Pro Painting Tips for DIYers 

Since the beginning of the Coronavirus quarantine, we have heard of many homeowners tackling home projects since they are stuck inside. The “do-it-yourselfers” (DIYers) are motivated and energetic. It’s great to see so many people taking this time to make improvements on their homes. 

As professional painters, we know how satisfying it can be to refresh a room or an entire home with paint. It can create a major transformation to any space. Hiring a painting contractor to make these changes is always the best way to get that professional look without all the hassle. If that is not in the cards for you, we have a few pro painting tips that can help your paint project come out looking amazing. 

Mix Your Paint in a Large Container 

If you have a room that will take more than one can of paint, we suggest using a larger container, such as a five gallon bucket, to mix your paint prior to starting your project. Paint color may vary slightly from one can to the next. If you have to open a new can in the middle of a wall, the difference may be noticeable. Mixing the paints together eliminates the problem.

Patch, Sand, Prime, Paint 

Many homeowners find that there are nail holes or surfaces that need to be patched. If you need to complete this, take care of it before you set out to paint the room. Fill the holes or patch the wall, then sand down the remaining putty, prime the area, and then finally paint using the finishing color. Skipping a step here can mean the difference between having a wall that looks smooth and well painted and one that appears not quite right. 

Be Thorough When Cleaning 

Chances are that your paint project will take more than one day. In order to keep the paints from drying out and thus render your rollers and brushes unusable, it is best to thoroughly clean all the brushes, rollers, as well as cover the paint cans at the end of each paint session. You really don’t want to waste the paint or have to invest in new brushes because the paint has dried and ruined the equipment. 

Prep the Surfaces 

Clean every inch of the walls and surfaces that you plan to paint. That means wipe down the corners near the ceilings, the baseboards, window framing, and all the walls. You would be amazed at how many homeowners skip this step and end up having to clean trim that has grime and dirt that collected on surfaces. We have even seen some homeowners paint over spider webs or food stains. It may seem like a hassle but it could save you time doing it now rather than interrupt your project to get out the cleaning products. 

Transforming your space with paint is one of the fastest and cost effective ways to change your home’s overall look. Check out our inspiration and portfolio pages for ideas for your paint projects. 

Categorised in: How-Tos, Interior painting, Jerry Enos, Painting Challenges, Painting Equipment