Painting can be a fun home project to tackle (at least we think so!) So if you’ve decided to go the DIY route for your next interior painting project, we want to share a few tips and tricks from painting pros to make it go as smoothly as possible!
Prepping before painting
We can’t stress this enough – for a high-quality paint job, surface preparation is the most important step! Yes, it’s time-consuming. But if you want your paint to look nice, don’t skimp on these crucial steps. Make sure to thoroughly clean everything before painting. Window sills and trim work attract dust, dirt, and hair so make sure to vacuum them or use a dust brush. Sanding the walls will give you the best finish (we use an orbital sander) and always be sure to vacuum after sanding. Take the time to caulk, fill nail holes, and to repair nail pops, ridges, cracks, and any other surface imperfections. Don’t just paint over them – you’ll still see them through the new paint!
How much paint to buy
An easy rule of thumb is to buy 1 gallon of paint per 300- 400 sq ft, depending on the type of paint being used
The paint makes a difference!
The type and quality of paint you’re using really does make all the difference. If you want a really nice, quality paint job don’t try to cut costs by buying the cheapest paints.
Painting over old paint
If you’re using a high-quality paint, painting right over the old paint is no problem and no primer is needed! For extreme color changes (like going from red walls to light gray) use a tinted primer or do 3 coats to ensure coverage.
If you suspect you may be painting over oil paint, primer will be needed first. An easy test is to take a cotton swab that has been soaked in rubbing alcohol and rub it over the paint. If no paint comes off on the cotton, you’re dealing with oil paint. If the cotton swab does have paint on it, it is latex paint.
Use Painters Tape
Painters tape is a great way to avoid getting wall paint on your trim. It comes in a variety of colors, but don’t just pick your favorite color! Each color has a unique purpose and is best for certain surfaces, so make sure you select the right one.
Mistakes happen
Drops and splatters will happen. Just make sure to clean up them up as soon as possible. A damp cloth is all you need!
Care for your brushes
Need to take a break or don’t have time to wash your brush right away? Don’t just let the paint dry on your brush. Instead, wrap your brush/roller in a plastic grocery bag to keep it from hardening.
Need some help?
We’re always happy to chat and answer any questions you may have about painting! Another great tip if you’re running into challenges it to visit your local Sherwin Williams. The professionals there can help you with anything from selecting the correct paints and products to choosing your colors. Take advantage of this great resource!
We’re passionate about paint! If you have questions, feel free to drop us a line anytime. We’re here to help, there’s never any pressure or sales pitch.