex task, you should keep in mind the following tips and tricks that will guarantee quick and professional results with minimum mess and leave you with a wall to be proud of.

1. Prep your wall

Good painting starts with good surface preparation. Don’t pick up that brush just yet! Start with filling up holes and cracks in the wall, sanding and cleaning. An irritating step to be sure, but it’s the most important one on your way to flawless painting. You need to do this in order to ensure good paint-to-wall adhesion and beautiful, long-lasting results.

2. Mask it

Keep panels, light switches, doorframes and any other areas paint-free by using painters’ masking tape to create borders. This tape can be easily removed once the paint dries completely, at least 24 hours after application. Use a utility knife for tricky areas: cut in a thin line between the tape and the wall and gently tug on the tape at a 45° angle.

3. Protect your floors and furniture

Before you get that roller rolling, make sure your floor and furniture are protected against paint drips and splashes. Newspapers, plastic sheets (watch your step! They get slippery) or canvas that absorbs drips and can be stored and reused over the years.

4. Invest in a roller extension rod

Keep that ladder in the shed and move up to an extender rod. They come in various lengths, so make sure you get one that can reach your ceiling. An extension rod will help you achieve seamless paint coverage from top to bottom, without overlap.

5. Cover up that paint tray

Reduce cleanup time by lining your paint tray with several layers of tinfoil before use. This is a great trick for using different colored paints and prevents unwanted mixing. When you’re done with one color, simply pour the remainder back into the can and reline the tray.

6. Mix small tins of the same color in one large container

When buying several tins of the same color, the shade may come out slightly different for each. If you start a new tin halfway through painting, you might end up with small but noticeable differences. Avoid this problem by combining the paints in one large container. You can always pour the remainder back into the small tins, for future use.

7. Keep that tin rim clean

It is best to keep the rim of your paint tin clean, for easy closing and opening. It’s really simple: after opening the tin, use a hammer and a large nail to poke holes in the upper section of the rim (where the cover meets the edges). Seeping paint will now drip back in instead of accumulating along the rim.

8. Start painting

Start by using a brush around the corners and doorframes. Amateur painters will often proceed with painting the rest of the wall using a roller, but this pretty much guarantees visible texture shifts. To ensure smooth and seamless results, use a brush on the edges and immediately follow with an end-roller (shorter than a regular roller) before the brushed-on paint dries. Make sure it is the same width as the primary roller. When you’re done, follow up with the roller as close as you can to the second doorframe or wall, without touching them.

9. Paint without a trace

Now comes the most important part of your painting project. To avoid overlap (stripes caused by uneven coats of paint), you must learn how to properly use a roller. Start at one corner and roll all the way to the other end of the wall, going bottom up. If an area appears to have too thick of a coat, go over it again to spread the paint out. Keep the roller covered in paint throughout the project, and constantly dip in paint. Paint with the open part of the roller frame facing an already-painted surface.

10. Need a break?

Painting is tiring work, so if you feel like you need to stop for the night, don’t worry. Instead of cleaning out all your brushes and rollers, wrap them securely in cling wrap, and make sure no air gets through. Place the covered brushes and rollers inside your refrigerator to maintain dampness. When you’re ready to get back to work, get your equipment out and let it sit for about 30 minutes before starting back up. This guarantees elasticity and perfect results.

Not sure how to properly use paint? Our specialists are standing by!
Can’t decide on shades or textures? Get your free paint consultation at Tambour House.