9 Interior Painting Tips for the DIY Painter

Most homeowners will say they have a common knowledge when it comes to painting. Sometimes that’s not enough. We surveyed our professional painters to get their top tips to improve your painting project outcome and experience. They had tips and tricks to help you save time and energy. Here are 9 interior painting tips for the DIY painter.

Knowing a few of these tricks can make your project turn out better, with less hassle as the painter. Storing paint right and using the right tool for the right job.

1. Don’t let paint dry
Dried out paint is ruined paint. If you have less than a gallon of paint left, try putting golf balls in the can to fill the empty space. Some pros swear by putting plastic wrap under the lid and storing the paint upside down.

2. Primers
Primers set your job up for success. When working with color changes, or new drywall, use a primer to hide issues with the wall and make an even toned wall to put your color on. For new drywall, use a water-based primer. If you are painting on smoke or water damaged walls, go with an oil-based primer. Choosing oil versus water can impact the kind of paint you use, so consult a pro before buying.

3. Avoid lap marks
The edge of the wall where you are painting or rolling must be kept wet to avoid ending up with lines on the wall. Paint in an overlapping pattern with a wet edge at all times, the height of the wall. Cover that stroke slightly with the next. This will allow for the best coverage with no lines.

4. Use a modified stirrer
You must stir paint before starting your job. For the most even mixture, drill holes in your stirrer. This will help the paint fully mix and aerate the paint before use giving you an even mixture.

5. Add texture
If you want to add texture to your wall, you simply need a different roller. Longer naps, more than ¾ inch, will hold more paint and give you a stippling effect as you paint. The paint will be left in a rough fashion giving you a textured paint job. If you’re looking for a smoother finish, go for a short nap, between ¼ and ½ inch.

6. Don’t waste time washing
If you are painting with latex paint, there’s no reason to go through the cleaning process. If it’s the end of the day and you’re not done, skip the sink. Cold temperatures keep latex paint from drying, so wrap your roller in a cling wrap or plastic bag and stick it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to allow time to let the roller warm up again before the next use.

7. Problem tape
Painter’s tape can be a great help in your project, provided it’s new. Older rolls tend to peel, rip and break. Try putting the whole roll in the microwave for 10 seconds. Your tape will be sticky like new.

8. Determine the paint on the walls
Not sure what is on the wall? Could be latex, could be oil? Dunk a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it on the paint. If the cotton ball comes off clean, you’re working with oil-based paint. Does it have some of the color of the paint? Then it’s latex.

9. Get a paint pen
Most big box and hardware stores offer paint pens. It’s an empty pen that allows you to put a small amount of your paint in it for safekeeping. This makes touch ups later much easier. Manufacturers say the pen and paint will last up to a year once filled, just remember to shake it before use.

Happy painting! Oh, and we know you want to paint for yourself on this one, but if you need some help picking out colors, head over to our Color Consulting Services page. Even if you aren’t interested in consult, there’s a neat little tool called MyPaint Colors™ that allows you to virtually see what different color paints would look like on your project!