Painting interior walls can be a great way to refresh the look of your home. Here are some tips to help you achieve professional-looking results:
Prepare the room: Before you start painting, make sure to prepare the room properly. Remove furniture or cover it with drop cloths to protect it from paint splatters. Remove any wall decorations, outlet covers, and switch plates .
Clean and repair the walls: Clean the walls to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. Repair any holes or cracks using spackling compound and sand them smooth. This will ensure a smooth and even paint finish.
Protect the floors and trim: Cover the floors with drop cloths or plastic sheets to protect them from paint drips. Use painter’s tape to protect the trim, baseboards, and windowsills from accidental paint splatters .
Prime the walls: Applying a coat of primer before painting can help the paint adhere better and provide a more even finish. Choose a primer that is suitable for the type of paint you will be using .
Choose the right paint and tools: Select high-quality paint and tools for the best results. Use a paint roller with a medium nap for smooth surfaces and a brush for cutting in around edges and corners. Consider using an extension pole for the roller to reach high areas without a ladder.
Mix paint from different cans: If you need to use multiple cans of paint for a room, it’s a good idea to mix them together in a larger container to ensure consistent color throughout the walls. This will help avoid any noticeable variations in color.
Cut in before rolling: Start by cutting in around the edges of the walls with a brush. This means painting a strip of paint along the edges where the roller cannot reach. This will create clean lines and make the rolling process easier .
Roll in a “W” or “M” pattern: When using a roller, start by rolling the paint in a “W” or “M” pattern on the wall. This helps distribute the paint evenly and avoids streaks. Then, fill in the pattern by rolling vertically from top to bottom. Work in small sections to ensure the paint doesn’t dry before you finish.
Use multiple coats: Depending on the color and type of paint you are using, you may need to apply multiple coats for full coverage. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one .
Take breaks and step back: Painting can be a time-consuming task, so take breaks when needed. Step back occasionally to assess your progress and make sure the paint is being applied evenly. This will help you catch any mistakes or areas that need touch-ups.