9 Interior Painting Tips for the DIY Painter

Painting your home is not an easy task, but can be done even by a novice. Keeping the mess minimal and the outcome grand can be a challenging balance. Basic knowledge of drop cloths and brushes can help you through the job but we asked the pros for little known tricks of the trade. Here are 9 interior painting tips for the DIY painter.

Dry Paint

Air in a paint can will dry out the remaining paint. Drop golf balls in to fill the unused space. Alternatively, cover the top with plastic wrap under the lid and store the can upside down. This will help create a good seal and preserve the pigment.

Use the right primer

For new drywall, make sure you use a water-based primer to hide imperfections in the wall. It will also allow for good adhesion with the new paint. For painting on paneling, water or smoke damaged walls, go for an oil-based primer.

Avoid lap marks

Keep a wet edge while painting. This means paint the full height of the wall, slide over a bit and repeat. This keeps you painting on a wet edge of paint and avoids the dreaded lap marks.

Stir paint with a modified stirrer

Before you use your stirrer, drill holes in the bottom to allow the paint to mix through it. This will help aerate the paint and mix the color thoroughly before you start.

Add texture, if you want

Picking a roller with a nap that is longer than ¾ inches will leave a stipple effect after you paint. This gives you more texture on your walls. If you are aiming for a smoother finish, choose a roller that is between ¼ to ½ inch nap.

Don’t wash your brushes or rollers

Rather than waste time at the end of the day cleaning your rollers or brushes off, save them. Wrap the painted portions in a plastic bag or plastic wrap and put them in the fridge. The cold temperature will keep the paint from drying. When you’re ready to work again, just lay them out to warm up.

Deal with problem tape

Tape can cause as many problems as it is helpful. If your tape is sticking to itself and won’t allow you to peel it free without ripping, heat it up! Put the whole roll of tape in the microwave for 10 seconds and try again.

Determine the kind of paint on existing walls

Once your walls have been painted with either oil or latex paint, it’s not recommended to switch. To test your paint, soak a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol. Rub it on a small, out of the way area of the wall. If the cotton ball has paint residue, it’s latex. If it’s clean, you have oil based.

Invest in a paint pen

Paint pens are recommended by our pros across the board. It allows you to fill a pen with the paint you are using for touch ups. They keep for about a year. Remember to shake it well before use to mix the paint.

Ready to get started? Schedule a free, in-home estimate with our crews today.